Prospect Research Specialist

Job Description

The Prospect Research Specialist plays a critical role within the Advancement Services team by providing in-depth research and analysis to support the development and implementation of strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This position will be instrumental in identifying new prospects and partnerships while enhancing the department's database of existing donors to maximize philanthropic support for Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Write Donor Bios and Briefings: Craft detailed biographies and briefing documents for potential donors, alumni, and partners to support development activities and high-level meetings.

• Identify and Research Prospective Leads: Utilize a variety of tools and resources to identify and conduct comprehensive research on potential leads for gifts and partnerships. This includes individuals, alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations.

• Provide High-Level Research: Deliver strategic research on prospects to inform and guide the development team's approach. This involves analyzing financial, philanthropic, and biographical data to assess giving capacity and inclination.

• Extract and Communicate Key Information: Synthesize research findings into actionable intelligence, highlighting key information that informs cultivation and solicitation strategies.

• Support MGOs and IA Leaders with Database Research/Maintenance: Assist Major Gift Officers (MGOs) and Institutional Advancement (IAER) leaders by maintaining accurate and up-to-date information in the database, ensuring a robust pipeline of prospects and donors.

• Contribute to Slate and HubSpot Projects: Play an active role in projects related to Slate and HubSpot, including data management, analysis, and the development of strategies to enhance engagement and fundraising efforts.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in prospect research, development, fundraising, or a related field, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit environment.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed research and analysis, and effectively communicate findings in a clear and concise manner.

• Strong proficiency in database management and CRM systems, with specific experience in Slate highly desirable.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Strong ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Is This Role Right for You?

The ideal candidate for the Prospect Research Specialist role at Wentworth Institute of Technology is a detail-oriented and analytical individual with a passion for data-driven decision-making. This person will thrive in a collaborative environment, possess excellent research and communication skills, and have a keen interest in advancing educational initiatives through strategic fundraising efforts. This role is perfect for someone who is naturally curious, enjoys uncovering new opportunities, and is committed to supporting the mission and values of Wentworth Institute of Technology through innovative advancement strategies

Inclusive Excellence at Wentworth

Wentworth Institute of Technology is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all University programs and activities. The University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status or any other category protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.

To find out more about the Wentworth's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, please visit the website https://wit.edu/about/diversity.

All applicants have the right to accessibility support and accommodations. To request accessibility support or accommodations, contact the Executive Director of Equity and Compliance, Catlin Wells, at wellsc1@wit.edu.