Donor Prospect Research Associate

Donor Prospect Research Associate

Exempt/Non-exempt: Non-exempt

Reports to: Associate Director, Database Operations

Date: January 12, 2026

Position Summary: The Donor Prospect Research Associate collaborates closely with the Development team to ensure fundraisers are equipped with accurate, actionable, and timely prospect intelligence. This role applies research and data analysis expertise to build and maintain robust prospect pools, support data-driven fundraising strategies, and inform donor engagement efforts. This position is also responsible for prospect portfolio distribution, prospect-related reporting, and the ongoing maintenance of prospect research data within the Raiser’s Edge database.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct comprehensive prospect research using a wide range of biographical, organizational, and financial sources, including online databases, public records, and other reputable resources.


• Prepare concise, high-level donor briefings and profiles for PCF leadership and Development staff.


• Record and maintain donor biographies, ratings, and related research data in Raiser’s Edge to ensure accuracy and usability.


• Assess prospective donors’ capacity, inclination, philanthropic history, and connections to PCF. Analyze complex information to identify gift capacity and provide clear recommendations to guide donor engagement strategies.


• Provide administrative support to gift officers, including preparing donor lists, briefing materials, and other stewardship tasks.


• Partner with gift officers, consultants, and Development leadership to share research findings, insights, and strategies. Support effective communication and coordination across the Development team to advance fundraising goals. Identify and correct data entry errors and inconsistencies.


• Ensure donor data is secure and handled in compliance with organizational policies.


• Stay current on best practices, tools, and trends in prospect research, prospect management, and the broader Development field. Always adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards established by PCF.


• Maintain documentation of data research procedures and best practices.


• Maintain knowledge and understanding of PCF’s mission, programs, and fundraising needs and goals.

Required Skills/Competencies:  

• Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge or a comparable non-profit CRM software.


• Demonstrated experience in prospect research, data analysis, and development services within a nonprofit or higher education environment.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce concise and accurate research profiles.


• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to ethical research practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, or similar).

Physical Demands: Bending, sitting, and lifting (20 pounds or less, not repetitive)

Position type and expected work hours: Entry-level
full-time, typically 8:00 am-5:00 pm, five days a week, but can expect to work on weekends and more than 40 hours a week infrequently. This role is in-office 4 to 5 days per week. Applicants must be local to Los Angeles or willing to relocate.

Travel: <5%.

Other Duties: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.