Project Lead

The Director of Prospect Research is charged with the responsibility of managing major gift officer’s portfolios, monthly meetings with MGO’s for donor movement and activities, proposal management, presidential and dean requested biography, wealth screenings, and managing the prospect research.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Employment duties include, but are not limited to:

• Identify and help coordinate strategies for cultivating and soliciting major gift prospects (donors who pledge or contribute $25,000 or more) for all University campuses through extensive prospect research efforts; approximately two-thirds of the time will be spent focusing on DeLand prospects and one-third researching College of Law prospects
• Conceptualize and develop strategies for proactive prospect identification
• Prepare extensive research profiles while participating in and monitoring research activities including data collection, evaluation, and analysis using a wide variety of databases and search engines, and predictive modeling
• Recognize and translate wealth indicators into prospect ratings; through this work, help to qualify wealth data
• Contribute as a vital member of the Major Gifts team in the strategic planning for fundraising campaigns, including participation in planning meetings
• Identify, explore, and evaluate new and enhanced information sources for effectiveness on an ongoing basis
• Assist in establishing management procedures and methods related to identifying and rating major gift prospects
• Conduct staff workshops on prospect screening/identification and research methods
• Complete various administrative tasks as needed
• Perform other site and position specific functions as assigned

Required Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in prospect research, prospect management, and data analysis
• Understanding of the cultivation cycle and the role of prospect research at each stage of cultivation
• Knowledge of donor types and gift vehicles
• Ability to translate and present research into formats useable by a variety of campus development professionals
• Inquiring and resourceful; persistent investigation skills
• Proactive with the ability to work independently
• Ability to identify and adhere to the code of ethics and maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to travel several times each year to different campuses of the University
• Significant aptitude and experience with computers, sophisticated internet research, and relational databases
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and clear, concise writing style as well as strong editing, spelling, and grammar skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and cooperatively with co-workers and constituents
• A commitment to higher education and philanthropy
• Support the University’s Mission and Values

Required Experience

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• Experience with the Raiser’s Edge, SCT Banner, or another donor-based database
• Advanced experience with Microsoft 365

Work Environment: Development Operations' work environment is a stand-alone house. The house has three offices and two general work areas. This position’s desk space is within the general area. As a stand-alone house, office temperature is managed within. The noise level is low. No meeting space is available in the house so meetings must be arranged in other areas. Tasks may involve extended periods at a keyboard.

Salary Grade: 6

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated proficiency in prospect research, prospect management, and data analysis
• Understanding of the cultivation cycle and the role of prospect research at each stage of cultivation
• Knowledge of donor types and gift vehicles
• Ability to translate and present research into formats useable by a variety of campus development professionals
• Inquiring and resourceful; persistent investigation skills
• Proactive with the ability to work independently
• Ability to identify and adhere to the code of ethics and maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to travel several times each year to different campuses of the University
• Significant aptitude and experience with computers, sophisticated internet research, and relational databases
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and clear, concise writing style as well as strong editing, spelling, and grammar skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and cooperatively with co-workers and constituents
• A commitment to higher education and philanthropy
• Support the University’s Mission and Values