Prospect Research Senior Associate

The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Since its founding in 1949, the Institute has been driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

The Institute's Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) is a central division focused on Institute-wide donor and prospect engagement. Areas of practice include: principal and major gift fundraising, corporate and foundation relations, annual giving and membership programming through the Institute's Society of Fellows, planned giving, trustee engagement, major events, stewardship, prospect research, gift accounting, and Advancement Communications.

Position Overview

The Senior Associate, Prospect Research will research, prepare, and provide biographical and financial profiles and reports on potential and identified individuals, foundations, and corporations. The researcher plays a critical role in developing the Institute's donor pipeline as well as maintaining systems for prospect, portfolio, and proposal management.

The successful applicant will be an outstanding communicator with demonstrated excellent writing skills and a command of research and database tools. With an energetic drive, professional curiosity, and attention to detail, the prospect researcher will have close interaction with Institute fundraisers in a fast-paced environment.

This position is within the Aspen Institute's Office of Institutional Advancement. We offer a dynamic and challenging work environment with opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform research, conduct financial analysis, and prepare briefs and profiles on individuals, corporations, foundations, and other organizations to support Aspen Institute fundraisers including the President's Office.
• Conduct research proactively and as-requested according to the ethical standards of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
• Manage incoming prospect research and project request list to meet required deadlines.
• Update and maintain donor and donor prospect profiles and database records, including biographical, financial, and philanthropic information.
• Independently and proactively identify new donor prospects.
• Develops local and national prospect lists and generates profiles in support of various campaigns, projects, events, and meetings.
• At all times uphold the utmost integrity and sensitivity while working with donor's information and interacting with Institute staff.

Knowledge, Education and Experience

• 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Extremely detailed and process oriented, with the capacity to see the bigger picture and make connections among projects and people.
• Ability to synthesize large quantities of data into a user-friendly and concise format.
• Proficiency working with databases, prospect research tools, and internet-based research.
• Understanding of fundraising best practices and procedures. Familiarity with current trends in philanthropy.
• Experience with keeping a positive attitude while in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Capacity to learn quickly and adapt to new teams well.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Discretion when dealing with confidential and personal information.
• Commitment to producing work of exceptional quality and dedication to superior customer service with an emphasis on relationship building.
• Passion for the mission of the Aspen Institute and desire to support the advancement of its work.

To apply:
Please submit a resume and a cover letter. Applications with a cover letter will be given preference..

The Institute has implemented a mandatory COVID vaccination policy for all employees who will work at one of our physical locations, attend any of our in-person events or travel on behalf of the Institute. Staff unable to be vaccinated may request an exemption under certain circumstances.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

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