Assistant Director Prospect Research And Management (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Department: Alumni Relations & Development

Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:

The Prospect Research and Management (PRM) team works with frontline fundraisers to build Northwestern University's pool of potential donors. The Assistant Director manages relationships with a portfolio of fundraising and engagement teams in Alumni Relations and Development (ARD), and/or in Northwestern University's professional schools. This position conducts wealth and biographical research, provides actionable data on prospects, acts as project manager on proactive prospecting efforts, and formulates strategies with gift officers that effectively manage their outreach and solicitation activity.

While past experience in a fundraising environment is an asset, it is not essential. Rather, we are looking for candidates who are energized by working with large amounts of data, have a natural curiosity and a love of research, are excited by the idea of exposure to a varied array of assignments, and are enthusiastic about acquiring a skill set that will contribute to their professional growth within the organization. The PRM team will appeal to candidates who value higher education institutions and want to contribute to cause-based philanthropy.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategy and Planning

• Develop strategies designed to realize the potential of assigned fundraising teams' prospect pools.

• Meet regularly with each client team to evaluate prospect needs, consult on strategy, and provide updates.

• Manage the planning and execution of research projects related to client teams.

• Recommend changes to enhance innovation, objectives, and goals of ARD prospect development.

• Implement ongoing prospect research strategy and data integrity initiatives.

Collaboration

• Serve as primary PRM representative to a portfolio of fundraising and engagement teams throughout ARD and/or Northwestern professional schools

• Maintain expertise on alumni and constituents of the schools and programs represented by client teams, keeping abreast of relevant NU activities and initiatives, as well as economic trends affecting these individuals.

• Onboard new fundraising officers and support staff to PRM's products, policies, and processes. Maintain strong working relationships with assigned client teams.

• Collaborate with teams throughout ARD and Northwestern professional schools; key partnerships include:

• Assigned fundraising and engagement clients

• Reporting and Analytics

• Project Management and User Services

Prospect Research and Management

• Conduct proactive capacity research and analyses to meet prospect identification and prioritization needs:

• Proactively initiate prospect identification and evaluation projects designed to discover and analyze new and emerging prospect segments.

• Use techniques and tools, including data mining, wealth screening, visual discovery, relationship mapping, news and financial feeds, and data analysis to discover and interpret wealth information and accurately assess and summarize philanthropic capacity.

• Develop spreadsheets, tables, charts, and illustrations to analyze and describe groups of prospects or constituents.

• Receive prospect research requests from assigned fundraising teams. Provide input to determine the feasibility of research requests and special projects. Negotiate project deadlines, deliverables, and scope of work; independently manage own workload and priorities, ensuring that all deadlines are met with quality products.

• Utilize research tools to identify, analyze, and accurately interpret a variety of financial and biographical information; demonstrate sound judgement and critical thinking skills by making evidence-based recommendations.

• Play a key role in ARD's prospect management and information management functions:

• Serve as an expert on Northwestern University's Prospect Management Policies and Procedures:

• Demonstrate expertise in ARD's prospect management business processes, and the proper use and function of prospect information in the database when conducting prospect identification and research activities.

• Consult with development officers about prospect pools and individual portfolios. Participate in regular portfolio reviews with assigned client teams.

• Generate and maintain accurate, useful prospect information for the division:

• Accurately and efficiently obtain information from both internal and external sources.

General/Administration

• Participate in testing and review of reports and functionality related to various tools used throughout ARD.

• Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both Northwestern University and industry associations, and uphold ARD policies regarding confidential information, safeguarding the confidentiality of constituent information at all times.

• Maintain awareness of issues within the development profession, and of the goals and activities of Northwestern University and its peer institutions. Pursue ongoing professional development through participation in meetings, conferences, and related training opportunities offered by vendors, the University, and professional organizations.

• Perform related duties and assist with departmental projects, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or higher; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Ability to analyze, interpret, summarize, and present information effectively.

• Ability to effectively communicate and build positive relationships with a diverse range of individuals, both internally and externally.

• Attention to detail and the ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Commitment to professional ethics and ability to apply an ethical code and good judgment. Must be able to handle confidential materials and situations with sensitivity and discretion.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60,000-$65,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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