Prospect Researcher and Proposal Writer

Tuskegee University; Tuskegee (AL); Remote; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Tuskegee University is seeking a Prospect Researcher and Proposal Writer to support fundraising efforts. This full-time position involves researching potential donors, drafting proposals, and collaborating with various departments to align strategies. The role is eligible for remote work.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in prospect research, proposal writing, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Identify and research potential donors using various resources.
• Draft and edit donor-centric proposals tailored to prospects.
• Collaborate with development officers to gather content for proposals.

Skills

Research

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Each applicant, including all current employees, must complete and submit the following documents:

• Tuskegee University employment application
• Resume/CV
• Copies of unofficial transcripts.
• Please note that official transcripts(s) will be required upon hire

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Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Prospect Researcher and Proposal Writer

Status

Status Full Time

Job Summary

Tuskegee University seeks a resourceful, analytical, and mission-driven professional to serve as Prospect Researcher and Proposal Writer in the Division of Development and Alumni Engagement. This role provides critical support to frontline fundraisers by identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing prospective donors while also drafting compelling proposals and case language that reflect the university’s strategic priorities.

Reporting to the Development Communications Manager, this position bridges the functions of donor intelligence and philanthropic communications, supporting both the pipeline development and storytelling aspects of fundraising.

The role is eligible for remote work.

Prospect Research and Pipeline Development

• Identify and research potential donors (individuals, corporations, and foundations) using databases, public records, and other resources.
• Prepare detailed research profiles, briefing documents, and capacity ratings to support cultivation and solicitation strategies by development officers and university leadership.
• Monitor news, philanthropic trends, and key relationship linkages to support prospect discovery and qualification.
• Maintain research files and coding within Raiser’s Edge NXT and ensure compliance with confidentiality standards and ethical research practices.

Proposal and Case Development

• Draft and edit donor-centric proposals, case statements, and pitch materials tailored to prospects’ philanthropic interests and aligned with university priorities.
• Collaborate with development officers, faculty, and senior administrators to gather content for customized proposals.
• Translate complex academic initiatives into compelling narratives for philanthropic audiences.
• Support proposal production processes, including formatting, version control, and packaging.

Collaboration and Strategy

• Work closely with the Development Communications Manager, frontline fundraising staff, and campaign leadership to align research and written materials with overall advancement strategy.
• Contribute to moves management meetings by offering research insights and identifying potential opportunities for strategic outreach.
• Support the coordination of proposal timelines and workflow across multiple departments and projects.

Qualifications (Education, Experience and Specialized Training)

• 2–3 years of experience in prospect research, proposal writing, development communications, grant writing, or a related field.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Tuskegee University’s history, mission, and alumni community.
• Understanding of advancement, fundraising, or alumni engagement processes.
• Cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.

Physical Demands

Skills and Attributes

Knowledge:

• Proven ability to conduct online and database research, synthesize information, and make informed recommendations.

Skills:

• Excellent written communication and editing skills, with strong attention to tone, clarity, and storytelling

Ability:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining high quality and confidentiality

Posting Number

Posting Number S845

Will this position required travel?

Yes

Will this position required night, weekend, and after hour work?

No

Will this positon be supported using grants or contract funding?

No

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Open Date 05/16/2025

Close Date

Close Date 08/16/2025

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions Summary

Each applicant, including all current employees, must complete and submit the following documents:

• Tuskegee University employment application
• Resume/CV
• Copies of unofficial transcripts.
• Please note that official transcripts(s) will be required upon hire

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have at least an associate’s degree? (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
  • yes
  • no
• * Describe your experience in prospect research, proposal writing, development communications, grant writing, or a related field.

  (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Transcript 1
Optional Documents
• Cover Letter