Job Board

Western Kentucky University
Advancement Services
Director of Prospect Research
Western Kentucky University (WKU), Advancement Services, is seeking applicants for a Director of Prospect Research. This position is responsible for the overall coordination and production of information on the prospects and donors to WKU. The Director of Prospect Research reports directly to the Director of Advancement Services, but maintains close working relationships with other Advancement Services and Development Staff.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive; duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.
  • Maintains an overall knowledge of the University’s top prospects to assist fundraisers in developing appropriate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; references and represents that information at meetings and in discussions, as needed
  • Uses daily and weekly sources of information, such as newspapers, magazines and several electronic data sources for important information on past donors, prospects, and for the identification of new prospects; assigns prospect ratings based on giving capacity as determined by extensive financial research through on-line databases and resources
  • Proactively gathers data from research, journals, clippings, etc. on prospects; updates and streamlines to the central files as necessary
  • Responds to inquiries and prepares concise written reports to determine financial assets, potential for philanthropic support, areas of interests and other University affiliations
  • Interprets biographical and financial information on individuals, corporations, and foundations based on the development staff’s fundraising strategies and objectives
  • Proactively gleans information from existing files and sources to identify new fundraising projects or fundraising approaches for previous prospects and donors. This information will be shared on a routine basis with appropriate staff
  • Keeps abreast of developments in prospect research by attending training sessions and communicating with other researchers by means of national and state professional organizational memberships, conferences and electronic mailing lists focusing on prospect research and fundraising issues.
  • Trains and supervises research staff and student assistants and manage a budget for research resources
  • Evaluates research tools and emerging technology and coordinates vendor relations
  • Responsible for oversight and supervision of the Prospect Management area of the alumni and donor database and enforces all policies associated with this system
  • Interprets and monitors prospect management policies
  • Schedules and conducts quarterly prospect review meetings with each major gift development officers
  • Provides standing and special request reports and data relating to prospect management
  • Coordinates all transfers or changes in assignments for all entities associated with the system
  • Has a thorough working knowledge of the database system, helps maintain and enter updated information onto the system and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Three years of Prospect Research/Prospect Management or related experience in a higher education or non-profit setting
  • Experience with donor relationship databases such as SunGard Advance
  • Proficiency in conceptualizing and developing proactive prospecting methodologies using such tools as constituent list segmentation, data mining, and electronic and peer screening

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:
  • Thorough knowledge of prospect management and research techniques
  • Strong project management skills and a collaborative nature in working with others
  • Excellent analytical skills and the ability to locate and interpret financial and biographical information from a variety of sources
  • Understanding of wealth indicators and the ability to translate such information into prospect ratings and gift estimates
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize a high volume of information
  • Ability to write concise research documents accurately with attention to detail
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to foster a collaborative, customer-oriented working environment
  • Proficient computer literacy and ability to learn applications quickly
  • Strong analytical skills, including expertise in the modeling and analysis of data
  • Advanced computer skills, particularly with MS Office

Salary is commensurate with experience

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, current resume, and names, addresses and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the online application process. Please refer to the following website to apply: http://asaweb.wku.edu/wkujobs. For further assistance call (270) 745-5934. Please reference requisition number S3897. For full consideration, submit application materials on or before January 31, 2014. Position will remain open until filled.

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or marital status in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify The Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services at (270) 745- 5121, a minimum of five working days in advance.



Research Analyst Position at Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University has an opening for a Research Analyst.  If you are interested in applying, please go to http://www.vanderbilt.edu/work-at-vanderbilt/ and search for Job Number 1400515 or Research Analyst.  The position will be posted until Friday, February 7, 2014.
Research Analyst
Description
Primary Function
  • Identify and profile potential major gift donors to Vanderbilt University to enhance the university’s fundraising efforts.
  • Collaborate and strategize with colleagues, clients and key administrators regarding prospect identification.
  • Provide clients with written reports containing analysis of information gathered from public sources and recommended courses of action for specific donors.
  • Report to the Director of Research and Prospect Development (RPD).
Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide prospect identification and research needs for an assigned group of development officers (clients) enabling them to meet and exceed fundraising goals.
  • Collaborate routinely with clients to develop prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and overall fundraising strategies.
  • Consult with clients to determine feasibility of research requests and special projects. Negotiate project scopes and deadlines directly with clients.
  • Advise development officers of database segmentation opportunities. Design and implement segmentation strategies to uncover new prospects.
  • Identify new prospects using traditional and novel prospect research techniques and tools including periodical and electronic resource screening and/or information provided by the prospect, his/her organization and or peers. Notify clients of new potential prospects consistent with established DAR policies.
  • As requested by clients, provide briefing materials to the chancellor, deans, Board of Trust members, and other key university administrators regarding major donors/prospects.
  • Possess high-level of knowledge and understanding of the donor database.
  • Review local and national news data from internet-based and published periodicals. Send articles/alerts to clients as appropriate.
  • Notify data maintenance staff and clients (as appropriate) to new prospect/donor information so that it can be appropriately updated in Advance.
  • Safeguard the confidentiality of donor information at all times. Uphold DAR policies regarding confidential information.
  • Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines as indicated by the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) as well as university guidelines.
  • Manage special projects as assigned.
  • Produce and deliver service to clients based on departmental product standards within agreed upon timelines.
  • Maintain professional working relationships with clients and colleagues.
Basic Qualifications

Job requires Bachelor's and 2 years of experience or the equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in university advancement/development operations.
  • Ability to analyze, interpret, synthesize and present complex information effectively.
  • Ability to design and implement data-mining initiatives to identify and/or stratify potential major gift prospects.
  • Solid judgment, sensitivity, and discretion in handling confidential information and situations.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and staff, particularly in support of medical center goals and initiatives.
  • Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, set priorities and meet multiple deadlines.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in usage of electronic research tools and techniques, including use of push technology for news alerts.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in efficient and effective internet search methodologies.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in use of computer applications and databases.
  • Knowledge of SunGard Advance database.
  • Exemplary communication, organizational and customer service skills a must.

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