Description

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Prospect Researcher plays a critical role in supporting high-level fundraising efforts at Scripps Research by leading research initiatives focused on principal and presidential-level prospects. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development Information Services, this role serves as the lead researcher for top-tier prospects and works closely with the AVPs of Principal Gifts to support key initiatives for Scripps Research and Calibr-Skaggs. This position will combine reactive research with proactive discovery to identify individuals and organizations with the capacity and alignment to significantly impact the institution’s mission. The successful candidate will bring analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and leadership to the Office of Philanthropy’s prospect development strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Prospect Research and Strategy

• Serve as the lead researcher for principal gift, presidential, and board-level prospects, delivering comprehensive, strategic research to inform high-level cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Proactively identify new high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and organizations aligned with Scripps Research’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Support board development efforts by identifying, researching, and evaluating high-capacity prospects with relevant expertise and philanthropic potential to serve on the Board of Directors, aligning candidates with strategic initiatives and institutional priorities at Scripps Research.
• Collaborate with development officers to provide insight and recommendations on prospect interests, giving capacity, philanthropic affiliations, and potential pathways to engagement.
• Develop detailed prospect profiles and briefing information in support of principal and transformational gift activities.
• Monitor philanthropic trends, industry news, and donor movement to identify emerging opportunities for engagement.

Leadership and Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director of Development Information Services and the broader Development Information Services team to ensure integration and alignment of research activities across philanthropy.
• Provide strategic guidance on prospect management practices, portfolio reviews, and pipeline development, supporting effective use of research data to drive results.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Office of Philanthropy, including the AVPs of Principal Gifts, to ensure that research insights inform donor strategies and organizational priorities.

Data Stewardship and Insight

• Maintain high standards for data accuracy, privacy, and compliance in all research and prospect development activities.
• Leverage internal database, external tools, and analytical resources to develop insights on wealth, capacity, and philanthropic alignment.
• Contribute to strategic planning through the interpretation of data trends, donor behavior, and philanthropic patterns relevant to the organization.
• Identify and implement tools, methodologies, and best practices to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of prospect research operations.

Special Projects and Institutional Support

• Lead or contribute to special research initiatives, such as campaign planning, regional assessments, and affinity analysis projects.
• Support senior leadership, including the Office of the President, with tailored research deliverables to guide high-level engagement strategies.
• Ensure a coordinated approach to prospect development across teams, promoting transparency and strategic alignment in fundraising efforts.
• Maintain the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in prospect research, prospect development, or related advancement roles, preferably in a complex academic or research environment
• Demonstrated experience conducting high-level research for principal and transformative gift prospects.
• Deep knowledge of wealth screening tools, databases (e.g., iWave, ResearchPoint, DonorSearch, RelSci, Candid, LexisNexis), and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce or Blackbaud).
• Proven ability to synthesize complex data into concise, strategic recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of evaluating and analyzing financial information including SEC filings, government documents, deeds and property tax assessments, and other wealth documents to assess potential philanthropic capacity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to a range of audiences including senior leadership and board members.
• Strong understanding of fundraising and development strategy, particularly within principal and major gift contexts.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications in research, library science, nonprofit management, or related fields preferred.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.