Director, Advancement Prospect Research

Tulane University Translational Science Institute; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Tulane University Translational Science Institute is seeking a Director of Prospect Research to oversee research deliverables and assist in fundraising strategies. The role involves supervising a team of analysts, ensuring compliance with data privacy, and leading prospect identification efforts.

The ideal candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, with strong organizational and communication skills. Preferred qualifications include proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and membership in related professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 5 years of experience in development research.
• Experience leading large, complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage research deliverables and projects.
• Lead prospect identification efforts.
• Provide strategic support for fundraising.

Skills

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills

Experience with data-driven research using industry-standard software

Strong problem-solving, project management, and organizational aptitude

Ability to inspire colleagues toward common objectives

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

5 years of experience in development research

Professional memberships in APRA, CASE, or AASP

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Salesforce

Job description

Director, Prospect Research, Office of Advancement

The Director of Prospect Research will manage research deliverables and projects, lead prospect identification efforts, delegate research requests to ensure timely responses, coordinate training, ensure compliance with ethical practices and data privacy laws, and provide strategic support for fundraising at all levels, with a special focus on principal-level strategy. The Director will collaborate with the Executive Director of Prospect Development to set and monitor annual goals, and work closely with the prospect management and analytics team to develop and implement the overall prospect development vision and strategic focus, enhancing the University’s fundraising success and pipeline development.

Direct prospect identification efforts; develop research department deliverables; ensure compliance with ethical practices and data privacy laws. Provide strategic support for fundraising at all levels for the university. Manage projects, delegate tasks, ensure timely responses to service requests, and coordinate all training for the prospect research team.

In close collaboration with the Executive Director of Prospect Development and other Prospect Development units (Portfolio and Prospect Management, Analytics), this position will assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the overall prospect development strategy for the university.

Research Management

This position will serve as team leader, providing supervision to a team of research analysts. The director will meet regularly with all the researchers, individually and as a team, providing guidance and insight for their professional development and work product.

Responsibilities

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with data-driven research using industry-standard software, web-based tools, data management systems, social media, and other methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple demands and projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and organizational aptitude.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Understanding of prospect management concepts, including complex analyses and identifying philanthropic patterns.
• Passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.
• Ability to inspire colleagues toward common objectives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of experience in development research, prospect management, or prospect development in a higher education, healthcare, or complex non-profit environment.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to higher education values.
• Professional memberships in APRA, CASE, or AASP.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, charts, formulas).
• Experience with fundraising CRMs (preferably Salesforce) and data visualization tools.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial statements.
• Experience leading large, complex projects with multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
• Ability to assist and advise in developing and implementing prospect research guidelines and procedures.
• Experience designing and implementing comprehensive data-mining and proactive prospect identification projects.
• Ability to initiate and lead projects to improve service to development officers and/or units.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and maintaining information on prospective donors using various electronic databases, publications, and online services.

About Us

Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person’s race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane’s employment or educational programs or activities.

Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing an application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 504-865-4748 or by email at [e-mail].