Donor Prospect Researcher

Join Buckner International as a Donor Prospect Research Specialist! In this impactful role, you'll leverage your research skills to identify potential donors who can make a significant difference in our community and bring hope to those in need. If you're passionate about philanthropy and making a positive impact, this is the perfect opportunity. Together, we can transform lives and create a brighter future for countless individuals. Apply now to be part of our mission.

What you'll do

• Develop high-level prospect profiles, briefing materials, and strategic insights that equip fundraisers with actionable intelligence for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship planning.


• Partner with fundraisers, development leadership, and data teams to shape prospect strategy, support portfolio development, and anticipate research needs tied to organizational priorities.


• Conduct comprehensive landscape scans using advanced research tools, industry databases, and public sources to build a robust pipeline of individual, foundation, and corporate prospects aligned with organizational priorities.


• Update and manage donor information in the donor information system, including research findings, biographical, and financial information.


• Lead data mining, wealth analysis, and segmentation strategies to identify high-value donor opportunities.


• Develop targeted queries and analytical models that surface prospects with strong capacity and strategic alignment.


• Use online and print resources to research identified prospects.


• Monitor industry trends, emerging philanthropic activity, and market shifts. Proactively surface insights that influence strategic planning and portfolio opportunities.


• Lead the design and execution of prospect screening initiatives to support campaign planning, board engagement, and long-term revenue forecasting.


• Produce prospect screening lists for campaign and development councils as needed.


• Review daily, weekly, and monthly publications to uncover timely information about prospects, donors, trustees, board members, and others to facilitate the cultivation of prospects.

What You'll bring:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a development or international department, which includes a comprehensive fundraising program.


• Prior related prospect research experience required.


• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.


• Requires successful experience working with donor-related information and proficient working knowledge of data management, queries, exports, reporting, and prospect research.


• Requires working knowledge of fundraising and public relations regulations governing individuals, institutions, and employees.


• Knowledge of constituent data management systems; years of experience preferred.


• Demonstrated success in building strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues and external partners.


• Strong diplomacy, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across diverse groups.


• Utilize your excellent analytical and research skills to synthesize complex information, providing actionable insights that influence strategic decisions and advance our mission—highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Proficient in strategic and logistical planning; capable of leading meetings, presentations, and donor engagements.

 The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.