Prospect Research Analyst

University of New Hampshire; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire seeks a Prospect Research Analyst to strategically support the fundraising program by identifying prospective donors, assessing wealth and giving capacity, and delivering research insights for major gift cultivation and solicitation.

You will collaborate with gift officers and senior leadership, manage a research queue with autonomy, and maintain CRM data integrity while applying evolving research tools and best practices in a dynamic university environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience in higher education, nonprofit, advancement, or related research.
• Experience with prospect research methodologies and donor analysis.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize large data sets into strategic insight.
• Experience with CRM platforms and prospect research tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to present findings to varied audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate prospective donors using public records and databases to assess wealth and giving capacity.
• Translate data into clear research products for gift officers and leadership.
• Monitor news and developments to surface timely intelligence for development strategy.
• Support identification through screenings, wealth analyses, and pipeline initiatives.
• Collaborate on portfolio reviews and ensure CRM data integrity and timely updates.
• Prioritize requests and deliver executive research for University leadership.

Skills

Prospect research

Wealth assessment

Data analysis

CRM experience

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Prospect research tools

Job description

The Prospect Research Analyst (PRA) is a strategic partner to the University’s fundraising program, identifying and evaluating prospective donors, delivering research intelligence, and providing the analytical insight that development teams need to cultivate and solicit major gift donors effectively. The PRA operates with a high degree of autonomy, bringing analytical rigor and professional judgment to estimate giving potential and support the strategic movement of prospects through the donor pipeline.

Duties/Responsibilities

Research and Prospect Identification (65%)

• Utilizes advanced research methodologies to gather biographical, financial, and philanthropic data from public records, subscription databases, and internal data systems to assess wealth, giving capacity, and philanthropic propensity.

• Translates complex financial, biographical, and organizational data into clear, strategically focused research products tailored to the needs of gift officers, University leadership, and volunteer boards.

• Monitors news, business developments, and other publicly available information to surface timely intelligence that informs development strategy.

• Supports proactive prospect identification through constituent screenings, giving report reviews, targeted wealth analyses, and other pipeline development initiatives.

Partnership and Outreach (15%)

• Consults with development staff to understand research needs, recommend approaches, and advise on prospect strategy by delivering timely intelligence through research, analysis, and ongoing monitoring of publicly available information.

• Presents findings and strategic recommendations to a range of audiences, from frontline gift officers to senior leadership.

Prospect Management and Portfolio Support (10%)

• Collaborates with Prospect Management and Pipeline Development colleagues on portfolio reviews, prospect assignments, and related processes, ensuring pools and portfolios are well-populated, strategically aligned, and regularly refreshed.

• Provides data-informed recommendations that shape cultivation strategies, solicitation planning, and portfolio decisions.

• Maintains data integrity within the CRM by keeping prospect ratings, assignments, and related prospect information accurate and current.

Research Workflow and Coordination (10%)

• Manages a personal research queue with a high degree of autonomy, exercising sound judgment to prioritize requests and meet deadlines effectively.

• Supports research coordination as assigned, including queue management, project intake, and timely delivery of executive research for University leadership.

• Maintains current knowledge of evolving research resources, tools, and industry best practices to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of research delivery.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience in higher education, nonprofit, advancement, or other roles requiring strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise in prospect research methodologies, wealth assessment, and donor analysis.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize large volumes of data into strategic insight.

• Experience with CRM platforms and prospect research tools.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information into clear prose and present findings effectively to audiences ranging from frontline staff to senior leadership.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills; adept at managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• High level of initiative, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to continuous professional development.

• Sound professional judgment and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Collaborative and consultative approach to working with development staff and Advancement colleagues.

• Ability to work independently, adapt readily to change, and contribute positively to a team-oriented culture.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range:

$47,920.00 - $85,410.00

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location:

Durham