Associate Director of Prospect Research and Management - Institutional Advancement

Grand Valley State University • Grand Rapids, MI

7d • $75,000

About The Position

This position provides the strategic vision for and day-to-day management of the comprehensive moves management and prospect research program at Institutional Advancement. This role oversees the identification of new prospects and facilitates strategies and activities that successfully move prospects through the solicitation cycle. This position also provides data-driven strategies and insights to guide Grand Valley State University market building initiatives across Michigan and the United States; and informs the creation of high-potential senior university leadership portfolios. This position will work closely with senior staff and gift officers to shape overall strategy, set fundraising targets, and ensure that portfolio development aligns with institutional priorities. This position oversees the activities of prospect research staff to accomplish strategic and operational objectives with functional excellence. Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $75,000 , commensurate with experience Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or experience equivalent to that which would normally be gained through completion of a four-year degree.
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience in prospect research, development, or related field.
• Proven ability to develop and lead research strategies, manage projects, and provide mentorship.
• Strong knowledge of prospect research tools, techniques, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data and present actionable recommendations.
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheet, or database software, preferably MS Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work as a member of the team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle information in a confidential and sensitive manner.
• Ability to work weekend and evening hours for fundraising functions as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in leading a team/division of direct reports in executing Corporate, Foundation, Major, Principal, and Annual Giving research and moves management operations within a higher education or hospital setting.
• Experience in leading prospect research efforts in a comprehensive or capital campaign environment.
• Experience with creating presentations for high-level internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge NXT.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a prospect research strategy inclusive of qualification, prioritization and portfolio management, that aligns with the university’s fundraising and volunteer and alumni engagement priorities.
• Lead efforts to build and enhance the prospect pipeline, identifying high-capacity individuals and organizations while collaborating across the division to create prospect and constituent-level engagement strategies.
• Contribute to the creation of campaign strategies, ensuring that research supports target setting and effective donor engagement.
• Provide data and insights to guide discussions on major gift solicitation, capital campaigns, and annual fundraising goals.
• Work with leadership and fundraisers to develop detailed prospect portfolios for the President, Deans, and other high-profile leaders.
• Help senior leaders optimize their donor engagement efforts by providing research-driven strategic recommendations.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to the prospect research team, including all staff and student workers.
• Lead division-wide efforts to grow and deepen understanding of prospect research best practices across the division and serve as a resource for gift officers and support staff.
• Deploy an entrepreneurial mind-set to evaluate and source prospects from a wide array of research sources for strategic campaign initiatives ranging from local, regional, and national events, internet research tools, online databases, prospect mapping exercises, news media, and other outlets.
• Analyze and synthesize research findings into comprehensive profiles and reports that assess capacity, philanthropic interests, and engagement potential.
• Determine prospect review needs and facilitate strategic talking points and research support for major events.
• Collaborate with teams across the division to ensure accurate and timely management in the CRM system.
• Develop and refine reports and dashboards that track prospecting activities, donor pipeline growth, and portfolio performance.
• Ensure department adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of Grand Valley State University, Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
• Manage and evaluate prospect research subscriptions, subscription services, and other tools and applications used for research purposes, as needed.
• Be a culture champion by instilling confidence and excitement in others regarding our mission and goals.
• Attend and assist as supportive fundraiser at major events.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director