Prospect Research Analyst

Saint Mary's College; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Mary’s College is seeking a Prospect Research Analyst to analyze financial capacity, giving propensity, and connections to inform fundraising strategies. The role emphasizes confidential data handling, collaboration with field fundraisers, and producing detailed briefings for leadership.

You will manage multiple projects, stay current on research methods, and supervise a student worker while supporting the college’s fundraising goals with ethical, precise information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2–5 years of prospect research or related experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Google Workspace, and CRM databases.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Discretion handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Identify and research prospective major gifts by analyzing capacity and relationships.
• Prepare confidential prospect research reports and briefings.
• Monitor news and financial information related to alumni and donors.
• Enter and maintain prospect data in the CRM with accuracy.
• Collaborate with field fundraisers to support donor strategies.
• Support senior staff with data analysis, reporting, and list creation.
• Collaborate with departments to advance fundraising objectives.
• Supervise one student worker and coordinate tasks.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

Experience: 2-5 years

Attention to detail

Research & analysis

Communication

Written & verbal skills

Project management

Discretion & judgment

Data integrity

Independent & collaborative work

Overall data gathering & synthesis

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Google Workspace (Sheets & Docs)

CRM databases

Job description

The Prospect Research Analyst is a primarily research- and data-driven position responsible for analyzing and documenting information to assess financial capacity, philanthropic tendencies, giving propensity, and connections to Saint Mary’s College. The successful candidate will be a strong collaborator who is comfortable and skilled in using prospect research databases and is excited about gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information.

The Prospect Research Analyst will demonstrate a strong commitment to providing accurate, highly confidential, and ethical information. The ideal candidate will have a love of learning, a natural curiosity about data, strong attention to detail, and a focused and persistent approach to gathering information. The position requires an independent self-starter who can effectively manage multiple priorities while supporting the College’s fundraising goals.

The position will conduct confidential prospect research reports and briefings, complete data-related tasks, monitor relevant current news and information about prospects, maintain data integrity, and collaborate closely with field fundraisers to support donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 2–5 years of experience in prospect research, fundraising research, data analysis, development, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and data integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze information, and break down complex problems using effective research and analytical techniques.
• Ability to gather, synthesize, and communicate large amounts of information from multiple sources in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computerized systems, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Workspace (Sheets and Documents), and CRM databases.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong commitment to providing accurate, complete, accessible, and timely information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as a self-starter while also collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with prospect research within a higher education, nonprofit, or fundraising environment.
• Knowledge of general fundraising principles, practices, and the major gift fundraising process.
• Experience using prospect research and fundraising databases or platforms, including CRM systems.
• Knowledge of financial research and the ability to evaluate financial capacity, philanthropic history, giving propensity, and relationships or connections to an organization.
• Experience researching publicly available financial and corporate information, including SEC filings, press releases, corporate disclosures, and news sources.
• Experience preparing prospect research reports, donor briefings, and other materials to support fundraising and donor cultivation strategies.
• Familiarity with prospect management, portfolio development, list creation, data analysis, and fundraising reporting.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in prospect research and development.
• Experience supervising or mentoring student workers or other support staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Identify and research prospective major gift donors by analyzing financial capacity, philanthropic tendencies, giving propensity, relationships, interests, and connections to Saint Mary’s College.
• Conduct comprehensive research and prepare confidential prospect research reports and briefings to support donor cultivation, engagement, and solicitation strategies.
• Monitor current news, publicly available financial information, corporate activity, and other relevant information related to alumni, friends, donors, and prospects.
• Identify and track significant accomplishments, career developments, life events, philanthropic activity, and areas of interest for alumni, friends, donors, and prospects.
• Enter and maintain accurate and timely prospect information in the College’s CRM, including employment, education, contact information, relationships, interests, and other relevant data.
• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, completeness, and accessibility of prospect and donor information.
• Prepare detailed research briefings and background materials for senior leadership and development staff to support donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Partner with field fundraisers by providing timely and relevant research and information to assist with prospect strategy, engagement, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Assist the Director of Research for Development with prospect management, list creation, data analysis, reporting, and other development research initiatives.
• Collaborate with Gift Processing, Alumnae Relations, Development, and other College departments to support fundraising and advancement objectives.
• Stay current on prospect research trends, tools, resources, and best practices.
• Supervise and provide direction to one student worker.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Schedule

This is a full-time position. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday during normal business hours, with occasional evening and weekend work required based on departmental needs, special events, or College activities. This is an on-site position.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must not require visa sponsorship from the College, either now or in the future.