Senior Analyst, Prospect Research
The job conducts biographical and financial research on individuals, corporations, and/or foundations to support fundraising. Identifies prospective donors using research and analysis through use of standard procedures. Forecasts and measures the effectiveness of the fiscal year and overall campaign progress, which will help employees in the job acquire higher-level knowledge and skills.
1) Improve the depth and quality of the University’s pool by leveraging internal data and publicly available information to ascertain donor interests and financial capacity.
2) Proactively identify individuals with whom the University should be forming relationships.
3) Partner with fundraisers and Prospect Development teams to efficiently help prospective donors find the path to a rewarding philanthropic relationship with the University of Chicago.
4) Actively communicate with colleagues across different teams to ensure the greatest return on investment for all projects, including those not initiated by Research.
5) Using diverse tools and resources, employ financial and biographical research methods to ensure that fundraisers are engaged in the most value-added activities and prospects receive the requisite attention and cultivation.
6) Partner with colleagues in prospect management to evolve the organization’s definition of a high-potential prospect.
7) Review, analyze, and synthesize information about individuals and groups of donors to inform fundraising strategy.
8)Analyze wealth indicators to assess philanthropic capacity of individual prospects. Collaborate with fundraisers to assist in developing cultivation and solicitation plans for key prospects.
9)Gain a thorough understanding of the data available on the University’s constituent base. Provide reporting and list generation, employing creative querying strategies.
10) Participate in large-scale pool development projects, including planning for the use of predictive models, composite scores, and donor screenings.
11) Actively monitor news publications, tying developments and trends back to work being done by the University.
12) Create briefing materials for the University President and senior leaders across the organization.
13) Proof and edit colleagues’ documents in accordance with team standards.
14) Participate in efforts to educate ARD colleagues on prospect research, the nature of wealth as it relates to philanthropy, and the University’s prospect pool.
15) Learn from peers across the industry about best practices in prospect research.
16) Share research lessons and recommendations resulting from that learning.
17) Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.