Prospect Researcher

Facing History and Ourselves, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Facing History & Ourselves is seeking a Prospect Researcher to identify and analyze donor information, delivering research products and risk assessments to inform engagement strategies. You will support donor pipeline growth and relationship management within a global education nonprofit.

The role emphasizes producing donor profiles, due diligence, and collaboration with Institutional Partnerships and grants teams to support regional expansion. Immediate start in a remote home-based setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of direct experience in prospect research.
• Experience with both individual and institutional research.
• Proficiency with prospect research tools (e.g., iWave, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory Online, GrantWatch, RelationshipScience) and CRM systems.
• Experience in the nonprofit sector; background in education or nonprofit education is a bonus.
• Demonstrated ability to work both as a team member and as an independent contributor.

Responsibilities

• Produce a standardized set of research products including donor profiles, briefings, and event snapshots for leadership and regional teams.
• Conduct research on individual and institutional prospects to map relationships and giving capacity.
• Perform thorough due diligence and risk assessments to protect the organization.
• Collaborate with event leads to prioritize guest lists for fundraisers and cultivation events.
• Coordinate with MD, Institutional Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives and grants team to generate institutional prospects for regional growth.
• Manage the transition of raw wealth screening data into qualified screening and ensure a high-quality donor pipeline.
• Synthesize information into concise summaries for Development leadership and board bios.

Skills

Prospect research

Research analysis

Communication

Tools

iWave

LexisNexis

Foundation Directory Online

GrantWatch

RelationshipScience

Salesforce

Job description

Reports to: Managing Director, Development Strategy & Services

Location: US-Based Home Office

Status: Exempt; Full Time

Salary Range*: $58,000 - $65,000 (IC2/B3)

Start Date: Immediate

Facing History & Ourselves is a global education non-profit organization that challenges teachers and students to use lessons of history to stand up to racism, antisemitism, and other forms of bigotry and hate.

Role Summary

The Prospect Researcher identifies and analyzes information on individual and institutional donors to help the Development team build informed engagement strategies. By delivering a range of research products—from high-level snapshots to in-depth profiles—and conducting critical risk assessments, this role ensures the department has the actionable insights needed to grow the donor pipeline and support strong, well-informed relationship management.

Key Duties & Accountabilities

Produce a standardized "menu" of research products, including in-depth donor profiles, meeting briefings, and at-a-glance event snapshots tailored to specific use cases for executive leadership, senior development staff, and regional teams.

Perform research on both individual and institutional prospects (foundations and corporations) to map relationships and identify giving capacity, affinity, and philanthropic history.

Conduct thorough due diligence and formal risk assessment vetting to protect the organization and ensure alignment with gift acceptance policies.

Partner with event leads to prioritize guest lists and identify "must-know" prospects for signature fundraisers and cultivation events.

Partner with the Managing Director, Institutional Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives and grant writing team to produce a steady stream of institutional prospects that support regional expansion.

Manage the transition of "Raw Screening" (initial wealth data) into "Qualified Screening" by validating and confirming data to ensure a high-quality donor pipeline.

Synthesize information from multiple sources into concise summaries for Development leadership and board bios.

Proactive Identification & Strategic Support (25%)

Dedicate consistent time to proactive prospecting to uncover high-potential individuals and institutions not yet assigned to a portfolio.

Support specialized strategic needs, such as identifying candidates for Board pipeline growth, expansion into new geographies, and tracking philanthropic trends.

Monitor external news and financial filings for indicators of new wealth or shifting interests among potential donors.

Training & Staff Enablement (15%)

Develop and deliver standard onboarding and refresher training to help Development staff navigate basic research tools and interpret profiles.

Create role-specific guidance for staff on leveraging research tools (e.g., iWave) for local projects and relationship management.

Establish and manage clear request protocols and turnaround standards to ensure the department understands how to access research services.

Core Competencies for Role:

Strong research and analytical abilities with a skill for synthesizing information from multiple sources into a clear narrative.

Disciplined self-starter who takes initiative and manages their own research queue and project timelines independently.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for creating brief, readable formats for busy stakeholders.

Customer-service mindset, characterized by responsiveness, professionalism, and a commitment to meeting established deadlines.

High degree of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive or confidential donor information.

Other Skills & Qualities:

Minimum 2 years of direct experience in prospect research with a proven track record of producing various research products, including profiles, briefings, and risk assessments.

Experience with both individual and institutional research required.

Proficiency with prospect research tools (e.g., iWave, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory Online, GrantWatch, RelationshipScience) and CRM systems required; Salesforce experience is a plus.

Experience in the nonprofit sector required; background in the education or nonprofit education sector is a significant bonus.

Demonstrated ability to work both as a collaborative team member and as a focused, independent contributor.

Benefits Summary: In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, Facing History provides an excellent and competitive compensation and benefits package including medical with a fully employer-sponsored health reimbursement account (HRA), dental, vision, life & AD&D, long-term & short-term disability insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary organizational contribution, generous paid time off, an employee assistance program, travel assistance plan, pre-tax commuter spending accounts, flexible spending accounts, voluntary Colonial Life group plans, robust wellness programs through aHealthyMe, an employee discounted marketplace through BenefitHub, weekly virtual yoga and meditation, 403(b) advisement, and a friendly work environment.

Facing History values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion. Our strength as an organization is directly tied to the diversity of our staff, leadership, educators, students, scholars, and volunteers. We strongly encourage each member of our community to be intentional and self-reflective in their attitudes toward others. This intentionality not only makes for a safer, happier, and more vibrant workplace, but it reflects the ethical framework of the content we produce for teachers and students. Our continued dedication to an inclusive work environment includes facilitating group learning journeys throughout the year and making space for optional employee resource groups. Together we show grace and support to ourselves and our colleagues so that we can all contribute in ways which are meaningful and rewarding.

Remote-first/Hybrid Work Model (US Home Based): Facing History & Ourselves operates in a remote-first/hybrid work model, allowing staff flexibility in both schedules and work locations. This particular position is home-based. Travel is required.

* We strive to offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience in a similar position. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary range between the minimum and midpoint depending on experience and in alignment with internal parity.