Senior Prospect Research Strategist

Job Description

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.  

The mission of the Development team is to facilitate private resources to enhance and protect the University’s reputation and support equitable community building and service. This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

Prospect Development has an exciting opening for a Senior Prospect Research Strategist. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Senior Prospect Research Strategist is responsible for partnering with large, complex and high-volume units across the University of Washington to enhance the effectiveness of their frontline fundraising. This position works with campus leadership, fundraisers and Advancement services teams to create and execute plans to meet prospecting needs to help maximize returns from solicitations for private gifts and grants.

What You Will Do:

Frontline Fundraising Support (75%)

• Partner with an assigned group of frontline fundraiser clients in one or more large, complex and/or high-volume units.
• Consult and advise leadership regarding prospect information needs, fundraiser performance, prospecting plans, portfolio prioritization and fundraising best practices.
• Serve as a critical partner to Advancement services staff in the implementation and design of workflows to support major gift fundraising.
• Identify, profile and prioritize potential major gift donors, both individuals and organizations.
• Strategize with fundraisers and leadership as a crucial partner regarding prospect identification and collaborate with them to develop cultivation and solicitation strategies to engage major gift prospects and secure major gifts.
• Create and develop high-level analyses (narrative reports, spreadsheets and visualizations) on prospect groups, fundraising trends and related philanthropy intelligence for clients and Advancement leadership, including recommendations for action.
• Research, capture and safeguard major gift prospects’ biographical and financial information, their relationships with the UW and their movement throughout the donor continuum and portfolio pipeline.
• Supervise workflows and delegate tasks to prospect research strategists as needed, managing outcomes and deliverables.

Program Development and Management (10%)

• Create and implement processes to manage high volume of new prospect leads, including coordination with data vendors, as necessary.
• Create, monitor and resolve audits for data integrity; complete ad hoc data cleaning projects.
• Assist in the definition and development of user documentation standards and policy and procedure library maintenance.
• Identify possible data issues when system changes are proposed.
• Advise on developing end-user reports, analysis and CRM improvements.

Training and Learning Support (10%)

• Carry out frontline fundraiser learning around prospect research concepts.
• Support frontline fundraiser training in the CRM as it relates to prospect data.
• Mentor prospect research strategists, interns and student employees. As appropriate, delegate tasks to these employees.
• Maintain Prospect Research content on intranet pages.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Requirements: 

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department. 

Bachelor's degree AND 4 years of experience in administrative, advancement, development, project management, or related field.

Additional Qualifications:

• Prospect research experience supporting frontline fundraisers, or related experience.
• Experience working with CRM platforms to manage and analyze data, track activity and support workflows.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing data to support decision-making, performance tracking and process improvement.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build trusting relationships across a large, complex and cross functional organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, for correspondence, reporting, data analysis, databases, forms, etc.

Working Conditions:

• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Hybrid work schedule with two days in the office and three days eligible for telework per week.

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

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About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.