Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I)

Job Title


Donor Prospect Research Specialist


Classification


Advancement Professional I


Auto Req. ID


559014


Salary Range


Classification Range $4,799 - $6,992 per month


(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $4,799 - $4,895 per month)


Work Schedule


Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours. This is a temporary position to end on or before June 30, 2027, with a possibility of renewal on an annual basis if funds and/or program needs exist.


Why CSUF


California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.


Department


A strong foundation of supporters is essential to enhancing academic innovation, empowering students, transforming campus structures, and enriching the community. Through gifts large and small, Cal State Fullerton elevates the potential of our remarkable students. The office of Central Development within the Division of University Advancement is dedicated to increasing community, tradition, and contributions to the University by working together with the campus community. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.


Duties and Responsibilities


Under the general direction of the Director of Prospect Management and Strategy, the Donor Prospect Research Specialist supports University Advancement by conducting research, analysis, and reporting on individuals, corporations, and foundations to inform fundraising strategies and enhance donor engagement. This position focuses on analyzing existing constituent data to identify new prospects, preparing research on assigned prospects, and supporting strategic fundraising initiatives, including campus-wide comprehensive or capital campaigns.


The Donor Prospect Research Specialist collaborates closely with Advancement leadership and the Development team to ensure fundraisers are equipped with accurate, actionable, and timely information. This role requires skills in research and data analysis to help build and maintain strong prospect pools and to guide data-driven fundraising strategies. This position is also responsible for prospect portfolio distribution and other prospect report distribution to University Advancement staff. Responsibilities also include gathering, compiling, and analyzing prospect research data, assisting in the coordination of prospect identification, donor prospect reporting and analysis, general office coordination, and travel and procurement card tracking. Other duties as assigned.


Essential Qualifications


Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field. Relevant education and/or experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Under direct supervision, performs entry-level technical and professional work within the advancement field including gathering and analyzing data; producing reports; assisting in advancement activities; representing the university and ensuring compliance with terms and conditions and applicable regulations and laws. Performs less complex assignments following detailed and established procedures. Work is regularly reviewed for understanding of professional concepts and compliance with policies and procedures.


General professional knowledge of advancement and fundraising tactics. Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and potential donors. Ability to follow guidelines and provide input and feedback. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a donor and stakeholder service-oriented approach. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Analytical and math skills to complete research and reconcile financial accounts. Organizational skills to plan, organize, and prioritize work. Ability to use technology and relevant software packages.


A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.


Preferred Qualifications


Experience with research and the ability to perform data analysis, as well as experience using ResearchPoint, LexisNexis, and WealthEngine. Work experience in nonprofit or public organizations that receive donated funds, with an understanding of how those funds are solicited, allocated, and used. Possess knowledge of creating both general and detailed research biographical profiles, and be able to maintain files, records, and the confidentiality of prospect information and development records. Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT and RE software, along with familiarity with engagement scoring, machine learning approaches to donor modeling, or network analysis


License/Certifications


A valid California driver's license.


Special Working Conditions


Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator


Must be able to work annual commencement ceremonies.


Benefits at a Glance

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
• Retirement plan through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
• FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 15 paid holidays

See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.


Additional Information


California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.


Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.


As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.


Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.


Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.


If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.


Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.


Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.


Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.


California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.


Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.


Hiring Preference


On-Campus CSUEU Employees

Advertised: Sep 03 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Oct 15 2026 Pacific Daylight Time