Philanthropy Specialist - Prospect Development

Philanthropic/Bus Development

The Prospect Development team plays a crucial role in advancing MD Anderson's fundraising efforts by focusing on identifying, researching, and strategically managing potential major donors. Prospect Development conducts in-depth prospect research to uncover key information about potential donors, analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities, and crafting strategies to effectively engage and solicit major gifts. The team collaborates closely with frontline fundraisers to ensure alignment between donor prospects and organizational goals, participates in portfolio reviews to optimize donor engagement, and contributes to the development of comprehensive fundraising strategies. A strong partnership with business solutions and a solid understanding of donor databases is essential for managing and leveraging donor information effectively. The Prospect Development team is integral in driving successful fundraising initiatives and enhancing donor relations.

The Philanthropy Specialist plays a vital role in advancing the division's fundraising efforts by delivering high-quality, professional Prospect Development support. This position gathers, manages, and disseminates critical information to guide strategies, while contributing to the team's varied projects and initiatives.

The ideal candidate is driven, detail-oriented, and creative, with a commitment to excellence. This dynamic, results-focused professional will provide on-demand support and project management across prospect development and in collaboration with Decision Science & Analytics colleagues. Success in this role requires intellectual curiosity, the ability to identify meaningful connections among complex information, and strong project management skills. Above all, the Philanthropy Specialist must thrive in a fast-paced environment and make impactful contributions to the department's overall success.

Job Specific Competencies

Programmatic Project Execution (60%)

Consistently deliver skillful execution of team-specific work with an eye toward continuous improvement, while being aware of the impact of the team's work on and in partnership with others.

• Conduct preliminary research on potential principal gift prospects using internal and external resources.
• Assist in updating and maintaining prospect records and management data within the institution's CRM system.
• Generate targeted prospect lists to support principal giving events and strategic initiatives.
• Support prospect analysis efforts to identify high-potential donors and prepare materials for gift officer distribution
• Leverage business intelligence tools to assist with prospect development functions.

Collaboration and Teaming (20%)

Actively partner with donors, peers, faculty and divisional leadership on strategy development, strategy execution and other projects. Develop networks, engage in cross-functional activities to deliver stakeholder engagement. Work co-operatively with all stakeholders, contribute to the success of collaborative work teams and support completion of initiative or project to achieve stated goals.

• Work closely with prospect development team leader for principal gifts and prospect management business unit in support of prospect management activities including assisting with data management and hygiene, ongoing portfolio management and pipeline assignment.

Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

Display social awareness, professional etiquette, and the ability to interact and build rapport with internal and external stakeholders. Create an environment where yours and others' ideas, experiences, perspectives, contributions, and well-being are valued. Take personal responsibility for enabling an environment that supports fair and equal contributions.

• Assist with project management for Prospect Development, including administrative support and coordination, information tracking, documentation and communication.
• Represent the prospect development team in collaborative projects, ensuring transparency and mutual respect among stakeholders.
• Seek feedback from stakeholders to continuously improve research deliverables and partnership effectiveness.

Education

Required: Bachelor's Degree

Work Experience

• Required: One year clerical, office, administrative, organizational, or related support experience. OR
• Required: May substitute required Bachelor's degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one to one basis.
• Preferred: Experience in prospect development, fundraising research or advancement services within a nonprofit, higher education or healthcare setting. Experience with prospect research tools and familiarity with CRM systems and data management, as well as project management. Skilled in managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality work under deadlines.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.