Prospect Development Specialist, DPAE

PageUp People Limited; Kent (OH); Hybrid; CAD 71,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent State University is seeking a Prospect Development Specialist to conduct specialized research for development professionals, analyzing financial and narrative documents to strengthen donor pipelines. You will create prospect briefing materials and collaborate with Philanthropic Advisors to guide outreach strategies.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in business or related field, plus experience in prospect research; you'll utilize major research databases and donor databases, with a

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Library Science, or related field; one year prospect research experience.
• Knowledge of fundraising ethics and best practices in higher education; familiarity with APRA/OPRN or similar professional networks.
• Skills in research methods, data analysis, and effective communication with confidential data.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-depth research on potential major gift prospects using advanced techniques and research tools.
• Uncover trends within large data sets to identify constituents ready to engage.
• Collaborate with Prospect Management and Portfolio Development for portfolio review planning.
• Analyze and synthesize information into concise, actionable prospect briefs.
• Prepare prospect briefing documents for key university leaders.
• Maintain accuracy and breadth of information in the university system of record.

Skills

Spreadsheet skills

Data analysis

Donor databases

Data mining

Communication

Deadline management

Attention to detail

Prospect profiles

Education

Bachelor's degree or related field

Tools

Major research databases

Donor database software

Data query tools

Job description

Prospect Development Specialist, DPAE

Job no: 995913

Work type: Staff/Unclassified

Location: Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Categories: Full-time

Physical Location: Hybrid work schedule (after 90 day training period)

Basic Function: To conduct specialized research for development professionals to enhance the university’s ability to secure private gift support or recruit key volunteer positions. Perform analysis and evaluation of financial, statistical, and narrative documents. Reports to designated administrator.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Perform in-depth research on potential major gift prospects using advanced techniques and various internal and external research tools to identify financial capacity, philanthropic interests, university affinity and key relationships critical to the development of portfolios and strength of the prospect pipeline.

Uncover trends within large data sets and apply findings to identify constituents showing readiness to engage and interests aligned with university priorities to guide segmentation and outreach strategies.

In collaboration with Prospect Management and Portfolio Development, actively participate in planning and/or execution of portfolio review meetings with Philanthropic Advisors.

Analyze and synthesize large blocks of information into succinct documents and disseminate actionable information to divisional partners to support the development of engagement, cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Prepare prospect briefing documents on individuals and organizations for the President and university officials for donor/prospect meetings and strategic events.

Proactively improve and maintain the accuracy and breadth of information available on constituents within the university’s system of record.

Assist in the development of prospect research policies and procedures.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Library Science, or a related field; one year experience in prospect research or related fundraising field.

License/Certification:

Must remain knowledgeable of current industry best practices and prospect research trends through participation with Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), Ohio Prospect Research Network (OPRN) or other related professional development opportunities.

Knowledge Of:

Principles, practices and ethics of fundraising industry as it applies to higher education *
Major research databases and technology tools *
Prospect Research methodology related to fundraising industry

Skill In:

Utilizing spreadsheet and database applications
Searching, retrieving and analyzing information from internal and external sources
Working with large relational databases, donor database software and query tools
Data mining techniques and procedures
Effective communication and collaboration with demonstrated ability to work with confidential data
Meeting deadlines and prioritizing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision
Working with flexibility and a high degree of accuracy and strong attention to detail

Ability To:

Prepare well-written, factual prospect profiles *
Determine the quality, reliability and accuracy of sources*

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Experience in non-profit environment; experience in prospect identification.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Additional Information:

Kent State University is committed to the creation and nurturing of a diverse community of individuals through inclusive excellence. Diversity involves recognizing the value of differences and the inclusion of all members of the community including those that experience discrimination or under representation. This is a core value of the organization as we strive for a culturally diverse student body, faculty and staff that reflect the multicultural nature of Ohio, the nation, and our world.

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr .

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free .

Disclaimer: The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.

Advertised: September 23, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: October 21, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time