Specialist, Prospect Research

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund seeks a Specialist, Prospect Research to analyze donors with Major Gift capacity and advise fundraising strategy. You will collaborate with Major Gift Officers and Foundation Officers on prospect movement, pipeline management, and targeted donor research.

This 2-year fixed-term role offers full benefits and the option to work remotely or hybrid near EDF offices, with responsibilities including producing briefing materials and mapping donor relationships to support

Qualifications

• At least 3 years in Prospect Research with targeted searches and databases.
• Experience with Salesforce, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory Online, RelSci.
• Familiarity with Blackbaud ResearchPoint and SEC filings is a plus.
• Ability to synthesize large data and present clear recommendations.
• Strong written and oral communication; confidentiality and organization.

Responsibilities

• Conducts reactive research and prepares briefing materials for executives and staff.
• Partners with Major Gifts Officers and Foundation Officers on strategy development.
• Manages research needs for meetings with donors.
• Assesses capacity, interests, philanthropy and relationships to identify new prospective donors.
• Uses external resources like Foundation Directory Online and Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Project management

Confidentiality

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

LexisNexis

Foundation Directory Online

RelSci

Blackbaud ResearchPoint

SEC filings

Job description

Title

Specialist, Prospect Research

Reports To

Manager, Prospect Research

Department

Development - Prospect Research

Location

Remote - US Home, or Hybrid, if near one of our EDF office locations

Duration

This is a 2-year fixed-term position, with full benefits and the possibility of extension.

Overall Function

Under the supervision of the Manager, Prospect Research, the Specialist, Prospect Research researches, analyzes, and recommends strategy on donors and prospective donors with Major Gift capacity.

The Prospect Research Specialist also partners with Major Gift Officers and Foundation Officers on strategy and assists with special projects, including those focused on prospect movement and pipeline management, relationship mapping, and identifying prospective donors for specific programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts reactive research and prepares briefing materials for Executive & Development Staff for events and meetings, with emphasis on constituents’ wealth, interests (including philanthropic interests) and relationships.
• Partners with Major Gifts Officers and Foundation Officers (focusing on strategy development).
• Manages research needs for Mission Staff’s meetings with donors.
• Assesses capacity, interests, philanthropy and relationships to identify and qualify new prospective donors and assesses new opportunities with existing donors, through the following avenues:
• Research on prospective donors suggested by staff and volunteers.
• Research on Membership donors who appear to have major gift potential from wealth screening results.
• Mission-specific and regional prospectingandmapping.
• External resources including Foundation Directory Online, Chronicle of Philanthropy and Inside Philanthropy.
• Participates in advancing EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in a relevant field with at least 3 years relevant experience, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in Prospect Research, including experience with targeted Google searches, Salesforce, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory Online, RelSci, and other common sources.
• Experience with Blackbaud ResearchPoint and analyzing Securities & Exchange Commission filings and other financial data a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to peruse large volumes of information, find the details relevant to fundraising, present findings and recommendations clearly, concisely, and accurately a must.
• Candidate must be a self-starter, detail oriented, well-organized, and able to plan and execute projects from conception to completion.
• Ability to produce and manage multiple requests at one time is essential.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with environmental NGOs a plus.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

70,000 - 75,000 USD