Senior Prospect Analyst, Philanthropic Due Diligence

George Washington University; Washington; Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

George Washington University seeks a Senior Prospect Analyst, Philanthropic Due Diligence, to support its global fundraising and engagement efforts through rigorous due diligence research on donors and entities.

In this hybrid role located at Foggy Bottom in Washington, D.C., you will prepare concise reports, manage workflows, and help ensure compliance with university policies while collaborating with Advancement staff and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in prospect research, due diligence, investigative research, compliance, or a related analytical field.
• Experience researching individuals, corporate entities, and nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with research tools and databases used for due diligence and background research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct due diligence research on individuals, corporations, foundations, and international entities, including review of reputational, legal, financial, and compliance-related considerations.
• 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.

Skills

Prospect research

Due diligence

Investigative research

Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or higher

Tools

LexisNexis

Factiva

Dow Jones

Public records

Job description

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.

Hiring Range

$58,992.50 - $97,373.72

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare 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.

Job Details

• Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
• College/School/Department: University Advancement
• Family: Dev & Alumni Relations
• Sub-Family: Prospect Management and Research
• Stream: Individual Contributor
• Level: Level 2
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Hours Per Week: 40
• Work Schedule: Mon- Friday Daytime Hours
• Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes
• Employee Onsite Status: Hybrid
• Telework: Yes
• 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? No
• Posting Number: S014514
• Job Open Date: 10/09/2026
• 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.