Administration and Management Job Description

Development Researcher

Summary:

The Development Researcher conducts research on individuals in support of fundraiser’s qualification of them as prospective donors.  Individual writes reports which analyze and evaluate biographical, professional, and financial resources of these prospective donors. By consulting directly with the Director of Development and other fundraisers, major donor prospects having the propensity and capacity to support Whitehead Institute are identified and qualified. The Development Researcher is responsible for keeping all research documents and prospect information on the shared databases current.

Responsibilities:

• Research identified suspects for fundraisers to evaluate and qualify them as prospective individual donors.
• Analyze and assess information obtained through available resources and research tools.
• Utilize quantitative criteria, including income, assets, liabilities, giving patterns and philanthropic interests to evaluate each prospect’s potential and propensity to give.
• Evaluate research results along with any Whitehead connections to develop and implement further research strategies to understand prospect thoroughly.
• Prepare in-depth proactive, as well as reactive, profiles including biographical, professional and financial information as required by the Director of Development and fundraising staff.
• Prepare event briefings as needed by the Institute.
• Maintain all research documents and prospect information on the shared databases.
• Respond to high priority and ad hoc research requests from the Director of Development and other members of our community.
• Assist with planning for donor visits and Institute events.
• Perform other duties as necessitated by the position or as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and education
• 2+ years of prospect research experience
• Ability to analyze financial data and related business information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Computer proficiency, including in MS Office, Raiser’s Edge, and other Development research tools
• Must be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize
• Must be accurate, detail oriented, dependable, and flexible
• Must use discretion and understand the confidential nature of the work
• Must be able to interact comfortably and productively with internal staff, external volunteers and donors at all levels

How to Apply

Last updated Otober 3, 2008.