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Director of Prospect Research and Analytics

Job Details

Summary and Scope of Position:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement Services, the Director of Prospect Research and Analytics leads a robust prospect research, analytics, and moves management program for the Advancement Office. The Director will utilize quantitative data to amplify constituent engagement and “moves management” principles, leading to positive philanthropic outcomes. This individual is expected to use innovative predictive modeling, reporting, and analytics for the purposes of prospect management, and will engage directly with the Vice President for Advancement, Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations, and all front-line fundraisers to assist in portfolio management.

 

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Conceptualizes and develops proactive prospect research methodologies utilizing industry best practices to grow the size and quality of the prospect pool. This includes both pro-active and reactive research on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; the management, distribution, and maintenance of screening and capacity analysis projects; and establishing practices and processes to evaluate constituencies.
  • Oversees moves management process in collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Advancement. This includes developing, implementing, maintaining, and training staff on a process by which prospect managers can code and track donor/prospect information across the full fundraising cycle—from discovery, to qualification, to cultivation, to solicitation, to stewardship.
  • Identify, develop, and implement plans and processes for utilizing data mining and predictive modeling, and other data analytic tools, to target new and/or upgrade prospects, including alumni, parents, community members, friends, foundations, and corporations. Produce relevant reports and work directly with Advancement staff to apply analysis to prospect portfolios, leading to positive philanthropic outcomes. 
  • Determine and produce the appropriate research products based on a prospect’s relationship status with the college including, but not limited to, bios, dissemination of rating data, proactively identifying new people for prospect pools, assisting with the disqualification process as appropriate.
  • Works closely with the VP and AVP to run monthly prospect management meetings. Meets regularly with the development officers to do portfolio reviews.  
  • Provide relevant prospect research for the Trusteeship Committee of the Board of Trustees by researching potential new members of the Board and maintaining a matrix of prospects with relevant biographical information, updated prior to each meeting of the committee. Works closely and takes direction from the Vice President for Advancement on this priority.
  • Develop prospect briefings on attendees of institutional events, as needed.
  • Establishes and periodically reviews the department’s methodology for rating the financial capacity of prospective donors and the resources for identification and evaluation, including all electronic and internet-based research sources and databases, paper files, printed directories and other documentation.
  • Understands the uniqueness of prospect research needed at the Presidential-level and produces high-caliber, sometimes urgent research at the President’s request, as needed. 
  • Prepares for upcoming campaigns and has an active, leadership role in campaign planning, execution, and post-campaign assessment.
  • Oversee prospect research goals, programs, and policies to ensure fundraising staff have the appropriate prospect information to achieve fundraising objectives. 
  • Works closely with the Director of Advancement Operations to encourage and maintain database integrity. 
  • Participates in an appropriate level of professional associations, such as APRA and CASE, in order to increase knowledge and skills and stay updated on industry trends and concerns.
  • Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree preferred
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in prospect management, research, and analytics in a higher education or non-profit setting
  • Fluency in standard computer technologies, information systems, and development management databases, with a strong preference for experience with the Raiser’s Edge system
  • Exceptional skills in data mining and/or statistical methodologies
  • Proven experience in communicating complex processes and structures to a variety of audiences
  • Comprehensive working knowledge of prospect research and management principles, best practices and the tools of the trade, including practical understanding of online reference, data, and screening resources (including the internet, Lexis-Nexis, and electronic screening products)
  • Ability to think critically, strategically, and creatively about assigned tasks and analyze information in order to streamline processes and facilitate a smoother flow of work within the office
  • Knowledge of and ability to adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth in the Association of Prospect Researchers for Advancement (APRA) Ethics Statement, as well as IRS gift policies and CASE standards for acknowledgment/receipting, gift acceptance, reporting, and reporting
  • Work Environment:

  • Ability to sit for long periods at personal computer performing related functions
  • Ability to work evenings and/or weekends, as necessary
  • Departmental Accountabilities:

  • Work collaboratively with colleagues and team members in the Advancement Department and throughout the College. Participate in Advancement Department meetings
  • Provide support to President, Trustees, and Advancement Department leadership, as needed, for priority projects 
  • Have knowledge and experience with computer programs that support the Advancement Department, including Microsoft Office programs and Raiser’s Edge database
  • Other Duties:

    The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

    Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions are audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

     

    Application:

    Interested candidates should hit the apply button.  Once you create an applicant account, you will be prompted to upload your cover letter, resume, and a list with contact information for three references to the applicant database.  

    Ursinus is an AA/EO employer.  Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.

    Organization

    About Ursinus College

    • Founded in 1869
    • First admitted women in 1880
    • 1,650 students from 35 states and 12 countries
    • 20% students of color
    • 12 to 1 student-faculty ratio
    • Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • All students and faculty are issued laptop computers
    • Nationally renowned First-Year Experience, including the Common Intellectual Experience(CIE) Freshmen Seminar
    • Over 60 courses of study, including a variety of interdisciplinary programs.
    • The Center for Science and The Common Good offers students the opportunity to focus on the intersection of science and society.
    • Idyllic 170-acre campus 25 miles from Philadelphia
    • Member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Watson Foundation list, Project Pericles, Bonner Leader Program
    • Member of Project DEEP, the Annapolis Group, the Centennial Conference
    • Home to the Berman Museum of Art
    • U-Imagine Center for Integrative and Entrpreneurial Studies

    The College's most important assets are its faculty and staff. From time to time, a variety of job opportunities are available, both part-time and full-time. Ursinus is an ideal workplace where there are excellent resources and benefits and, of course, great people. The campus is beautiful and the students keep you young.

    Ursinus College is committed to the celebration of and respect for human diversity.

    Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law with respect to all aspects of employment.

    Ursinus College complies with all federal, state, and local statutes and regulations governing employment practices.

    Ursinus College is an equal employment/affirmative action employer.

    All employees are expected to abide by Ursinus College’s equal employment/affirmative action policy.

    Specifically, in matters affecting employment and application for employment, the College will take affirmative action to ensure that each employee and applicant, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, or disability (except as limitations may be mandate by law) is accorded equal treatment with respect to terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, and opportunities for advancement. The College will make good-faith efforts to enhance employment opportunities for minorities and women compatible with the availability of qualified candidates in relevant employment markets in which Ursinus College is able to recruit.

    Ursinus College is committed to the celebration of and respect for human diversity.  We believe that human beings derive meaning and purpose through their membership in groups as well as through their common humanity and their uniqueness as individuals.  Intellectual and personal growth are enhanced by understanding and appreciating the similarities and differences among groups and individuals.

    The celebration of, and respect for, human diversity at Ursinus is based on the following:

    • The principles of freedom and the quality of individuals as expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
    • The practical goal of preparing students to make significant contributions in an emerging global community.  All communities -- local, national and global -- are stronger and richer to the extent that individuals within them are able to communicate and to affirm life-enhancing values.
    • Individuals whose education has been grounded on mutual understanding and the celebration of human diversity are best prepared to contribute to the making of a just and equitable society.

    This statement on human diversity should inform and guide the Ursinus College community as it establishes and implements educational and administrative policies and practices.  These ideals seem especially relevant to those policies and practices that touch upon race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation and gender, and all other aspects which tend to differentiate human groups.

    In making this statement on human diversity, Ursinus College at the same time acknowledges the primary importance in an educational community of the diversity of ideas expressed in the pursuit of truth by all reasonable and free minds in an atmosphere of intellectual openness.

    This statement on human diversity at Ursinus College has been developed in the context of the mission statement of the College and the institutional values generated by the mission.

    Company info
    Website
    Telephone
    610-409-3000
    Location
    601 E. Main Street
    Collegeville
    Pennsylvania
    19426
    US

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