Director Research and Prospect Management - Southern Methodist University

Pena Search; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Director of Research and Prospect Management to drive data-driven strategies in philanthropy. This pivotal role involves collaborating with senior leaders, managing a dedicated team, and enhancing CRM systems to optimize engagement. With the backdrop of a historic fundraising campaign, this position offers the opportunity to shape the future of philanthropy at a prestigious institution. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for data and philanthropy, this role is your chance to make a significant impact in higher education.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing research and prospect management teams.
• Strong background in data-driven decision making and philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic efforts to enhance engagement and philanthropy.
• Manage a team focused on high-potential prospects.

Skills

Data Analysis

CRM Systems

Strategic Planning

Team Management

Education

Master's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Data Visualization Tools

Research Tools

Job description

Director Research and Prospect Management - Southern Methodist University

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THE UNIVERSITY

The vision for Southern Methodist University (SMU) has always been bold. It is an enduring aspect of SMU’s character, exemplified by its mission to create, expand, and impart knowledge through teaching, research, and service, shaping world changers who contribute to their communities and excel in their professions in a global society. Founded in 1911, this nationally ranked R1 institution with a liberal arts tradition empowers the bold, curious, and creative with limitless opportunities to effect real change and solve 21st-century problems.

The optimistic outlook of Dallas is at the heart of SMU, and SMU’s enterprising spirit has helped shape Dallas into a global gateway for people of all backgrounds who want to change the world. The 234-acre main campus near the heart of Dallas is a vibrant environment of energy and creativity. Through its eight schools, SMU boosts intellectual capital and shapes future leaders by attracting exceptional students, faculty, and staff. The spark of innovation powers an academic enterprise that spans the arts, business, engineering, humanities, law, sciences, teaching, and theology. It also promotes data literacy across disciplines and ignites the vast potential at the intersection of data science, high-speed computing, gaming, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to fuel research, creative scholarship, and transformative teaching. As Dallas’ university, SMU offers students life-changing access to the future-forward momentum of Big D – one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – for incredible learning, research, social, and career opportunities.

Campus Profile

Today, SMU, a member of the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference, is home to a student body of more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students – from all 50 states and 80 countries who take advantage of an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, and innovative programs. The university boasts eight degree-granting schools with more than 50% of undergraduates from outside Texas, and three out of four first-year students who receive grants and/or scholarships. As of Fall 2024, women comprise 51% of the undergraduate population and 48% of graduate students. Among students who report a religious affiliation, 29% identify as Catholic, 9% as Methodist, 40% other Protestant denominations, and 15% from other religions including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

As home to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, SMU is the only private university with a presidential library on its main campus. The Bush Center serves as a resource for the study of the life and career of the 43rd president of the United States and promotes an understanding of the Presidency, American history, and important issues of public policy.

Momentum and Leadership

Well into its second century of achievement, SMU upholds a steadfast commitment to its mission. The aspirations and optimism that led to the school’s founding more than a century ago continue to drive the future-focused academic enterprise, shaping world changers – the problem solvers, the influencers, and the leaders who will make an impact around the globe.

For the last almost ten years, the school has been guided by its Strategic Plan 2016 – 2025 and made significant progress toward achieving the six enduring goals mapped out in the plan: to enhance the academic quality and stature of the University; to improve teaching and learning; to strengthen scholarly research, creative achievement, and opportunities for innovation; to sustain student development and a supportive campus experience; to broaden global perspectives; and to increase revenue generation and promote responsible stewardship of resources.

In addition, since 1997, SMU has embarked on three highly successful major gift campaigns. The first two, The Campaign for SMU: A Time to Lead (1997 – 2002) and SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign (2008 – 2015) raised more than $1.6 billion for student scholarships, endowed faculty positions, academic programs, and capital projects, including new academic, student life, and athletics facilities. The third, SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow, launched in 2021. Focused on funding to enrich teaching and research, empowering students, and enhancing the campus and global community, the campaign is projected to reach its $1.5 billion goal by the end of May 2025, three years ahead of schedule.

This momentum sets the stage for the next chapter in SMU’s history as Dr. Jay Hartzell becomes the 11th President of SMU on June 1, 2025, following R. Gerald Turner who has led SMU over three decades. Under President Turner’s leadership, SMU has made unparalleled progress in academic quality, infrastructure, and financial strength.

THE OPPORTUNITY

With a new President and momentum from a historic $1.5 billion campaign, SMU is seeking a seasoned and innovative Director of Research and Prospect Management (Director), a pivotal role in the Development and External Affairs (DEA) department. This individual will create and lead SMU’s data-driven strategic efforts to advance and increase engagement and philanthropy while aligning with the university’s overall philanthropic goals.

Responsibilities

The Director will support and collaborate with senior university leaders, including the President, Senior Vice President, Vice President of Principal and Major Gifts, Vice President of School and Project Development, and Vice President of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. The role involves managing a team of research and prospect management professionals, guiding portfolios of prospects with giving potential over $10 million, and ensuring a robust pipeline of high-potential prospects.

Key functions include:

• Offering strategic recommendations on prospect assignments, funding alignment, and moves management for prospects at the $1M+ level.
• Recruiting, training, managing, and supporting research and prospect management staff.
• Mentoring team members, setting priorities, and managing a fast-paced environment.
• Enhancing CRM systems, reports, and data visualization tools to meet evolving research and prospect management needs.
• Engaging with external experts and professional organizations (e.g., Apra, AASP) to stay current with research tools and best practices.
• Leading strategic planning, performance reviews, and budgeting within the unit, collaborating across development teams.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development, Research, and Strategy/Planning

Industries

• Higher Education