Prospect Development Analyst

Miami University (Ohio); Oxford (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Miami University (Ohio) in Oxford, OH seeks a Prospect Development Analyst to support fundraising through strategic prospect research, analysis, and intelligence. You will inform donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and portfolio management with synthesized data and briefing materials.

The role requires attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to handle confidential information while collaborating with development staff and maintaining accurate records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in prospect research, fundraising, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive and responsive prospect research using internal and external sources.
• Analyze biographical, philanthropic, financial, business, and relationship information to assess donor capacity and affinity.
• Prepare concise research profiles, briefing materials, and due diligence reports.
• Monitor news and developments affecting prospects and communicate updates to staff.
• Maintain awareness of trends in prospect research and wealth analysis.

Skills

Prospect research

Data analysis

Reporting

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

3+ years relevant work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM software (Raiser’s Edge)

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Prospect Development Analyst supports the University's fundraising and engagement efforts by providing strategic prospect research, analysis, and intelligence to inform donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and prospect management activities. This position conducts both proactive and responsive research, evaluates philanthropic capacity, affinity, and engagement, and develops comprehensive research reports, profiles, and briefing materials. The analyst serves as a key resource by leveraging constituent data, research tools, and industry best practices to provide actionable insights that support strategic fundraising decisions and advance institutional fundraising priorities.

Job Description

Prospect Research & Intelligence

• Conduct proactive and responsive prospect research using internal advancement data, public records, subscription research tools, and other reliable resources to identify, qualify, and evaluate prospective donors.
• Analyze biographical, philanthropic, financial, business, and relationship information to assess donor capacity, inclination, and affinity.
• Prepare clear, concise, and confidential research profiles, briefings, due diligence reports, and other analytical materials to support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Monitor news, business, philanthropic, and institutional developments affecting assigned prospects and communicate relevant updates to fundraising staff.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends and best practices in prospect research, wealth assessment, and philanthropy.

Prospect Identification & Portfolio Management

• Create and analyze prospect lists using research methodologies, wealth screening results, predictive analytics, and institutional data to prioritize fundraising opportunities.
• Provide cross-functional support for prospect management activities, as needed, by assisting with prospect reviews, recommending prospect assignments, moves management strategies, and portfolio adjustments. Update prospect assignments, relationship manager information, and prospect management records as needed to ensure accurate and actionable data.
• Prepare prospect lists and travel briefings for development officers and university leadership.
• Review and maintain prospect and constituent records to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and completeness.

Collaboration, Training & Professional Support

• Partner with development officers and advancement staff to identify research needs and provide strategic prospect intelligence throughout the fundraising cycle.
• Serve as a resource for prospect development tools, research techniques, reporting resources, and constituent database functionality.
• Develop and maintain research templates, documentation, and standard operating procedures to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to remain current on prospect research methodologies, technology, and industry best practices.

Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Library Science, Communications, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field; or a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in lieu of the degree.
• At least three (3) years experience using a personal computer and Microsoft or Google business software for daily business, communication, and data management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to conduct online research using internet and social media tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize information accurately.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and produce professional work products in a timely fashion while balancing multiple priorities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Solid work ethic.
• Team-player who maintains professionalism while focusing on building strong work relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting fundraising, nonprofit, higher education, or other relationship-based business functions.
• Experience writing summaries, reports, briefing materials, or other analytical work products.