Associate Director, Prospect Intelligence

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Accident Plan

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

NC State University is seeking an Associate Director, Prospect Intelligence to lead the Research & Analytics function within Prospect Development. You will manage a philanthropic research team, deliver advanced analytics and predictive modeling, and produce dashboards to inform donor strategy and portfolio planning.

The role partners with fundraisers and senior leadership to shape cultivation, solicitation, and long-term relationship management, while elevating research standards and embracing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and synthesize research on high-net-worth individuals, with focus on principal gift prospects.
• Strong ability to analyze large datasets and translate findings into fundraising strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with frontline fundraisers, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with predictive modeling, prospect scoring, and data segmentation; proficiency in Tableau/Excel or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and analytics for Prospect Development and drive data-informed prospect strategy.
• Oversee principal gift research and pipelines; train team and ensure research standards.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and data products; shape analytics roadmap.
• Collaborate with fundraisers and college/unit development officers; translate insights for leadership decisions.
• Ensure ethical compliance and effective workflows across the research function.

Skills

Leadership

Analytics

Data visualization

Predictive modelling

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Tableau

Excel

Job description

Posting Number: PG194781EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Associate Director, Prospect Intelligence

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience and education

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday ; 8:00 am-5:00 pm and other hours as needed to fulfill the duties of this position; Flexible work arrangements available

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: University Development

North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today, NC State is the largest university in North Carolina, with more than 40,500 high-performing students, more than 10,000 preeminent faculty and staff and more than 310,000 dedicated alumni. NC State is a Research One (R1) university known for its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We’re also at the forefront of teaching and discovery in agriculture, business, design, education, humanities and social sciences, natural resources, textiles and veterinary medicine. NC State is consistently named as one of the best values in higher education, and many of our programs are ranked at the top of their respective disciplines. We take a great deal of pride in our collaborative, supportive and collegial team culture. All staff are provided opportunities for training and professional development, with an eye to personalized career growth. The mission of University Advancement at NC State is to amplify the university’s local and global impact by nurturing lifelong relationships, championing philanthropy and strengthening the Wolfpack community. The division is composed of six teams — Advancement Services; Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving; Finance, Administration and Talent Management; Principal Gifts Program; University Development; and University Special Events and Experiences — that build relationships across the university and beyond to ensure a best-in-class experience for alumni, friends and donors. University Development raises philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that benefit NC State’s students, faculty, campus and, ultimately, the state of North Carolina by working closely and strategically with teams throughout University Advancement and within the university’s colleges, units and programs. The department includes the offices of Central Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Development Communications and Stewardship, Gift Planning and Prospect Development.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Associate Director of Prospect Intelligence leads the research and analytics function within Prospect Development, advancing a sophisticated, data‑informed approach to prospect identification, principal‑gift strategy, and pipeline development. This role manages the philanthropic research team, oversees principal‑level research deliverables, and builds the office’s analytics and predictive modeling infrastructure to support University Advancement’s strategic priorities. Reporting to the Director of Prospect Development, the Associate Director works collaboratively with the Principal Gifts team and college‑ and unit‑based development officers. As a key leader within Prospect Development, they train team members, elevate research standards, and drive innovation through advanced analytics, visualization, and emerging technologies.

Research Leadership & Principal Gift Strategy

Lead leadership($1M – $4.9M) and principal ($5M+) gift research, conducting in‑depth biographical, financial, and network analysis on top prospects.

• Partner with fundraisers and leadership to shape strategy discussions and donor‑facing planning.
• Synthesize strategic insights that inform cultivation, solicitation, and long‑term relationship management.
• Deliver intelligence in narrative and visual formats, including dashboards and portfolio insights.
• Oversee research standards, workflows, and ethical compliance for the principal‑gift pipeline.

Analytics, Predictive Modeling & Data Strategy

• Provide strategic direction for predictive modeling by identifying gaps, defining required insights, and determining how models should support prospect scoring, wealth indicators, and donor‑retention strategy.
• Guide staff in the development and implementation of models, dashboards, and data visualizations, ensuring outputs are actionable and aligned with fundraising priorities.
• Shape the analytics roadmap by setting priorities for new tools, reports, and data products that strengthen portfolio optimization and campaign planning.
• Translate complex findings into clear recommendations that inform prospecting, pipeline development, and leadership decision‑making.
• Oversee systems for monitoring wealth, assets, and market activity to surface timely insights affecting capacity and inclination.

Team Leadership, Training & Innovation

• Supervise and mentor the philanthropic research team, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development.
• Serve as the primary trainer for advanced research methods, particularly for the $1M+ pipeline.
• Advance the office’s AI, technology, and analytics roadmap in partnership with the Director of Prospect Development.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging tools and platforms; serve as subject matter expert for key systems.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within Prospect Development.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and synthesize complex biographical, financial, and network research on high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on principal gift-level prospects ($5M+).
• Strong ability to analyze large and complex datasets, apply critical thinking, and translate findings into clear, actionable insights that inform fundraising strategy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with frontline fundraisers, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, determine scope and timelines, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work across data systems and tools, understand data structures, and develop scalable solutions that improve research and analytics workflows.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex research and data in clear, concise, and compelling formats for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to connect disparate pieces of information, identify trends and opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations to support prospect strategy and portfolio management.
• Experience with or demonstrated ability to develop and apply predictive modeling, prospect scoring, and data segmentation techniques. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel, or similar platforms).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience mentoring, training, or supervising staff, with the ability to elevate team performance and foster a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Experience in higher education fundraising
• Familiarity with NC State University

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Job Open Date

07/30/2026

Anticipated Close Date

Open until filled

Position Number

00101953

Position Type

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.00

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

082001 - University Development

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.