Development Prospect Researcher I

ABOUT UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Georgia State University Advancement works to further Georgia State’s status as a national leader in student success, research and innovation, and cultural impact. By connecting with alumni, engaging donors, and increasing philanthropic support for students and scholars, we’re helping to transform lives and build our global community. The University Advancement Division furthers the university and its mission through several departments, including Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Alumni Relations, and the Georgia State University Foundation.

These are exciting times at the University Advancement. We are growing, and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission to identify, cultivate, and steward donors.

Are you ready for us? Are you seeking an opportunity with purpose and direction? If you are, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We hire great people from a wide variety of educational, career, and personal backgrounds, not just because it is the right thing to do but because it makes us a stronger team.

University Advancement is seeking (1) Development Prospect Researcher I to join the already incredible team taking Georgia State University to the next level of excellence!

WHAT MAKES UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT A GREAT PLACE?

• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.

• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with cross-campus and external partners

• Professional development opportunity and mentorship

• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Prospect Development & Analytics, the Development Prospect Researcher (Development Management Specialist I) conducts in-depth and confidential prospect research on individuals, corporations and foundations to ensure campus-wide fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals. Research includes collection, interpretation, analysis and documentation of data on prospects, current donors and other constituent groups. 

Job Duties:

Major Gifts Prospect Identification

• Proactively and independently plan and execute industry best practice strategies to identify sources of major gift ($25,000) private support using research techniques and electronic searching methodologies to ensure that campus wide fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals.

• Develop and execute strategies to ensure that newly identified prospects are presented and assigned to appropriate campus fundraisers in a timely manner.

Prospect Research, Analysis and Writing

• Provide high-level research on individuals, corporations, and foundations using a wide variety of biographical, organizational and financial sources, including state-of-the-art online database services, Internet websites, library and government sources and other external repositories of public information. 

• Analyze and synthesize accumulated information to assess financial capacity, philanthropic tendencies, giving propensity and linkages to campus.  Evaluate research results to develop and implement further research strategies utilizing ethical intelligence-gathering techniques of the information profession.

• Research/identify potential volunteers for leadership positions, stewardship events, President’s events, Alumni Association Board, GSU Foundation Board, and campaign committees.

Consultation

• As a liaison to a portfolio of development directors, collaborate and consult with diverse campus contact including gift officers, development staff, and other University staff on matters related to portfolio development, solicitation strategy formulation, and information gathering through peer screenings. 

• Interpret results and provide direction on the segmentation and management of large groups of prospects and donors identified through the electronic screening process.

Other Duties Assigned

• Assist with work related to the campus-wide prospect management and tracking system (Salesforce Ascend) as needed.  Work in a team environment with the Director of Development Prospect & Research Management in the direction and training of newly hired Research staff and student assistants. 

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties if requested by the supervisor. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised if deemed necessary. 

• Individuals will also be required to work some nights and weekends, when necessary, travel (via plane, train, or car) at least 15% of the time within and outside of the state of Georgia.

To be fully considered for this position, all candidates must submit the following at the time of submission:

• A complete and accurate GSU application.
• Resume.
• Cover Letter outlining your experiences as it relates to the purpose and mission of GSU Advancement.

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Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience; or a combination of education and related experience

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• Some knowledge of standard reference/information sources and library skills. 

• Ability to read and interpret financial, technical, and trade documents, including annual reports, real property files, and court records, among others.

• Experience working in higher education and/or nonprofit organizations.

• Working knowledge of Salesforce Ascend fundraising software, or a comparable fundraising database.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.