Director of Prospect Research

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Prospect Development, the Director of Prospect Research is responsible for directing the prospect identification and research programs primarily in support of leadership, major and principal gift fundraising. The Director of Prospect Research serves as a leader for prospect identification and research teams and is responsible for execution of the determined strategic vision and proactive management of all prospect identification and research activities. The position provides direct day-to-day management of professional staff members in identification and research teams. In addition, the director ensures identification and research teams have the managerial support and resources required for all internal clients (i.e., gift officers) to have a consistent, high-value experience with identification and research and provide strategic intelligence, analyses, and recommendations to support data-informed decisions across the Northeastern global network.

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in prospect research/management experience

• Minimum of 3 years of management and supervision experience required.

• Comprehensive understanding of the development cycle, especially within the context of higher education fundraising.

• Expertise in the role of prospect research throughout the cycle and advanced proficiency in the competencies detailed by Apra’s Body of Knowledge.

• Superior creative and critical thinking skills, with the ability to understand both the big picture and fine details simultaneously.

• Proficiency in identifying, evaluating, and making strategic recommendations on possible solutions.

• Ability to delegate tasks while maintaining an appropriate level of oversight.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to build strong working relationships with and secure buy-in from team, clients, leadership, and partners for new approaches.

• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a fast-paced work environment.

• Commitment to the highest standard of professional ethics, especially when working with sensitive/confidential information.

• Experience in higher education advancement

• Experience in formal project management, including deft handling of priorities and deadlines that may compete or shift.

• Knowledge of and ability to apply principles of ethics statements and policies as outlined by Apra and other related associations.

• Proficient computer skills, including the Microsoft Office suite of products and internet research.

• Experience working with a CRM/database (preferably Ascend), as well as a variety of prospect development tools.

Prospect Identification

• Develop and oversee execution of ongoing screening schedule for individual prospects.

• Develop and manage a best-in-class prospect identification team dedicated to delivering insights that improve fundraising outcomes.

• Serve as a leading expert on the nature, structure, and trajectory of wealth within the organization’s prospect base.

• Lead the team in growing and maintain knowledge of global industries and wealth sectors. Develop mechanisms to deliver this knowledge to gift officers in a useful and actionable manner.

• Using ascend and associated technologies, implement a flexible and reliable system to identify potential wealth in Northeastern’s prospect pool.

• Establish and implement metrics to evaluate prospect identification team’s contribution to overall fundraising outcomes.

Prospect Research

• Provide strategic direction to streamline business processes.

• Oversee creation of appropriate strategic research product and other materials for SVP and President

• Establish and implement metrics to evaluate prospect research team’s contribution to overall fundraising outcomes.

• Maximize the use of ascend for prospect research purposes. Evolve Advancement research use of associated technologies to employ innovative and adaptable prospecting methods that address Northeastern University fundraising priorities.

• Evolve the prospect research liaison program, creating relationship with fundraising teams that lead to deep collaboration, the establishment and pursuit of shared objectives and mutual understanding of priorities and opportunities in the prospect pool.

Personnel & Project Management

• Mentor, coach, and lead prospect identification and research staff

• Set annual and long-term activity goals and short-term operational plan for identification and research team.

• Manage employees by establishing annual performance goals and assessing annual performance.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.