Senior Prospect Analyst, Philanthropic Due Diligence

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

George Washington University is seeking a Senior Prospect Analyst to conduct due diligence research on individuals, corporations, foundations, and international entities. The role involves preparing clear, concise reports and supporting established workflows and documentation standards to ensure consistent research quality.

Based in Foggy Bottom, the position collaborates across prospect research and advancement staff to support donor strategy while handling sensitive information with judgement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree or higher
• Experience in prospect research, due diligence, or investigative research preferred
• Strong ability to synthesize information into concise written reports

Responsibilities

• Conduct due diligence research on individuals, corporations, foundations, and international entities
• Prepare structured due diligence reports highlighting potential risks
• Support due diligence workflows and document standards
• Collaborate with research and advancement staff to fulfill requests
• Oversee documentation for review and escalation as needed
• Utilize research tools to gather and verify information

Skills

Due diligence research

Analytical reporting

Collaboration

Research tools proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or higher (optional)

Tools

LexisNexis

Factiva

Dow Jones

Public records

Job description

Senior Prospect Analyst, Philanthropic Due Diligence

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

As George Washington University expands its global fundraising and engagement efforts, the need for consistent and reliable due diligence research continues to grow. Advancement teams are working with an increasingly diverse pool of donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and international stakeholders, requiring thoughtful evaluation of potential reputational, ethical, and compliance considerations. The Senior Prospect Analyst, Philanthropic Due Diligence, supports this effort by conducting due diligence research and contributing to review processes. This role helps ensure that decisions related to donor engagement are informed by accurate, well-documented research and aligned with university policies and values. Due diligence activities are currently managed within the Research and Relationship Management team alongside other prospect research and relationship management functions. This role enhances the team’s capacity by providing dedicated analytical support, improving consistency in reporting, and helping manage increasing research volume.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct due diligence research on individuals, corporations, foundations, and international entities, including review of reputational, legal, financial, and compliance-related considerations such as adverse media, sanctions, and politically exposed persons.
• Prepare clear, structured, and concise due diligence reports that summarize findings and highlight potential risks for internal stakeholders and for the university as a whole.
• Support established due diligence workflows, including intake, documentation, and tracking of research requests and outcomes.
• Assist in maintaining and applying due diligence guidelines, templates, and documentation standards to ensure consistency and quality.
• Collaborate with prospect research, relationship management, and advancement staff to fulfill research requests and provide background information to support donor strategy.
• Respond to inquiries from internal stakeholders by providing research findings and clarification within defined processes and guidelines.
• Oversee the proposal clearance/clearance to solicit process by managing the process and contributing due diligence research and ensuring relevant information is documented for review.
• Utilize internal and external research tools (e.g., LexisNexis, Factiva, Dow Jones, public records) to gather and verify information.
• Assist in monitoring emerging risks and flagging findings for escalation to senior team members as appropriate.
• Contribute to process improvements and efficiencies within due diligence research workflows.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in prospect research, due diligence, investigative research, compliance, or a related analytical field is desired.
• Experience researching individuals, corporate entities, and/or nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with research tools and databases used for due diligence and background research.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or advancement environments preferred.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to gather, evaluate, and interpret information from multiple sources.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise written reports.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and data integrity.
• Sound judgment and ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow established policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Benefits

• GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

College/School/Department: University Advancement

Family

Family Dev & Alumni Relations

Sub-Family

Sub-Family Prospect Management and Research

Stream

Level

Level Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule:

Work Schedule: Mon- Friday Daytime Hours

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status

Employee Onsite Status Hybrid

Telework:

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check:

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number:

Posting Number: S014514

Job Open Date:

Job Open Date: 10/09/2026

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.