Prospect Research Analyst, Simmons College, Boston, MA

Posted November 30, 2017

Prospect Research Analyst – Simmons College

Reporting to the Director of Research and Prospect Management, the Prospect Research Analyst provides prospect identification and research support, and works as a strategic partner with frontline fundraising staff to manage portfolios, track activity and collaborate around strategies. The Analyst proactively works to expand the pool of potential prospects, and responds to research requests from members of the fundraising staff. The Analyst creates concise, accurate, and timely ratings and research profiles using biographical information, financial data, news, philanthropic history and other sources. The Prospect Research Analyst must apply creative thinking and be curious, focused, and persistent in pursuing threads of information. The Prospect Research Analyst should be capable of interpreting complex documents, including corporate proxy statements and insider stock filings and possess excellent writing skills. The Prospect Research Analyst must be able to identify and adapt to shifting priorities, be flexible and resourceful, and exercise professionalism and discretion in working with confidential information. The ideal candidate for this role is a collegial team player with experience in prospect research or prospect management, familiarity with a broad range of research techniques, and excellent customer service skills.

 

Essential Functions: Prospect Research and Analysis: 65%

• Perform research and analysis of biographical, philanthropic, professional and financial information of donors and prospects.
• Conduct the identification of prospects for current and planned gifts using a variety of techniques and responding to the needs of any anticipated fundraising initiatives.
• Qualify, through quantitative analysis, and recommend corporate, foundation, and major gift prospects in support of their respective goals and initiatives.
• Prepare written profiles, ratings, and qualified lists to support the cultivation and solicitation of individuals and foundations.
• Identify associates and acquaintances of prospects through relationship mapping to facilitate institutional involvement.
• Implement the data-related activities associated with maintaining research data in Raiser’s Edge and with moving prospects along the giving continuum.
• Ensure the timely delivery of accurate prospect research findings to development officers to facilitate qualifying, cultivating and soliciting major gift prospects.
• Use push technology to track and communicate news on prospects and provide pertinent information to the appropriate prospect manager and Advancement staff.

Prospect Strategy and Reporting: 25%

• Compile and deliver reports on cultivation activity, prospect peer screenings, etc.
• Assist in creating gift tables and pyramid reports for major gift initiatives, class reunions, and campaign goals.

Research Resources & Professional Development: 10%

• Coordinate and participate in the evaluation, purchase and renewal of research resources, publications and services.
• Evaluate and recommend electronic screening vendors.
• Keep abreast of current trends relating to research techniques and resources.
• Actively pursue professional development opportunities such as professional organization conference attendance and educational opportunities, following trade publications, and joining and interacting with field related Listservs.
• Serve as a representative of the College within professional research communities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities: This position requires at least two years prospect research experience. Familiarity with information resources and publications is required, including fundraising databases (Raiser’s Edge a plus), commercial on-line services (Lexis-Nexis desired), business, government and legal documents (IRS Form 990, SEC filings, property assessments etc), and database overlays (Blackbaud Target Analytics products a plus).

Instructions to Applicants: Please submit a resume and cover letter in the Resume/CV section of your application.

For more information, contact Emily Donohue ([email protected]).