Prospect Research Analyst

Davidson College; Davidson (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Davidson College is seeking a Prospect Research Analyst to compile profiles, assess data and support development officers with strategic insights. This role emphasizes data-driven recommendations and careful handling of sensitive information in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Hybrid work is available after a thorough introductory period. Typical hours align with campus operations, and the position requires collaboration across teams, event support, and timely delivery of research findings

Qualifications

• Strong writing and data analysis skills with ability to summarize large datasets.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, proactive and curious with good judgment.
• Able to work independently and with others, communicating clearly.

Responsibilities

• Prepare prospect profiles and summaries and analyze data lists.
• Clarify and fulfill research requests from colleagues in a timely manner.
• Provide data-informed recommendations to development officers.
• Support management of officer portfolios and prospect flow.
• Document research findings in the CRM and support data governance.
• Assist with in-person events and year-end fundraising efforts.

Skills

Written communication

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Curiosity

Adaptability

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

CRM system

Job description

Responsibilities

• Prepare written prospect profiles and summaries, calculate ratings using industry best practices, and create and analyze data lists using a variety of subscription-based and publicly available sources, tools and techniques
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to determine and clarify the scope of incoming research requests from colleagues and fulfill requests in a timely manner
• Act as a strategic partner to a specific group of development officers, proactively providing data-informed recommendations
• Help to facilitate the effective management of development officer portfolios, including the flow of prospects and appropriate use of prospect plans
• Track research findings in CRM system, including coding constituents to support strategic segmentation efforts, and assist with organization-wide efforts to acquire and maintain institutional data according to best practices in data management
• Support division-wide goals and initiatives, including staffing in-person events across campus and assisting with end-of-year fundraising efforts

Qualifications

• As prospect research is a mix of art and science, the ideal candidate should be adept at writing and making connections as well as compiling, manipulating, summarizing and observing trends in large datasets.
• The ideal candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, proactive, self-motivated, flexible and curious.
• Candidates should be creative problem-solvers with excellent judgment and communication skills who work well both independently and in collaboration with others.
• The candidate should be willing and eager to explore and master new and existing technologies and to stay on top of the trends in the field of prospect research and development.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from a four-year institution is highly preferred. A variety of fields of study could potentially be relevant to the role. Success in prior academic research (broadly speaking) would be helpful.
• The candidate should have a minimum of one year of professional work experience. Knowledge of and/or experience in a nonprofit, ideally higher education, setting is desirable.
• Experience in or exposure to the field of prospect research and development, and experience working in a CRM database, are ideal but not required.
• The prospect research analyst should be able to handle highly sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality and exercising a high degree of judgment and discretion.

The candidate should be eager to contribute to a mission-driven organization that fosters excellence and community-mindedness and is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Work Setting and Hours

This position qualifies for a hybrid work arrangement with the option of working some days remotely from home/outside of the office in accordance with College Relations guidelines after a satisfactory introductory period of fully in-office work. The employee will need to be flexible with scheduling in-office days to meet the needs of the office and the division, including attending various in-person meetings and events. General work hours are 8:30 - 5, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours.