Research Specialist (Prospect Development Specialist)

The Charlotte Observer Publishing Company; Kent, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent State University in Kent, OH is seeking a Research Specialist (Prospect Development Specialist) to conduct specialized research for development professionals to enhance private gift support and recruit key volunteers.

The role analyzes financial, statistical, and narrative documents, and prepares briefing materials for senior leadership, while maintaining data accuracy and supporting policy developments in prospect research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; one year experience in prospect research or related fundraising field.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-depth research on potential prospects using internal and external tools to identify financial capacity and philanthropic interests.
• Uncover trends within large data sets and guide segmentation and outreach strategies.
• Collaborate in portfolio review meetings with Philanthropic Advisors.
• Analyze and synthesize information into concise documents for engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Prepare prospect briefing documents for university leadership and events.
• Maintain accuracy and breadth of constituent data in the system of record.
• Assist in developing prospect research policies and procedures.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Library Science, or a related field

Job description

Research Specialist (Prospect Development Specialist)

995913

Kent State University, Kent, OH (hybrid work schedule)

Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Dept of Prospect Management and Research

Basic Function:

To conduct specialized research for development professionals to enhance the university's ability to secure private gift support or recruit key volunteer positions. Perform analysis and evaluation of financial, statistical, and narrative documents. Reports to designated administrator.

Duties:

• Perform in-depth research on potential major gift prospects using advanced techniques and various internal and external research tools to identify financial capacity, philanthropic interests, university affinity and key relationships critical to the development of portfolios and strength of the prospect pipeline.
• Uncover trends within large data sets and apply findings to identify constituents showing readiness to engage and interests aligned with university priorities to guide segmentation and outreach strategies.
• In collaboration with Prospect Management and Portfolio Development, actively participate in planning and/or execution of portfolio review meetings with Philanthropic Advisors.
• Analyze and synthesize large blocks of information into succinct documents and disseminate actionable information to divisional partners to support the development of engagement, cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Prepare prospect briefing documents on individuals and organizations for the President and university officials for donor/prospect meetings and strategic events.
• Proactively improve and maintain the accuracy and breadth of information available on constituents within the university's system of record.
• Assist in the development of prospect research policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Library Science, or a related field;one year experience in prospect research or related fundraising field.