Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement Services, the Director of Prospect Research and Analytics leads a robust prospect research, analytics, and moves management program for the Advancement Office. The Director will utilize quantitative data to amplify constituent engagement and “moves management” principles, leading to positive philanthropic outcomes. This individual is expected to use innovative predictive modeling, reporting, and analytics for the purposes of prospect management, and will engage directly with the Vice President for Advancement, Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations, and all front-line fundraisers to assist in portfolio management.

• Conceptualizes and develops proactive prospect research methodologies utilizing industry best practices to grow the size and quality of the prospect pool. This includes both pro-active and reactive research on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; the management, distribution, and maintenance of screening and capacity analysis projects; and establishing practices and processes to evaluate constituencies.
• Oversees moves management process in collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Advancement. This includes developing, implementing, maintaining, and training staff on a process by which prospect managers can code and track donor/prospect information across the full fundraising cycle—from discovery, to qualification, to cultivation, to solicitation, to stewardship.
• Identify, develop, and implement plans and processes for utilizing data mining and predictive modeling, and other data analytic tools, to target new and/or upgrade prospects, including alumni, parents, community members, friends, foundations, and corporations. Produce relevant reports and work directly with Advancement staff to apply analysis to prospect portfolios, leading to positive philanthropic outcomes.
• Determine and produce the appropriate research products based on a prospect’s relationship status with the college including, but not limited to, bios, dissemination of rating data, proactively identifying new people for prospect pools, assisting with the disqualification process as appropriate.
• Works closely with the VP and AVP to run monthly prospect management meetings. Meets regularly with the development officers to do portfolio reviews.
• Provide relevant prospect research for the Trusteeship Committee of the Board of Trustees by researching potential new members of the Board and maintaining a matrix of prospects with relevant biographical information, updated prior to each meeting of the committee. Works closely and takes direction from the Vice President for Advancement on this priority.
• Develop prospect briefings on attendees of institutional events, as needed.
• Establishes and periodically reviews the department’s methodology for rating the financial capacity of prospective donors and the resources for identification and evaluation, including all electronic and internet-based research sources and databases, paper files, printed directories and other documentation.
• Understands the uniqueness of prospect research needed at the Presidential-level and produces high-caliber, sometimes urgent research at the President’s request, as needed.
• Prepares for upcoming campaigns and has an active, leadership role in campaign planning, execution, and post-campaign assessment.
• Oversee prospect research goals, programs, and policies to ensure fundraising staff have the appropriate prospect information to achieve fundraising objectives.
• Works closely with the Director of Advancement Operations to encourage and maintain database integrity.
• Participates in an appropriate level of professional associations, such as APRA and CASE, in order to increase knowledge and skills and stay updated on industry trends and concerns.

• Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in prospect management, research, and analytics in a higher education or non-profit setting.
• Fluency in standard computer technologies, information systems, and development management databases, with a strong preference for experience with the Raiser’s Edge system.
• Exceptional skills in data mining and/or statistical methodologies.
• Proven experience in communicating complex processes and structures to a variety of audiences.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of prospect research and management principles, best practices and the tools of the trade, including practical understanding of online reference, data, and screening resources (including the internet, Lexis-Nexis, and electronic screening products).
• Ability to think critically, strategically, and creatively about assigned tasks and analyze information in order to streamline processes and facilitate a smoother flow of work within the office.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth in the Association of Prospect Researchers for Advancement (APRA) Ethics Statement, as well as IRS gift policies and CASE standards for acknowledgment/receipting, gift acceptance, and reporting.

Work Environment:

• Ability to sit for long periods at personal computer performing related functions
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends, as necessary

Interested candidates should apply here. Once you create an applicant account, you will be prompted to upload your cover letter, resume, and a list with contact information for three references to the applicant database.

Ursinus is an AA/EO employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.