Director of Research and Prospect Management

The Director of Development Research and Prospect Management is responsible for all aspects of prospect research and prospect management within the Institute including developing, directing and managing a comprehensive prospect development program for Stevens Institute of Technology.  This program will encompass prospect identification, donor research, wealth and giving capacity assessment, prospect relationship management, market research, data mining and related vendor screening products and relationships. The Director of Development Research and Prospect Management reports directly to the AVP for Development Services and plays the lead role in developing, implementing, and maintaining a framework and process for supporting the fundraising enterprise, collaborating with and providing critical strategic and analytical expertise, guidance and counsel to AVPs, Director of Impact Giving, as well as the Vice President of Development.  The Director will also conceptualize, plan and track moves management activities designed to leverage resources, and promote new and unprecedented growth in fundraising revenues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee and direct a donor research, wealth and gift capacity assessment program in support of fundraising to advance the University’s mission.
• Conduct extensive financial and biographical research on prospects by identifying and analyzing wealth indicators.  Compose detailed research materials, such as profiles, on prospects for University leadership and development officers.  Assign ratings based on detailed wealth analysis.  Write research reports and briefings.
• Proactively identify new prospects and oversee the internal process for identifying prospects. 
• Ensure that fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals.
• Oversee and direct the development and management of a robust and coordinated prospect management system within Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Oversee and direct the use of data mining, screening and modeling programs to support prospect identification, segmentation and engagement.
• Facilitate and participate in senior staff collaboration on major and principal gifts strategy development as well as recommend prioritization and evaluation of prospects.
• Supervise and manage Associate Director of Research & Prospect Management, determining appropriate delineation of research workload and responsibility to ensure that all departmental research needs are met.
• Oversee, manage and train advancement staff in effective use of Raiser’s Edge NXT as main and solitary repository of all prospect, wealth, rating, biographical, constituency contact and gift information for all alumni, friend, donor, and prospect information.
• Manage the annual budget of the research department in order to maintain a resource library and employ electronic resources, including the internet and online subscription services, for research purposes.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 to 7 years of related experience in prospect research, library research, or another information-related field, preferably in higher education.
• Minimum of 2 years direct supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to effectively lead, inspire mentor, and develop a goal-oriented professional staff.  
• Ability to develop proactive prospecting methodologies to support fundraising goals, including data mining and sophisticated constituent database queries.  Familiarity with wealth screening and its application to fundraising, giving capacity modeling and forecasting methodologies.
• Ability to initiate and perform complex analyses and organize information to identify philanthropic patters, tendencies, and relationships among individuals, corporations, and foundations. 
• Ability to analyze complex financial documents for wealth assessment such as SEC filings and financial and legal disclosures.
• Excellent writing skills and strong attention to detail.
• High degree of professionalism, ethical sensitivity and discretion; ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information; and ability to apply good judgment and responsible decision-making skills.
• Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, including University leadership, demonstrating tact and diplomacy working with a wide variety of personalities. 
• Collaborative style and commitment to teamwork and cooperation. 
• Experience working with Raiser’s Edge NXT as well as Microsoft Office suite.
• Proficiency in internet research, including experience with information resources and publications relevant to private philanthropy, online services, and database screening & overlays.