Prospect Development Specialist

Purdue for Life Foundation; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

403(b) and Roth retirement plans

Tuition discounts on Purdue programs

Job summary

The Purdue For Life Foundation is seeking a detail‑oriented Prospect Development professional to support the team by updating contact information, researching and verifying constituent data, and preparing biographies.

You will help monitor data quality, assist with automation projects, document workflows, and collaborate with analysts on process improvements and special initiatives. This role supports educational initiatives and donor relations within Purdue's alumni network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field.
• Minimum of two years of related nonprofit, education, or similar experience.
• Experience with research and information gathering for donor/prospect records is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support to the Prospect Development team by completing contact information requests and other operational needs, determining appropriate research, documentation, and record updates as defined by established procedures.
• Utilize public information and internal systems to research, evaluate, verify, and update constituent data, determining the most relevant and reliable information to support prospect development and fundraising efforts.
• Prepare and update constituent biographies following Prospect Development procedures.
• Research and maintain constituent contact information, employment, relationships, and other relevant data, determining appropriate updates to maintain accurate and useful donor records and referring issues for review.
• Complete wealth rating validation requests by researching and compiling wealth and constituent information and documenting findings for analyst review.
• Identify and assess data quality issues and assist with auditing, enhancement, cleanup, and maintenance projects based on their impact on data integrity, prospect identification, and the overall prospect pipeline.
• Proactively monitor designated news sources and publications, make needed updates, and determine whether to refer information to analysts.
• Maintain documentation of Prospect Development operational standards and workflows, and provide feedback on opportunities to support consistent decision-making across the team.
• Collaborate with analysts to evaluate recurring work and assist in identifying opportunities for automation, process improvement, and greater efficiency. Provide input on potential solutions and assist in implementing process improvements.
• Participate in special projects and emerging operational priorities, by applying best practices and referring issues that require additional review and guidance.

Skills

Research methods

Database skills

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Journalism, Liberal Arts, Business, or related field

Two years related nonprofit/education experience

Similar experience acceptable in business contexts

Tools

Relational databases

Job description

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

Department: Strategy & Prospect Development

Description

Working for the Purdue For Life Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to empowering Purdue University alumni and fostering a lifelong connection to the institution. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to contribute to a mission that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and programs that positively impact the lives of Purdue students and graduates. The Foundation's commitment to education and community engagement provides a fulfilling work environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Additionally, you'll have access to a network of passionate colleagues and the resources needed to drive positive change, making the Purdue For Life Foundation an inspiring and rewarding place to build your career. Your next giant leap starts here.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support to the Prospect Development team by completing contact information requests and other operational needs, determining appropriate research, documentation, and record updates as defined by established procedures.
• Utilize public information and internal systems to research, evaluate, verify, and update constituent data, determining the most relevant and reliable information to support prospect development and fundraising efforts.
• Prepare and update constituent biographies following Prospect Development procedures.
• Research and maintain constituent contact information, employment, relationships, and other relevant data, determining appropriate updates to maintain accurate and useful donor records and referring issues for review.
• Complete wealth rating validation requests by researching and compiling wealth and constituent information and documenting findings for analyst review.
• Identify and assess data quality issues and assist with auditing, enhancement, cleanup, and maintenance projects based on their impact on data integrity, prospect identification, and the overall prospect pipeline.
• Proactively monitor designated news sources and publications, make needed updates, and determine whether to refer information to analysts.
• Maintain documentation of Prospect Development operational standards and workflows, and provide feedback on opportunities to support consistent decision-making across the team.
• Collaborate with analysts to evaluate recurring work and assist in identifying opportunities for automation, process improvement, and greater efficiency. Provide input on potential solutions and assist in implementing process improvements.
• Participate in special projects and emerging operational priorities, by applying best practices and referring issues that require additional review and guidance.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Significant aptitude with research methods and strong computer skills are required; experience with relational databases preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a clear, concise writing style.
• Effective interpersonal skills and good organizational skills are required.
• Must have knowledge of how to search commercial on-line databases, internet websites, and other more traditional resource materials.
• Must be self-motivated, self-directed, and highly organized individual who works well under deadlines.
• A sense of curiosity and enthusiasm about learning and commitment to professional growth.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Journalism, Liberal Arts, Business, or a related field required.
• A minimum of two years related experience in nonprofit, education or related organization required or equivalent combination of experience and training; development and fundraising experience, preferably in an academic environment.
• Similar experience acceptable in business (e.g., corporate intelligence, legal research, marketing, journalism, or libraries).

Job Level: Professional 2

*Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of, and differ from, those of Purdue University.

Benefits Summary for eligible employees

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year.
• Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans available.
• 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan and immediate vesting.
• Health Savings Account- earn up to $700 annually towards medical expenses.
• Employer funded Preventative Dental and Vision insurance.
• Tuition discounts on eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for qualified employees, spouses, and dependents.