Prospect Research Specialist

Partners with fundraising staff to provide research, analysis, and prospect identification services that inform donor strategy throughout the fundraising cycle.

• Collects, synthesizes, analyzes, and interprets biographical, financial, and philanthropic data to produce briefings and reports that inform fundraising strategy and decision making.
• Utilizes advanced research tools and analytical methodologies to identify, qualify, and prioritize prospective donors and volunteers in support of the University’s strategic fundraising activities.
• Collects and maintains prospect data in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) by monitoring local and national news, business publications, social media, and industry developments, providing timely and relevant updates to gift officers on assigned prospects.
• Calculates and assesses wealth indicators and develop capacity ratings that estimate the ability and propensity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to make philanthropic contributions.
• Assists in maintaining accurate prospect records and activity tracking within CRM.
• Serves as a resource for University Advancement staff on prospect management tools and related processes.
• Keeps current on research and fundraising trends through regular contact with industry resources as well as vendors.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• One year's relevant experience
• Experience with database searching, academic research, or library science methodologies.
• Familiarity with reading tax forms, basic corporate financial statements, or analyzing large data sets.
• Experience in advancement, development, or general non-profit operations.
• Familiar with customer relation management tools.
• Office software skills, including word-processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and databases.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

Revised: 2026-08-20