Description

The Director of Prospect Research and Management (DPRM) performs statistical and biographical research that serves as the foundation for all fundraising at the University. This position extracts and disseminates prospect data for the purpose of improving the overall quality of the prospect pool, providing assistance with strategies for prospect engagement by assuring high quality prospects are being advanced to the fundraising staff for qualification and assignment. The DPRM analyzes and synthesizes prospect data, conducts wealth screening projects, reviews, and monitors prospect pools to improve quality and yield of viable prospects, and makes recommendations on prospect management based on proven data mining and analysis. The DPRM proactively and independently plans and executes creative strategies to identify major gift sources of $25,000 or more for specific fundraising initiatives and identifies potential volunteer opportunities for leadership positions, alumni committee involvement, and campaign fundraising. The DPRM enhances the ability to measure prospect management and engagement activity with the development and implementation of systems and procedures that monitor the success of the program.

Reporting to the Associate VP for Advancement, this position leads the development, management, and enhancement of the prospect research office for University Advancement.  This position requires flexibility to occasionally work evening and weekend hours and attend University events outside normal business hours as required.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Research, Analysis and Reporting

• Proactively conducts research on prospective donors, using current data mining methods and techniques to perform ongoing reviews and audits of data stored in the division’s constituent management (CRM) database, to support the continued growth of the prospect pool.
• Collects, analyzes, and presents data regarding prospective donors and philanthropic trends to various internal audiences, including University Advancement staff, the Board of Trustees, and the President.
• Creates reports compiling and synthesizing prospect data, using tables, charts, maps, and illustrations as required to analyze and present information on a prospect or group of prospects in an accurate and effective manner.

Prospect Management

• As a result of proactive research and analysis, identifies and prioritizes prospects to qualify and cultivate, recommends appropriate assignment to gift officers, and tracks movement of assigned prospects through the donor cycle.
• Works closely with the AVP and Assistant VP for Principal Gifts to build and track the leadership gifts pool and track the progress of the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of the university’s leadership gifts prospects and donors.
• Serves as an expert and staff resource regarding prospect management policies and procedures; consistently demonstrates solid, detailed knowledge of the prospect pool, prospect management business processes, and the proper use and function of prospect information in the database.
• Maintains a working knowledge of all functions and systems related to prospect management, including software applications, industry best practices and standards of ethics, fundraising concepts and principles, and department policies and procedures.
• Safeguards the confidentiality of constituent information; upholds departmental policies regarding confidential information.
• Adheres to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of University of Redlands and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).

Other Duties

• Functions as the first-level staff representative for the Prospect Research and Management unit.
• Maintains expert proficiency in the use of the CRM, its query tools, programs, and reports, as well as analytical tools used by the department, such as iWave, LiveAlumni, DonorSearch and other programs.
• Prioritizes and manages research and prospect data needs for the team and leadership.
• Takes part in training as new software releases are installed, and in turn trains department staff on the functions of new software releases.
• Supervises student worker(s).
• Supervises, plans, directs, and assigns work of assigned staff; make hiring and disciplinary decisions; provide feedback on performance and approve timesheets.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Experience/Training/Education:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, library science, research, or a related field.
• Three years of related experience in prospect research, development, library research, or information related field. Experience working with relational databases.

Preferred

• Higher Education experience.
• Certification in computer science, library science, research, or related field.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of the range of resources available to prospect researchers and the ability to apply those resources in an organized and purposeful manner.
• Knowledge of commonly used research subscription information services such as LexisNexis, public information databases, and related search techniques.
• Analytical skills with proven ability to perform complex analyses using data mining techniques to identify philanthropic patterns and tendencies in the constituent database.
• Ability to use technology to gather, interpret, organize, and present data, suggesting possible courses of action.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial disclosure documents for the purposes of wealth assessment (SEC filings, real property files, financial and legal disclosures, etc.).
• Advanced proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite of programs specifically Excel and Word.
• Scrupulous accuracy and attention to detail.
• Exercise sound independent judgment, following established protocols and procedures.
• Communicate effectively and follow instructions, both verbally and in writing.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to consistently produce concise, professionally written communications.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization, including executive level staff.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple, diverse, and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to apply an ethical code.
• Commitment to adopting best practices and operational efficiency.
• Ability to give clear and actionable instruction to coworkers or others when providing assistance training or supervising a task.
• Ability to foster strong, positive relationships and align both internal and external resources to achieve university objectives.
• Ability to exercise discretion and work with confidentiality.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.