Prospect Research & Management Lead (Hybrid)

Simmons University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons University is seeking an analytical Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Management to enhance our major gifts pipeline. You will conduct research, manage portfolios, and coordinate workflows that drive fundraising outcomes.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Services, you will combine data, analytics, and collaborative work with fundraisers to inform qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies across the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1–3 years of experience in prospect research, advancement services, or a related field.
• Proficiency in prospect research tools (e.g., iWave, LexisNexis) and moves management concepts.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Outstanding skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and CRM systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive and responsive prospect research using a variety of tools and sources.
• Review, synthesize, and document biographical, professional, financial, philanthropic, relationship, engagement, and donor information to assess capacity and inclination.
• Prepare clear, concise, actionable prospect profiles and research products for fundraisers and University leadership.
• Develop research-informed recommendations on giving capacities and ask amounts.
• Conduct affinity analysis and relationship mapping to identify connections, interests, motivations, and pathways for engagement.
• Coordinate timely delivery of accurate prospect research findings to prospect managers to facilitate relationship building.
• Monitor news and alerts on prospects and share relevant updates with fundraisers.
• Identify and recommend new major and principal gift prospects aligned with institutional priorities.
• Serve as operational coordinator for the prospect management program and support moves management workflows.
• Maintain and update prospect records in the donor database.
• Assist with portfolio review processes and pipeline tracking.
• Track prospect management actions and coordinate follow-up to move the pipeline.
• Contribute to meetings and reporting on prospect activity and pipeline health.
• Coordinate prospect management workflows related to events and engagement activity.

Skills

Research

Analytical thinking

Written communication

CRM proficiency

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

iWave

LexisNexis

Foundation Directory

LinkedIn

CRM systems

Job description

Simmons University is seeking an analytical Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Management to enhance our major gifts pipeline. You will conduct research, manage portfolios, and coordinate workflows that drive fundraising outcomes.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Services, you will combine data, analytics, and collaborative work with fundraisers to inform qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies across the lifecycle.