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Form of workThe Senior Associate - Prospect Research, Analytics, and Records Management works strategically to provide the most accurate information to development team members to optimize donor strategy and drive fundraising results. Serving as the subject matter expert in a wide array of research tools and databases, they will build the program providing financial analysis and wealth assessment, products related to research analysis, and report writing tools and software. They will lead Research and prospect identification projects, consult with fundraising teams and individual development officers, create data visualizations, and ensure donor records' accuracy. The position reports to the Director of Development Services and plays a critical role in the success of the University's fundraising initiatives by identifying prospective donors, assessing their giving potential, and supporting the strategic movement of prospects by building the donor pipeline.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Review, and analyze information and conduct high-level research to evaluate the financial assets and indicators of wealth, biographical and family information, community involvement, and philanthropic interests of prospects and donors to support fundraising and stewardship goals.
- Develop high-quality, comprehensive profiles and tailored briefings using information from University records, publicly available information, and subscription resources on donors and other prospects to support the needs of the Office of the President, the Vice President of Development, front-line Development Officers, and other University leaders-- both proactively and in response to specific requests.
- Working with Development, devise and manage a comprehensive analytics program, to include predictive modeling, wealth screening, data mining, and benchmarking, gift officer productivity metrics, portfolio audit/balancing, pipeline management, and other methodologies.
- Oversee Prospect Research and management projects, to ensure a high level of performance.
- Establish and follow data management Best Practices and Data Governance Guidelines to update and manage constituent records.
- Identify funding opportunities, with particular focus on detecting/discovering relationships among individuals, organizations, and groups.
- Participate in training and professional development organizations to stay current on trends and technology related to Prospect Research.
- Train and mentor Development staff and Student workers on best practices in data integrity and data management, industry standards, and evolving trends.
- Working with Development leadership, lead planning meetings, strategy development, and prospect qualification meetings.
- Coordinate monthly Prospect Management Team meetings and semi-annual portfolio reviews with gift officers and Development leaders.
- Work closely with the communications team to help build and promote reports, briefs, and visual data.
- Ability to articulate and defend the unique Christian educational mission and vision of Liberty University and its subsidiaries to a wide variety of individuals and groups.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality while managing highly sensitive documents and information.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Masters’ Degree in Business Analytics, Data Science, or Data Analytics Certificate.
- Advanced user of research tools, analytical databases, and reporting applications
- Seven+ years’ experience in Advancement Services performing Prospect Research, in a University or non-profit setting.
- Seven to ten years of experience in Prospect Research and management in a supervisory capacity
- Experience with Fundraising software, i.e., Salesforce, or Raiser’s Edge NXT.
- Experience working across functions, especially with IT and business intelligence teams.
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Five years relevant experience in Advancement Services in non-profit or University settings or a combination of education and experience with direct experience building a Prospect Research program.
- Advanced user of research tools, analytical databases, and reporting applications
- Experience with Fundraising CRM/database systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to synthesize research details into clear and concise text.
- Sound judgment and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
- Well-developed computer skills, organizational skills, listening and discerning skills, mathematical skills, and customer relations skills.
- Proficient understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook.
- Problem solving abilities, to be able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply sound judgment to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work under strict deadlines, with a team, or individually.
- High commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
- Tact, diplomacy, and the ability to work effectively with a variety of people.
- Individual must not be in default on any federal student or parent loan.
- Individual must not be convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of federal, state, or local government funds, -or- be administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving federal, state, or local government funds (CFR 668.14(b)(18)(i)).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position may be responsible for up to 3 student workers to support workload and workflow.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOBProspect Research and Analysis
- Utilizes advanced research methodologies to gather biographical and financial data from publicly available and electronic resources.
- Analyzes and interprets research data to calculate wealth estimates, capacity ratings, and a prospect's inclination to make philanthropic contributions to the University.
- Synthesizes Research and analysis into an easily digestible format, providing potential donor strategies and other pertinent details to support the University's fundraising goals.
- Proactively identifies new prospects and networks using internal information and external resources.
- Prepares executive briefings for University leadership, including the President, Provost, Deans, Vice Presidents, and members of the Board of Trustees.
Communication and Outreach
- Advises Development Officers on prospect strategies by delivering timely and valuable information through the analysis of publicly available data and online alerts.
Prospect and Records Management
- Provides details and analysis on potential prospect strategies with Development staff and Advancement leadership team that directly impact cultivation efforts and ask amounts.
- Works in concert with colleagues to develop and maintain high-quality prospect portfolios through review sessions and analysis of Development Officer contacts and donor stages.
- Assesses intended asks/proposals to ensure they are relevant and appropriate given financial and inclination indicators.
- Ensures data integrity and overall accuracy, completeness, consistency, and validity of the fundraising database.
- Frequently required to sit for extended periods (eight or more hours) in assigned work area, departmental meetings; and other external office areas, to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
- Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally.
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
- Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop to conduct business.
- Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.
