Prospect Development Specialist

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays per year

Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year

403(b) and Roth retirement plans

10% employer retirement contribution

Health Savings Account - up to $700

Preventative Dental and Vision

Tuition discounts at Purdue University

Job summary

Purdue For Life Foundation is seeking a Prospect Development Specialist to join the Strategy & Prospect Development team in a full-time role at Purdue for Life Foundation. You will support data research, biographies, and donor records while ensuring data integrity for fundraising initiatives.

The role emphasizes strong research, written communication, and collaboration with analysts to improve processes and automation, contributing to educational initiatives and scholarships.

Qualifications

• Must have strong research methods and data handling skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Effective interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Ability to search commercial online databases and other information sources.
• Self-motivated, organized, with ability to meet deadlines.
• Curiosity and commitment to professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support to the Prospect Development team and manage data updates per procedures.
• Research, verify, and update constituent data to support prospect development and fundraising.
• Prepare and update constituent biographies per procedures.
• Maintain donor records and refer issues for analyst review.
• Complete wealth rating validation by researching and documenting findings.
• Identify data quality issues and assist with audits and cleanup projects.
• Monitor news sources and update records as needed.
• Maintain documentation of operations standards and workflows.
• Collaborate with analysts to improve automation and processes.
• Participate in special projects and emerging priorities.

Skills

Research methods

Computer skills

Relational databases

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Deadline-oriented

Data research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Library Science

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism

Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Job description

Prospect Development Specialist

Department: Strategy & Prospect Development

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

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.