Prospect Management and Research Specialist

msichicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting day one

Free admission for family and friends

Free admission to other museums

Free onsite garage parking

401(k) plans with employer match

Job summary

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is seeking a Prospect Management and Research Specialist to identify prospects, conduct research, and guide moves management to support fundraising goals. You will build prospect profiles and collaborate with fundraisers to drive donor engagement.

Key duties include creating donor and prospect profiles, preparing strategy-informed reports, and managing data quality across fundraising databases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 2–4 years in development/non-profit fundraising.
• Experience with prospect research and moves management processes.
• Familiarity with donor management software and data quality controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document processes for prospect research and moves management in Salesforce.
• Create prospect lists and trend reports aligned with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with fundraisers to maximize engagement through portfolio reviews.

Skills

Prospect research

Data analysis

Moves management

Salesforce

Donor databases

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

DonorSearch

WealthEngine

LexisNexis

iWave

Job description

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world‑class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science‑related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Prospect Management and Research Specialist is responsible for implementing a strategic approach to prospect identification, research and moves management. The Prospect Management and Research Specialist will help the organization achieve its fundraising goals based on data‑driven insights and strategy, ensuring that fundraisers and leadership engage with the right people at the right time.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document processes and procedures for prospect research and moves management data in systems such as Salesforce.
• Create prospect lists and philanthropic trend reports for institutional priorities such as upcoming exhibitions, building projects and educational initiatives.
• Develop strong relationships with fundraisers to help maximize their efforts through regular portfolio reviews and moves management strategy.
• Provide fundraisers with new prospects on an ongoing basis through regular donor and member screenings.
• Prepare detailed donor and prospect profiles for donor meetings and volunteer leadership pipeline.
• Coordinate the effort to acquire, append and apply quality demographic, marketing, predictive modeling and electronic screening data across the constituency database for the purpose of enhancing analysis and segmentation.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency of prospect data in systems such as Salesforce through regular audits.
• Review current and emerging trends in philanthropy, fundraising, and business intelligence; informing the fundraising team and leadership as appropriate.
• Manage vendor relationships and budget resources for prospect research and analytics tools.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 2 to 4 years related experience development/non-profit industry.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize under deadlines.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the solicitation cycle (identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
• Ability to distinguish between various donor types (individual, estate, corporate, foundation and government).
• Knowledge of the prospect and donor management process including research vehicles. (DonorSearch, WealthEngine, LexisNexis, iWave, etc.).
• Familiarity with Salesforce, including understanding of proposals, actions, and queries, and an ability to develop queries and exports, is a plus.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Proven attention to detail and ability to gather data, analyze information and prepare reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills and outstanding customer service skills with proven skills of fostering effective working relationships within a team environment.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evening special events.

Language

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, scripts, standard operating procedures, etc.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of guests and employees.

Physical

• While performing the duties of this job the employeeis regularly required to speak loudly and clearly
• The employeefrequentlyis required tostand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employeeis occasionally required tosit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000.

The fulltime position is eligible for benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 Company Holidays
• 401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
• Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
• Free onsite garage parking

Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.