Job Description Summary:
Leads prospect research, reporting, and analyses efforts to support fundraising goals for the institution. Oversees the planning, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of services and systems for prospect research and identification, prospect management, and prospect portfolio management. Conducts research and information management pertaining to individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising prospects. Coordinates and supervises staff and consultants conducting prospect research. Advises and mentors Development Office and program staff on prospect research methods and resources. Manages internal and external information sources and proactively seeks out effective research resources and systems to improve prospect development and management.Under general supervision, performs complex prospect research for the institution. Applies specific and professional-level knowledge to perform responsibilities requiring the identification and analysis of complex factors to determine best course of action. Uses independent judgment and discretion, but may receive guidance or expertise from supervisor or higher- level staff on more complex problems. Establishes processes and/or procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of assigned functions. Serves as subject matter expert to staff concerning prospect research matters. Supervises staff.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Leads research process for identifying new donor prospects, maximizing their gift potential through research and analysis. Identifies, develops, and implements processes and procedures that improve prospect identification and expand the prospect pipeline. Oversees research-related activities performed by research and other Development staff, consultants, administrative assistants, and interns.
Creates and provides appropriate analysis and reports to support decision making and systematically tracks progress related to prospect research and prospect management.
Compiles and produces in-depth profiles, confidential briefing documents, and other research materials. Identifies and assesses existing and new individual, corporate, and foundation prospects through extensive information gathering and analysis, using best practices.
Reviews daily, weekly and monthly publications to uncover timely information about prospects, donors, trustees, board members and others to facilitate in the cultivation of prospects.
Develops, implements, and enforces policies, procedures and standards, templates, research request and tracking systems, metrics, methods, and rating formulas relative to prospect research.
Constantly monitors prospect pipelines. Recommends strategic and tactical changes as necessary to build the pipeline to scale.
Conducts and leads regular prospect review and strategy meetings. Creates a report-driven environment in collaboration with Director of Advancement Services (DAS) to support solicitation and prospect management activities toward specific fundraising deadlines. Maintains prospect list for each major portion of projects, develops fundraising analytics, documents, briefings, reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Keeps senior Academy leadership apprised of progress toward goals and pushes information back into programs. Informs development staff when fundraising projects are lagging fundraising goals. Supports the DAS in producing accurate and timely management reports to reflect a documented strategy for each prospect in the pipeline that enables visit, contact, and solicitation-based projections and ability to assess field staff productivity toward stated strategy for fundraising projects.
Supervises prospect research staff. Trains and develops employees to successfully perform current responsibilities and encourages development of staff for future roles. Forms effective teams and cultivates a work environment that fosters teamwork. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies. Initiates personnel actions, including performance and compensation reviews and disciplinary actions.
Instructs and mentor Development Office and program staff on prospect research methods and resources. Develops processes and systems to manage the day-to-day activities of fundraising projects and recommends opportunities to engage and communicate with appropriate segments of donors and prospects.
Proactively seeks out the most effective research resources and systems from internal and external sources. Manages in-house information sources, reference materials, online services, news subscriptions, and prospect research files.
Oversees maintenance and improvement of the Office's AcademyNet research-related sites.
Leads prospect research and training in research methods and use of Raiser’s Edge.
Remains current and fully informed of prospect research trends and available resources in the field. Seeks out new sources of information and new research techniques.
Maintains an appropriate standard of confidentiality. When handling secure, privileged, sensitive, or confidential information and matters, maintains strict confidence and exercises care to prevent disclosure to others. Accesses confidential information for work-related reasons only, following the policies and procedures of the organization. Ensures that any privileged, sensitive, or confidential information is securely stored, disposed of, and transmitted according to the Institutional guidance. Ensures procedures are in place to maintain and protect confidentiality and to prevent disclosure. Trains and updates staff/team members on these issues periodically.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge and understanding of prospect research techniques and development best practices. Strong knowledge of electronic resources and software systems pertinent to prospect research and management including, iWave, DonorSearch, and Foundation Directory Online. Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge preferred. Strong analytical skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and balance conflicting deadlines. Ability to manage and maintain privileged, sensitive, and confidential information and matters appropriately. Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity using originality and ingenuity. Ability to serve as a resource to others. Ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and form and maintain effective teams. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Four years of related professional experience, with one year of supervisory experience.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: Proficiency in APRA’s Body of Knowledge and AASP’s Best Practices is preferred.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to Director of Advancement Services. General direction is provided. Supervises staff.
Compensation Range: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $70,880 - $88,600. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click
Work Environment: Hybrid Office environment, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
The National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:
We, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies), value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact.
We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. By embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs, institutional policies and practices, and products, we will be able to better advise the nation on the most complex issues facing society and the world.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.
Job Family:
DEVL