Prospect Research & Advancement Strategy Lead

The Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago is seeking an Assistant Director of Research and Prospect Management to lead the research workflow supporting fundraising. This role partners with the Director of Advancement Services to identify grants and major gifts, screen prospects, and maintain accurate donor records.

The successful candidate will manage research products, support portfolio reviews, and collaborate with development teams to engage top prospects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 1-2 years of prospect research experience.
• Experience with CRM databases in development.
• Familiarity with APRA Advanced Skills Set.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, per year.
• Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated.
• Experience coordinating across teams to achieve goals.
• Knowledge of data management and wealth indicators.

Responsibilities

• Produces a comprehensive suite of research products to support fundraising initiatives.
• Identifies prospective donors through data screenings and internal sources.
• Partners with the Director to present prospects at regular meetings.
• Works with teams to conduct portfolio and pipeline reviews as needed.
• Supports Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, and Events.
• Uses data to engage frontline fundraising staff and inform strategy.
• Maintains biographical and prospect information in donor database.
• Manages weekly news digest for stewardship outreach.
• Provides internal training on donor database usage.
• Evaluates tools and trends in prospect research.
• Serves as backup gift processor.
• Other duties as needed.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Strong writing and editing

Project management

Cross-team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

The Art Institute of Chicago is seeking an Assistant Director of Research and Prospect Management to lead the research workflow supporting fundraising. This role partners with the Director of Advancement Services to identify grants and major gifts, screen prospects, and maintain accurate donor records.

The successful candidate will manage research products, support portfolio reviews, and collaborate with development teams to engage top prospects.