Bentley University


Job Description Summary
The Assistant Director reports to and works closely with the Director of Prospect Research and Management to ensure development staff are working with the University's most financially capable donors and that research efforts are effectively moving prospects through the development cycle. The Assistant Director will work in close partnership with colleagues in Research & Prospect Management and Leadership Giving to manage prospect portfolios and track prospect activity. The Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Management will gather, analyze, interpret and summarize biographical, SEC, corporate, financial, major world press and other types of information to identify prospects and further the engagement and solicitation of major gift prospects.

This experienced researcher will possess excellent writing, research and analytical skills, along with a commitment to producing high quality work. She/he has the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, utilizing a fluency in multiple prospect research resources, along with expertise in searching skills and research strategies. He/she will be detail-oriented, inquisitive and self-motivated, with an ability to work independently (with a minimum of supervision). This position will offer key support and insight around all aspects of prospect and portfolio maintenance and moves management. The Assistant Director will maintain a high degree of professionalism, ethical sensitivity, discretion and must possess ability to maintain confidentiality.

Essential Duties

• Take a lead role in the Identification of new prospects and ratings upgrades using a variety of internal and external sources
• Assist in the management of external vendor prospect screenings and validating screen results
• Provide accurate, timely and capacity driven research for development officers and Advancement leadership
• Provide key support and insight in the maintenance of viable portfolios via portfolio review sessions (including meeting preparation and follow up); provide ongoing analysis and analytics of portfolios, moves and stages
• Provide corporate/foundation research as needed
• Enhance and maintain policies and procedures documentation supporting best practices
• Prepare for and participate in prospect review meetings
• Hire, train and supervise student workers and temporary workers
• Supervise projects from initial stages to completion
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Other Duties

• Participate in occasional Advancement “all hands on deck” events on a very limited basis (after hours and on weekends)

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS and a minimum of 8 years overall professional experience required including at least 4-6 years of professional research and prospect management experience in non-for-profit development environment
• Ability to effectively use available databases and public information to analyze complex financial information; fluency in a broad range of prospect research resources and techniques
• Commitment to confidentiality, tact and discretion, adhering to both Bentley University and APRA standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately, and concisely; strong editing and proof-reading skills
• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and clearly report on a high volume of complex information; ability to identify trends, make connections, and interpret patterns
• Impeccable attention to detail with an ability to prioritize work and provide accurate information under tight deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and growth within the field
• Proven competence in advanced skill sets (APRA) and a commitment to ethical research practices
• Experience with Abila Millennium or comparable CRM/relational database
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs and software
• Ability to self-motivate, to work independently, with little supervision, as well as part of a team
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet short deadlines required
• Supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong preference for candidates with knowledge and experience with international prospect research
• Strong preference for candidates with knowledge, experience, and successful use of analytics within prospect research

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• The position works at a computer in a standard office.
• Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking, and standing, and occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and balancing.
• Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination enabling the use of office machinery.
• Oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone.

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

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