Job DescriptionJob Description
The Prospect Researcher in the Office of Institutional Advancement supports Georgian Court University’s fundraising and engagement goals by identifying, researching, and analyzing current and potential donors including individuals, corporations, and foundations who are capable of advancing the University’s mission and philanthropic priorities. Through in-depth research and strategic analysis, the Prospect Researcher provides detailed, accurate, and actionable intelligence that informs cultivation and solicitation strategies. This role plays a critical part in building and maintaining a robust pipeline of prospective donors, ensuring development officers and senior leadership are equipped with timely data and insights, while also promoting data integrity through collaboration with colleagues across the department and University.
Essential Functions:
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize prospective donors using a variety of internal and external data sources, including wealth screening tools and research databases.
- Prepare detailed donor profiles, bios, briefings, and background reports for use by gift officers and senior leaders.
- Conduct proactive and reactive research on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects, focusing on giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and affiliation with Georgian Court University.
- Partner with Advancement staff to support strategic prospect management, including tracking cultivation progress and identifying opportunities for engagement.
- Maintain and update prospect information within the donor database.
- Monitor news alerts, financial information, and other relevant sources to keep fundraising staff informed of prospect updates or giving trends.
- Assist with the coordination and implementation of prospect strategy meetings and the development of prospect portfolios.
- Adhere to ethical and professional standards in the collection, use, and reporting of information; ensure confidentiality and compliance with university policies and data privacy laws.
- Support Advancement team with data integrity initiatives and projects as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., information management, communications, nonprofit management, library science or business).
- 1–3 years of experience in prospect research, fundraising, development services, or a related field.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Familiarity with research tools such as LexisNexis, iWave, ResearchPoint, WealthEngine, LinkedIn, Foundation Directory Online, or similar resources.
- Experience using a CRM system (preferably Raiser's Edge or similar).
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
- Experience working in higher education or nonprofit fundraising environment.
- Knowledge of fundraising principles and donor cultivation strategies.
- Understanding of prospect management and data visualization tools.
**MUST BE US WORK AUTHORIZED**
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