Director, Research and Pipeline Development

An ideal candidate will bring a passion for our mission and previous experience leading prospect research management at large fundraising institutions or market research at large corporations. To be successful in this position, you will be able to develop and implement new systems, synthesize complex research from multiple sources into action-oriented recommendations for development officers, and demonstrate flexibility and experience in managing multiple priorities and deadlines. 

The Director of Research and Pipeline Development will also have the opportunity to interact with Year Up United students as a mentor, group facilitator, and advocate, participating in building a positive educational environment.

• Assess, develop, and implement standard policies and processes to assist all aspects of front-line fundraising efforts with a focus on institutional giving and corporate or corporate foundation giving
• Lead and coordinate the Pipeline Development and Research team to ensure timely execution and completion of research requests, projects, and proactive lead generation
• Build processes to align research on corporate philanthropy with corporate engagement pipeline management strategies to help Year Up United maximize revenue outcomes on both fronts
• Analyze and synthesize data around financial capacity, philanthropic tendencies, giving propensity, and connections to Year Up United for all institutional funders
• Monitor trends in institutional giving and corporate philanthropy
• Evaluate data to create and implement further research strategies to assist institutional giving officers with the development of cultivation and solicitation plans
• Conduct proactive lead generation to identify new high-potential prospective donors
• Collaborate with senior leadership and gift officers or sales staff to assist in developing specific cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Create and maintain a prospect management program to effectively track/monitor institutional prospects through the pipeline
• Plan and facilitate prospect review meetings, and support institutional giving development officer portfolio reviews
• Coordinate with manager and Institutional Giving leadership to assign prospects, update ratings, and review and improve internal tracking procedures 
• Develop a collaborative partnership with revenue leadership and individual development or CE staff
• Closely follow all policies and procedures aligned to industry best practices, ethical and professional research standards, leveraging technology, data integrity, and data security throughout

• Serve as a coach / mentor for a small number of current students
• Join and sometimes facilitate weekly group sessions with students
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings

• 6-7+ years of professional work experience preferred
• A professional and resourceful style with the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative and manage multiple tasks and projects at one time
• Collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
• Successful track record in qualitative and quantitative research methods, with the ability to translate information into strategy
• Strong analytical skills, harnessing complex data and distilling relevant information to drive decision-making
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Year Up United and prospect information
• Confidence in taking initiative and setting priorities, while also being flexible as needed
• Comfortable effectively managing complex situations involving numerous and sometimes competing constituencies
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and by phone
• An unwavering attention to detail and aptitude for information management required
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Ability to work with all levels of stakeholders from senior leadership to local staff
• Strong computer skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office required, especially Microsoft Word and Excel
• A passion for working with young adults, an unshakable belief in their potential and a strong commitment to the mission of Year Up United
• Understanding of the Opportunity Divide and its drivers
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

SALARY RANGE: $96,800 - $128,200

WORKING AT YEAR UP UNITED:

Starting January 5, 2026, employees are expected to work on-site at least two days per week (Monday through Thursday dependent on job requirements). To be eligible for employment, candidates must live and work in a state (or an approved proximate state*) where Year Up United operates. For a list of eligible locations, please visit:  https://www.yearup.org/job-training/locations

*Approved proximate states where Year Up United operates are: Connecticut, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Carolina and Virginia.

• Year Up United has established salary ranges for each of our sites, which allows us to pay employees competitively, equitably and consistently in different geographic markets. For roles in which the location is listed as flexible, the range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Salary offers take into account a candidate’s skills, experience, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

• Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare options and dental coverage; 401(k) match for eligible participants.

• Vacation: Earn three weeks paid vacation in first year of employment; four weeks after initial year.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Year Up United is a national 501(c)3 workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults—no matter their background, income, or zip code. Employers face a growing need for talent while millions of talented young adults lack access to meaningful careers. These inequities only further perpetuate the opportunity gap that exists in our country—a gap that Year Up United is determined and positioned to close through three interconnected strategies: providing targeted skills training and connections to livable-wage employment for students and alumni; empowering others to serve and support young adults, and changing systems that perpetuate the opportunity gap. Year Up United’s intensive training program utilizes a high expectations, high support model where students learn in-demand technical and professional skills and apply them during a corporate internship. Year Up United has directly served more than 40,000 young adults since its founding in 2000. Year Up United's nationwide presence includes Arizona, Austin, Bay Area, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Greater Atlanta, Greater Boston, Greater Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, the National Capital Region, New York City/Jersey City, Pittsburgh, Puget Sound, Rhode Island, South Florida, Tampa Bay, and Wilmington.

Voted one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in the country by The NonProfit Times, Year Up United is a rewarding and impactful place to work. Our staff is passionate, supportive, mission-driven, and committed to positive change and continuous learning. We set high standards for both ourselves and our students and live by a set of core values that reflect an unshakable belief in the talent and potential of our young people. The work we do is life-changing, and we know that our team is the greatest asset in achieving our mission.

Year Up United embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discharge, or discipline, are based on meritocracy. We do not permit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. Learn more about our commitment to diversity: http://www.yearup.org/about-us/careers/commitment-to-diversity/
Year Up United is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Your recruiter can provide details regarding the expected work environment and any physical requirements. Please let our hiring team know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume through our website.

We respectfully request no phone calls.