The Research Analyst under the guidance of the Assistant Director for Research and Analytics, will provide prospect identification and research support, including proactive prospecting for philanthropic support and increased engagement and data analytics projects to drive informed decision-making. He/she is responsible for conducting modeling and analytics projects at the direction of the Operations leadership team.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2019.

Status: Full-Time, 12 Month, With Benefits
Work Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
FLSA: Exempt
Minimum Pay: $46,781/annual. Salary Commensurate with Experience.

Essential Functions

• Manages a formalized proactive prospect identification system for identifying new leadership gifts suspects and prospects using a variety of techniques.
• Provides biographical, financial, corporate, foundation, and other types of research as needed utilizing best practices.
• Maintains and enhances a rating process for evaluating financial capacity, inclination and engagement.
• Directs any necessary electronic database screening and analytics processes consistent with industry best practices.
• Manages Advancement’s prospect alert system to track updates on existing and anticipated prospects.
• Performs modeling and analytical work on assigned projects identify successes and opportunities within the Advancement division. Projects will include assessing solicitation methods and strategies, engagement opportunities and communications methods.
• Identifies methods for integrating predictive modeling data and results throughout Advancement to drive informed decision-making
• Develops close working partnerships with Advancement colleagues in Development, Alumni Engagement and Communications and Public Affairs.
• Develops supportive and productive relationships with other colleagues across campus including, but not limited to Admissions, Financial Aid, Institutional Effectiveness and Career and Professional Development.
• Manages the workflow of prospect research within the procedures and guidelines set forth by the Advancement Operations.
• Provides any necessary training to staff and supervises the work of work studies as needed.
• Keeps abreast of the trends in philanthropy, charitable giving and the central objectives of fundraising at Washington and Lee.
• Develops, maintains and regularly reviews policies and procedures on research methodologies, the qualification process, and advancement analytics.
• Additional related duties as assigned.

Required Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking - Keeps the University's strategic objectives in mind when developing and contributing to plans and initiatives for own work group. Is able to explain the link between team goals and the University's strategic direction to work group. Makes informed decisions based on a clear understanding of the impact and consequences involved. Considers key financial factors (e.g., budget, revenue, resources) when making decisions.
• Change Adaptability - Stays focused on own work and responsibilities in a changing work environment. Is able to quickly reprioritize to ensure resources (e.g., work group members, systems, tools, etc.) are in place to achieve change objectives. Responds positively and is supportive of change initiatives.
• Communication and Networking - Articulates thoughts clearly and is able to offer logical arguments to gain acceptance of an idea in a positive manner. Consistently communicates to work group and/or supervisor ensuring that everybody is well informed. Proactively builds informal networks at own level and uses them to drive results within own work group.
• Drive for Results - Actively supports the continuous improvement of policies to reduce inefficiencies and better achieve goals. Respectfully holds people accountable for the quality of their work and minimal errors. Strives to achieve challenging goals and works through obstacles.
• Talent Development - Sets appropriate targets and provides open and constructive feedback to work group. Shares growth opportunities within the University and motivates team to build on the capabilities required to progress. Proactively spends time with work group to build rapport. Actively resolves problems within own work group.

The Prospect Research Analyst requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years in prospect development or equivalent field. Candidates should be proficient in using relational databases, understand information management and have hands-on experience with the Microsoft Office Suite, electronic screening tools, analytical software packages such as R or SPSS and other appropriate resources; experience in The Raiser’s Edge is preferred.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate: excellent interpersonal skills; proficiency in writing clearly and concisely; the ability to appropriately use and manage sensitive and confidential data; excellent time management skills, including the ability to work well under deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously; an ability to analyze and utilize data and to make it available to others in a user-friendly format; proven success at establishing and achieving quantified objectives; ability and desire to work independently and as part of a team. The successful candidate will commit to the mission and values of Washington and Lee University.

Physical Requirements:

• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Working Conditions:

The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (as in typical office or administrative work).

Types of Work:

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.