Prospect Research Coordinator

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Prospect Research Coordinator
Department: Advancement
Reports to: Director, Development
Employee Status: Full-time, Non-exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Pay Range: $23.86 – 25.12 per hour
Apply By:  COB, October 23rd 2026

JOB SUMMARY:  The Prospect Research Coordinator will strengthen the Advancement team’s ability to identify, qualify, and prioritize prospective donors and other individuals and organizations who may advance the Museum’s philanthropic and institutional priorities.  This role will support the mission and vision of the Museum throughout the performance of job duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

 

• Identify and research prospective individuals, corporations, and foundations by analyzing philanthropic interests, giving history, wealth indicators, professional and institutional relationships, and connections to MCASD; proactively identify new prospects and opportunities.
• Prepare and synthesize prospect intelligence including profiles, briefings, biographies, wealth-screening analyses, and meeting/event research to support Advancement leadership, frontline fundraisers, cultivation, campaigns, and institutional priorities.
• Develop and refine prospect modeling and analysis using internal giving and engagement data, wealth screening, philanthropic indicators, and other data to identify, segment, score, and prioritize prospective donors.
• Evaluate and enhance prospect research methodologies through additional analysis, emerging research tools, and appropriate AI applications, providing Advancement leadership with insights on donor trends and philanthropic opportunities.
• Coordinate and monitor prospect portfolios in partnership with Advancement leadership and frontline fundraisers, ensuring appropriate assignments, manageable portfolio size and composition, and effective prospect coverage.
• Maintain and optimize portfolio data by identifying assignment gaps, duplicates, reassignment opportunities, and prospects for qualification, and maintaining accurate assignments and prospect stages in the Museum’s CRM.
• Manage and analyze prospect pipelines by tracking prospect stages, activity, next actions, and movement; identify stalled prospects, trends, gaps, and opportunities requiring attention.
• Prepare portfolio and pipeline reporting and support regular portfolio reviews, providing Advancement leadership and fundraisers with research, analysis, and consistent prospect management practices.
• Conduct research on current and prospective Board members and institutional leaders, including biographical, professional, philanthropic, and relationship information.
• Prepare leadership briefings and relationship intelligence to support Board and leadership engagement, donor cultivation, prospect introductions, and connections across the MCASD network.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential prospect records in the Museum’s CRM and research systems, ensuring research, ratings, assignments, and relationship information are consistently documented.
• Support data integrity, reporting, and documentation standards by preparing prospect and fundraising reports and partnering with Advancement colleagues to maintain consistent research and data management practices.
• Collaborate with Advancement team to support prospect identification, research priorities, portfolio and fundraising strategies, data integrity, and institutional initiatives while maintaining discretion and confidentiality.
• Work alternate special event shifts, including weekends and/or after regular business hours as needed. 
• Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear prospect profiles and briefings.  Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to translate complex information into actionable insights.  Proactive mindset, self-starter, and team player.  Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management skills.  Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.  Ability to effectively interact with diverse audiences, employees, members, Trustees, and donors.  Demonstrated discretion, integrity, and sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office and interest in using data, technology, and emerging tools to advance fundraising strategy.  Experience with donor management software is a plus.  Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years recent, relevant experience or any equivalent education and experience. 

 
OUR WORK CULTURE:  MCASD provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ABOUT MCASD:  It is an exciting time to join MCASD!  Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size.  We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time.  Beautifully located on the coast, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.  

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING:  Professional references, education check, and criminal background check.

EOE STATEMENT:  We thrive by supporting and celebrating our diversity as a creative and collaborative team. MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.