Research Associate

The Museum of Science, Boston, values diverse perspectives and aims to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good. As one of the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people annually through our physical and digital platforms. Located at the junction of Boston and Cambridge, we connect with influential academic institutions, industries, government, schools, and the public, positioning us to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all.

About the role

The Research Associate supports the Advancement team by conducting prospect research and providing insights that inform donor engagement and fundraising strategy. This role identifies and qualifies prospective donors, maintains accurate data, and ensures fundraisers have the information needed to engage supporters effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prospect Research & Analysis
  • Conducts research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to support donor identification and qualification.
  • Assists in developing prospect profiles, including background information, giving capacity, and areas of interest.
  • Gathers and synthesizes information from a variety of sources to support fundraising strategy.
• Data Management & CRM Support
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date research information within CRM systems.
  • Supports data entry, validation, and quality control processes related to prospect research.
  • Ensures consistency and integrity of donor and prospect data.
• Fundraiser Support & Collaboration
  • Partners with Advancement staff to fulfill research requests and provide timely information.
  • Supports preparation for donor meetings, events, and leadership engagement.
  • Collaborates with Research Manager and Advancement Operations to align research efforts with broader strategy.
• Process Support & Continuous Improvement
  • Assists in maintaining research tools, templates, and processes.
  • Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and organization of research workflows.
  • Contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance data quality and research practices.

Requirements

The Research Associate brings strong curiosity and analytical thinking, with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize information from multiple sources. This individual is detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy and consistency in research and data management. They are organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple tasks while maintaining high quality and follow-through.

• Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues, providing actionable information for fundraising efforts.
• Comfortable working with data and systems, with a willingness to learn new tools and processes.
• Proactive in seeking information, asking questions, and improving work over time.
• Strong sense of accountability, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to supporting the Museum’s mission.
• Interest in contributing to successful fundraising through thoughtful and well-executed research.

Values

• Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.
• Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.
• Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.
• Generous: We offer time and energy toward common goals.

Pay

Salary Range: $60,000 USD - $65,000 USD