Prospect Research Specialist

Summary

Howard University is seeking a Prospect Research Specialist to support its Development and Alumni Relations fundraising efforts. The role researches and qualifies prospective donors, analyzes donor data and relationships, prepares customized briefings and reports, and supports portfolio strategy, segmentation, and database updates.

Responsibilities

• This role identifies, tracks, segments, and analyzes donor records and key relationships between the existing Howard community and prospective new sources of support to meet annual and long-term University fundraising objectives
• The role ensures prospect data is collected and input into Raiser’s Edge, requiring systematized efforts to review local and national news, business publications, economic trends, and business developments to keep abreast of prospect information and to provide relevant updates to gift officers on assigned prospects
• Core responsibilities include the timely creation of prospect briefings and reports using research and screening tools
• The position is expected to leverage analytics informed by predictive modelling, wealth screening, data mining and benchmarking to inform portfolio audit/balancing efforts and maintain a system of assigning prospects to gift officer portfolios
• The Prospect Research Specialist must keep current on research and fundraising trends through regular contact with industry resources as well as vendors

Skills

• * Demonstrate sound project management skills
• * Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze substantial amounts of data
• * Ability to embody a customer service approach while providing support to multiple team members
• * Ability to prepare tailored profile reports as needed/requested by gift officers and DAR leadership
• * Knowledge of research software (i.e., Donor Search, WealthEngine, iWave, etc). and other tools
• * Demonstrated proficiency in query and report building in a development CRM (Customer Relationship Management) (i.e. Raiser's Edge, Salesforce or similar)
• * Commitment to maintaining the professional and ethical standards set forth for the field by the Association of Researchers for Advancement (APRA)
• * Ability to navigate internal processes and structures to problem-solve and contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence
• * Ability to and adhere to standard operating procedures for data process functions
• * Ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment; and
• * Ability to exercise independent judgment and a high degree of discretion
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree or (3) years of experience in a prospect research position
• * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management experience
• * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• * familiarity with Raiser's Edge preferred

Qualifications

Must Haves

• * Demonstrate sound project management skills
• * Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze substantial amounts of data
• * Ability to embody a customer service approach while providing support to multiple team members
• * Ability to prepare tailored profile reports as needed/requested by gift officers and DAR leadership
• * Knowledge of research software (i.e., Donor Search, WealthEngine, iWave, etc). and other tools
• * Demonstrated proficiency in query and report building in a development CRM (Customer Relationship Management) (i.e. Raiser's Edge, Salesforce or similar)
• * Commitment to maintaining the professional and ethical standards set forth for the field by the Association of Researchers for Advancement (APRA)
• * Ability to navigate internal processes and structures to problem-solve and contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence
• * Ability to and adhere to standard operating procedures for data process functions
• * Ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment; and
• * Ability to exercise independent judgment and a high degree of discretion
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree or (3) years of experience in a prospect research position
• * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management experience
• * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Nice to Haves

• * familiarity with Raiser's Edge preferred

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• PTO
• Paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• 403(b) with company match
• Ongoing training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Career advancement paths
• Wellness programs
• Commuter benefits
• A vibrant company culture