Prospect Research Analyst

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta seeks a Prospect Research Analyst to support development and alumni relations by identifying new donors and delivering targeted fundraising insights on individuals, corporations and foundations.

You will deliver risk assessment research to protect the university's reputation and partner with faculties to provide timely, accurate prospect research services to advance fundraising objectives.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in business or library science, or equivalent education/experience.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in fundraising or higher education.
• Knowledge of fundraising within post-secondary institutions preferred.
• Proficiency with Google Suite.
• Experience using databases and reporting tools for fundraising research.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; adapt messaging for audiences.
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures.
• Proactive, service-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with fundraising information resources and wealth indicators is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential donors by wealth, affinity, and engagement.
• Design research strategies in consultation with fundraising colleagues.
• Deliver research to enable donor movement along the gift continuum.
• Provide research outputs in formats aligned with internal best practices.
• Conduct risk assessment research to protect university reputation.
• Maintain and update documentation in Advance ensuring data accuracy.

Skills

Prospect research

Data analysis

Google Suite

Database experience

Reporting tools

Communication skills

Project coordination

Discretion

Education

Diploma or degree in business or library science

Tools

Advance database

Job description

Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square, Edmonton.

Reporting to the Manager, Prospect Management & Research (PMR), the Prospect Research Analyst plays a key role in supporting development and alumni relations activities at the University of Alberta.

As a Prospect Research Analyst, you will help our fundraising colleagues build and enhance relationships with new and existing donors by identifying new prospects and delivering targeted fundraising insights on individuals, corporations and foundations.

You will deliver risk assessment research that enables fundraisers and leadership to make informed decisions about matters that impact the reputation of the university.

You will partner directly with specific fundraising areas (faculties and units) to deliver timely and accurate prospect research services, and contribute ideas that uplift the approaches and best practices of the Prospect Management & Research team.

If you have a strong attention to detail, a natural curiosity to dig deeper and learn more about our donors and alumni, and the desire to collaboratively partner with development and alumni relations colleagues towards fundraising success, then this could be the role for you!

Responsibilities

Prospect Identification

• Identifies and evaluates potential donors by analyzing wealth capacity, philanthropic affinity, and university engagement using both internal and external sources.
• Designs and refines effective research strategies based on portfolio or project needs, determined in consultation with fundraising colleagues.

Client Requests

• Partners with development and alumni relations colleagues to conduct and deliver research on prospects and donors enabling movement through the donor gift continuum.
• Delivers information in formats aligned to internal best practice and appropriate to the specific audience.

Risk Assessment Research

• Conducts risk assessment research in accordance with current guidelines to support informed decision making on matters related to the university’s reputation.

Data Management

• Updates and maintains documentation in internal database (Advance) in accordance with current standards, focused on data accuracy and fulsome institutional records.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree required, preferably in business or library science. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 5 years relevant experience, either in a professional or post-secondary institution.
• Knowledge of fundraising related aspects of a post-secondary educational institution strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Google Suite.
• Experience working within a database structure and utilizing reporting tools, online resources, and subscription tools for fundraising research.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated high-level skills in conducting comprehensive research, analyzing high volumes of information, and delivering findings in a manner appropriate to the project or deliverable.
• Clear, concise, and organized written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated talent for strategically adapting messaging for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently within established procedures while knowing when to elevate issues.
• Demonstrates a proactive, service-oriented mindset, leveraging exceptional interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and drive high-impact, consistent results that advance the goals of Development & Alumni Relations.
• Detail oriented and exercises sound judgment and discretion in maintaining confidential information, accurate records, and reliable data/ information to support fundraising activities.
• Familiarity with fundraising information resources, techniques of prospect research, wealth indicators and fundraising strategies would be an asset.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

The Vice-President - External Relations leads the University of Alberta’s efforts to enhance and protect its reputation locally, nationally, and globally. This role oversees the development and execution of strategic initiatives that shape how internal and external audiences perceive the university.

With a focus on communication, engagement, and relationship-building, the Vice-President provides leadership for Communications and Marketing, Alumni Relations, Advancement, and Government and Community Relations. These teams collaborate to support the university’s brand, foster donor and alumni engagement, and establish strong connections with public and community partners.

Through these coordinated efforts, the Vice-President - External Relations ensures the university’s image, influence, and impact are advanced in alignment with its mission, values, and long-term goals.