Hybrid Development Researcher for Fundraising Insights

Playwright Co; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera is seeking a Development Researcher to identify and evaluate potential donors and foundations to support fundraising initiatives. You will prepare confidential donor profiles, briefs, and research reports to guide cultivation and stewardship.

Responsibilities include using research tools like iWave, LexisNexis, and Altrata, collaborating with fundraising staff, and maintaining Tessitura data while upholding confidentiality and data integrity in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2–4 years of research experience in a nonprofit setting.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, attention to detail, accuracy and proper grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and research resources.
• Familiarity with web-based research resources and databases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth prospect research and analysis on individuals, corporations and foundations to assess philanthropic capacity, interests, and affinity.
• Prepare donor profiles, briefings and research reports to support cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Use iWave, LexisNexis, Altrata and web sources to identify and verify prospect information.
• Collaborate with Development Operations, Analytics and frontline fundraising staff to support strategic fundraising efforts.
• Maintain accurate prospect research data in Tessitura.
• Monitor news and philanthropic activity to identify updates on donors and prospects.
• Assist in maintaining research standards, documentation, and departmental procedures.
• Leverage AI and emerging technologies to improve research efficiency while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Excellent communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Confidentiality

Deadline management

MS Office proficiency

Web-based research

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

iWave

LexisNexis

Altrata

Tessitura

Job description

The Metropolitan Opera is seeking a Development Researcher to identify and evaluate potential donors and foundations to support fundraising initiatives. You will prepare confidential donor profiles, briefs, and research reports to guide cultivation and stewardship.

Responsibilities include using research tools like iWave, LexisNexis, and Altrata, collaborating with fundraising staff, and maintaining Tessitura data while upholding confidentiality and data integrity in a hybrid work setting.