Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I)

California State University, Fullerton; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 53,556 - 54,628; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Fullerton is seeking a Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I) to support its University Advancement department. This role involves conducting thorough research and analysis to identify potential donors, preparing detailed reports, and supporting strategic fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree, proven analytical skills, and knowledge of data analysis tools. This is a full-time, temporary position with a salary range of $4,799 - $4,895 per month, and may offer opportunities for renewal based on program needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related field.
• Knowledge of advancement and fundraising tactics.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Experience in research and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on potential donors.
• Build and maintain prospect pools for fundraising.
• Prepare reports and identification plans on prospects.
• Coordinate distribution of prospect reports.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

ResearchPoint

LexisNexis

WealthEngine

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT

Job description

Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I)

Classification: Advancement Professional I

Department: Central Development

Salary Range: $4,799 - $4,895 per month

Appointment Type: Temporary

Time Base: Full Time

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours. This temporary position ends on or before June 30, 2027, with potential annual renewal if funds and/or program needs exist.

Job Summary

Cal State Fullerton seeks a Donor Prospect Research Specialist to support University Advancement by conducting research, analysis, and reporting on individuals, corporations, and foundations. The role focuses on analyzing existing constituent data to identify new prospects, preparing research on assigned prospects, and supporting strategic fundraising initiatives, including campus-wide comprehensive or capital campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Collect, compile, and analyze prospect research data. • Build and maintain strong prospect pools and guide data‑driven fundraising strategies. • Prepare research reports, prospect portfolios, and prospect identification plans. • Support strategic fundraising initiatives, including comprehensive or capital campaigns. • Coordinate the distribution of prospect reports to University Advancement staff. • Assist with general office coordination, travel, and procurement card tracking. • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field (or experience equivalent on a year‑for‑year basis).
• General professional knowledge of advancement and fundraising tactics.
• Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills for collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a donor‑service orientation.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical, math, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with technology and relevant software packages (e.g., data analysis tools, Microsoft Office Suite).
• Background check (including a criminal records check) required for employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with research and data analysis, including usage of ResearchPoint, LexisNexis, and WealthEngine.
• Familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT and related reporting tools.
• Understanding of nonprofit or public organizations that receive donated funds and how those funds are solicited, allocated, and used.
• Knowledge of creating detailed research biographical profiles and maintaining confidentiality of prospect information.
• Experience with engagement scoring, machine learning for donor modeling, or network analysis.

Special Working Conditions

The position requires attendance at annual commencement ceremonies and compliance with civil rights policies. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cal State Fullerton is an equal‑opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status. The university welcomes individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success.