Director of Prospect Management and Research

Inside Higher Ed; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 94,443; Full time

Job summary

A university is seeking a Director of Prospect Management and Research to lead their team and enhance data-driven fundraising strategies. This position involves developing strategic visions, collaborating with frontline fundraisers, and overseeing various research activities and budget management. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and leadership skills alongside a Bachelor's degree, with opportunities for advanced degree candidates preferred. The recruitment range for this permanent position is $85,000 - $94,443.

Qualifications

• Mastery of standard research methodology for evaluating donor prospects.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and desktop tools.
• Experience managing prospect identification and research methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision for the Prospect Management and Research team.
• Foster collaboration and innovation within the team.
• Evaluate prospect research methods and integrate new technologies.

Skills

Research methodology best practices

Excel proficiency

CRM tools knowledge

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Desktop Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Director of Prospect Management and Research

Join to apply for the Director of Prospect Management and Research role at UNC Greensboro.

The Director will lead the strategic direction of the Prospect Management and Research team at UNC Greensboro, ensuring that prospect management and research practices are dynamic, data‑driven, and collaborative to support the university’s fundraising efforts. The Director will design and execute strategic data‑driven prospect identification and comprehensive wealth and propensity screenings, oversee due diligence research efforts, supervise two Prospect Development Analysts, and play a key role in the upcoming CRM transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the Prospect Management and Research team, aligning with the university’s fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team and across the development division.
• Build strong partnerships with frontline fundraisers and provide actionable insights and high‑quality prospect research.
• Work closely with the Development leadership team to align research activities with strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Evaluate current prospect research methods, align them to a data‑driven approach, and integrate new technologies and platforms.
• Collaborate with the CRM & Analytics team to ensure the new CRM system meets the needs of the advancement team and enhances prospect management and research capabilities.
• Supervise and mentor two Prospect Development Analysts, establishing measurable goals and objectives for the team.
• Oversee the identification, qualification, and management of prospects to maintain a robust pipeline of potential donors for major gift opportunities.
• Track and manage the research portion of the budget and coordinate the evaluation, purchase, and renewal of research resources, publications, and services.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and university policies in all prospect research activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated mastery of standard research methodology best practices for evaluating donor prospects and recommending relationship development strategies.
• Proficiency in Excel and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Desktop Tools.
• Knowledge of leading CRM tools and technologies used in fundraising operations; proficiency in incorporating pipeline development and prospect tracking data in a fundraising CRM.
• Progressively responsible experience managing prospect identification and research methods and directing a prospect management system in support of fundraising initiatives.
• Proven analytical skills and proficiency utilizing data analysis tools, fundraising databases, and interpreting wealth indicators in a philanthropic context.
• Experience evaluating complex issues, identifying appropriate solutions, and providing leadership in development and implementation of a strategic plan.
• Excellent planning skills and ability to identify, clarify, and articulate project purpose, goals, and outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling manner.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong strategic thinking, research, writing and verbal presentation skills; organizational ability and initiative.
• The ability to analyze and synthesize information, manage several projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proven leadership experience managing in a team setting, setting strategic goals, and driving results in prospect management & research.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, professional experience and specialized expertise related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years relevant experience in fundraising operations, advancement services, prospect research, prospect management or related advancement activities.
• Experience with CRM transitions and system integrations is highly desirable.
• Experience with Banner, specifically the Advancement module.
• Experience working with EverTrue.
• Prior experience transforming prospect research functions through advanced analytics and technology.
• Mastery of the development cycle, with advanced knowledge of the role of prospect research within the cycle.
• Experience creating and executing prospect identification plans aligned to fundraising priorities.
• Experience adapting and customizing prospect strategy, tracking, and reporting for different prospect segments (annual, major, and principal gift prospects).

Recruitment Range

$85,000 - $94,443

Job Open Date

09/15/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

FTE

1.000

Type Of Appointment

Permanent