Prospect Research Officer

ReliefWeb; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Melbourne is seeking a Prospect Research Officer to identify and qualify high-value donors and partners. The role involves developing research plans, producing donor profiles, and collaborating with teams to enhance engagement. Ideal candidates should have a minimum of 3 years' experience in fundraising intelligence and strong analytical skills. Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture are part of the offer.

Benefits

Individual learning plans

Internal employment opportunities

Flexible working environment

Employee Wellbeing Program

Full salary packaging benefits

Additional leave options

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in prospect research or fundraising intelligence.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to generate actionable insights.
• High level of discretion and ethical judgement in handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual prospect research plan.
• Identify and prioritize prospective donors across various categories.
• Produce high-quality donor profiles using various sources.

Skills

Analytical skills

Exceptional written communication

Exceptional verbal communication

Proficiency in donor databases

Strategic analysis

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Australia

Prospect Research Officer

Organization

• Save the Children

Posted 7 Oct 2025 Closing date 30 Oct 2025

There’s something special about spending your days alongside like-minded people, just as committed to purposeful work as you. At Save the Children Australia, we attract bright and big-hearted people who are inspired to make a difference. Together, we are fearless in our pursuit of making lasting change for the children and communities who need it most.

A Place To Make a Difference

In this full-time, permanent role, you’ll be part of our Philanthropy team within the Supporter Engagement department, based in Melbourne, Sydney or working remotely. Together, we’ll create lasting change for children everywhere. As Prospect Research Officer, you’ll play a key role in identifying and qualifying high-value donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners whose interests align with our mission. Whether it’s delivering strategic donor insights that shape meaningful engagement or providing thoughtful research that strengthens long-term relationships, your work will directly support our impact for children in Australia, the Pacific and around the world.

You Will Make a Difference By

• Developing and implementing an annual prospect research plan aligned with funding priorities
• Identifying, qualifying, and prioritising prospective donors across individuals, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners
• Producing high-quality donor profiles, briefings, and strategic insights using biographical, financial, and philanthropic sources
• Conducting due diligence to support ethical fundraising and risk management
• Collaborating with relationship managers to shape cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records in Microsoft Dynamics to support reporting and forecasting

A Place To Feel Valued

Your deep expertise in qualitative research, donor intelligence, and strategic analysis that will help drive sustainable growth and long-term engagement is invaluable.

This Role Requires

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in prospect research or fundraising intelligence within a nonprofit or philanthropic environment
• Strong analytical skills and ability to generate actionable insights from complex data
• High level of discretion and ethical judgement in handling confidential donor information
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in donor databases and research tools

A Place To Belong

We are diverse personalities, backgrounds and talents, embracing our differences as one strong and united team. We see and celebrate the unique value you bring to our organisation, and offer a range of rewards for your effort, including:

• Individual learning plans to help map and deliver on your career development.
• Internal employment and development opportunities
• A modern, up to date working space. Or the opportunity to work from home (WFH), or both!
• Kids are welcome! We understand the demands of working parents and we have safe, accessible spaces where our little people can relax while their mums or dads help other children and families
• Support for workplace wellness, including access to our free, confidential Employee Wellbeing Program
• Celebrate and feel supported in your diversity. We’ve established internal networks to support our diverse workforce, foster inclusion and allow you to bring your whole self to work (if that’s what you want!) (Pride@Save, Parents and Carers@Save, Mental Wellness Alliance, Disability@Save, First Nations Advisory Committee).
• Full salary packaging benefits
• Extra leave to use in a range of ways to ensure you’re able to perform at your optimum

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

Applications close 4pm AEST, Tuesday 14th October 2025.

For more information about this position, please contact Julie Du Plessis at [e-mail] or for more information about a career at Save, visit our Careers Page.

Save the Children Australia is a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. We also support the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Save the Children is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and client groups, consistent with our obligations under OH&S legislation.