Prospect Research Analyst

University Advancement creates the conditions for opportunity – human, financial, & experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary. Reporting to the Associate Director of Prospect Research, the Prospect Research Analyst provides full scale prospect research, identification and development services throughout the prospect life cycle.

About the role

The Analyst supports several fundraising teams and individual fundraisers using the account management model. Collaborating with advancement leadership, front-line development officers, and volunteers on prospect management and activity, proactive and reactive prospect research and identification projects, wealth and propensity reviews, and other prospect development related projects.

The research analyst utilizes advanced research and analytical methodologies to identify, qualify, and rank a viable pool of highly qualified prospective donors and volunteers in support of the University’s strategic fundraising activities, including the annual, planned, major, and leadership gifts fundraising programs.

This is a hybrid position based in Williamsburg, VA, that offers a flexible work environment (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time).

Responsibilities

• Prospect Identification and Research (50%)
  • Provide full scale research and prospect management services to assigned fundraising teams, focusing on both individual fundraiser and team prospect needs.
  • Conduct prospect research including the conceptualization and implementation of search strategies. Synthesize and analyze information. Interpret historical, biographical, and financial data. Present the research in strategic and relevant ways. Create actionable recommendations for prospect strategies.
  • Leverage wealth screening tools and comprehensive research methods to identify prospects and develop comprehensive prospect research profiles and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with fundraisers in establishing appropriate ask amounts for annual, leadership, and/or planned gifts based on prospect ratings or other key indicators.
  • Apply prospect analysis results to inform team-level decisions for long-term planning, campaign goals, fundraising priorities, event planning, and regional initiatives.
  • Proactively and independently plan and execute creative strategies to identify sources of major gift support using research techniques and electronic searching methodologies.
  • Curate event bios, prospect summaries, and full prospect profiles to inform gift officers and advancement and university leadership with meaningful and actionable information.
  • Provide analysis for future fundraising progress based on capacity, penetration, and activity of the prospect pool.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Prospect Strategy (40%)
  • Provide prospect strategy and support portfolio management for fundraisers with a focus on optimal portfolio balance and achieving performance metrics and team goals.
  • Provide insight, analysis, and movement for key prospects to inform decision-making for individual gift officers and team managers.
  • Support and troubleshoot avenues for fundraisers to capture moves data (workflows/in-person strategies).
  • Collaborate with the Portfolio Management team in prospect strategy and portfolio management meetings with Advancement leadership and gift officers.
  • Develop strategies related to fundraising readiness and execute proactive alert strategies for a core group of prospects.
  • Create and communicate actionable recommendations for prospect strategies in support of the University’s strategic priorities.
  • Review prospects with senior leadership and front-line fundraisers and develop strategies related to fundraising readiness.
  • Develop and execute strategies to ensure newly identified prospects are presented and assigned to appropriate campus fundraisers in a timely manner.
• Prospect Development Consulting and Other Projects (10%)
  • Collaborate and consult with diverse campus contacts including fundraisers, fundraising leadership, and other campus partners on portfolio development and solicitation strategy formulation.
  • Interpret results and provide direction on the segmentation and management of large groups of prospects and donors identified through electronic screening.
  • Provide consultative services and orientation sessions on research methodologies and resources to fundraisers, faculty, and other key campus partners involved in fundraising.
  • Design and implement other prospect development projects as assigned.
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and delivery of policies, procedures, and prospect research & management training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in research principles, library science, history, business, writing, communications, or a related field or equivalent education, experience, and training.
• Strong analytical skills: ability to interpret financial information, manipulate, analyze, and synthesize data and present findings that are clear and actionable.
• Knowledge of a broad range of research techniques, web-based research, as well as database operation and usage.
• Strong aptitude for logical thinking and intellectual curiosity. Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse audience, translating analysis into accessible formats for non-technical audiences.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills necessary to interface with a diverse group of colleagues and constituents as well as the ability to lead and build consensus.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality; handle sensitive information and material in a discretionary manner.
• Knowledge and understanding of current trends in philanthropy as well as fundraising principles (typically 1-3 years).
• Knowledge and understanding of the fundraising process and business intelligence concepts, including the ability to understand business financial concepts.
• Knowledge of web-based and online research databases and techniques (typically 1-3 years).
• Knowledge of standard research methodology and prospect portfolio development and management, evaluating donor prospects for capacity, inclination, readiness, and recommending relationship development strategies.
• Highest standard of professional ethics and agreement to abide by ethical and confidentiality precepts as set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the university, CASE, and APRA.
• Long hours may be required to meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, information studies, public administration, or related field.
• Experience in prospect research and management within an academic, nonprofit, corporate, or consulting environment.
• Experience analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating wealth data, gift vehicles, and their application in solicitation strategy.
• Experience incorporating common prospect tracking data in a relationship management system, such as prospect ratings, staff assignments, solicitation goals, strategies, moves, contact reports, proposals, and stages.
• Experience with Blackbaud CRM and industry tools leveraged in prospect research and management activities.

Pay

$50,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience and internal alignment.