Senior Director of Prospect Research - Operations and Advancement Strategy - Emory University

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Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

Description:

The Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement utilizes resources, technology, and business for the purpose of constituent engagement, donor research and solicitation, and stewardship throughout Emory University and Health Systems. Our mission is to inspire and steward meaningful, lasting relationships that elevate engagement and giving to fulfill Emory’s mission to serve humanity. AAE is a high-performance team built on innovative ideas, trust, and accountability. We foster collaborative connections and value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are currently seeking a Senior Director of Prospect Research.

 

The Prospect Research team supports all Advancement and Alumni Engagement departments by identifying major funders for university initiatives, providing research and preparing leadership briefings. This position will report to the Executive Director of Pipeline Optimization.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Oversees overall prospect research strategy, design, guidelines, and policies that increase the effectiveness of fundraising objectives.
• Develops and manages the framework of a dynamic prospect research program, including strategic planning, continual process improvements, and contracts with vendors for research services.
• Develops and utilizes KPIs and well-defined measurements of research team output and adjusts resources and priorities as necessary.
• Provides leadership and guidance related to industry best practices.
• Partners with fundraising teams and senior leadership to understand their informational and business needs and proactively develops innovative solutions to address prospecting and research challenges.
• Collaborates with Prospect Analytics and Portfolio Management teams on the design and implementation of prospect identification projects, with the goal of significantly increasing the university's prospect pool.
• Performs high level, in-depth research and wealth analysis on prospects and donors, working with confidential as well as publicly accessible information, with a view to assessing donor interest and viability to maximize return on fundraising efforts.
• Interprets biographical and complex financial information on individuals, corporations, and foundations based on fundraising strategies and objectives.
• Provides strategic recommendations and tracking/reporting mechanisms for top prospects.
• Keeps abreast of appropriate fundraising strategies and various options for planned giving such as trusts, bequests, and pooled income funds.
• Leads a prospect research team and ensures the highest quality of prospect intelligence for clients by providing quality assurance, guiding research strategies, and ensuring timely and complete information.
• Manages, trains, coaches, and mentors staff and provides opportunities for professional development.
• Manages a department budget and resources.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree and eight years of experience in fundraising, non-profit, alumni engagement, prospect management systems, or prospect identification with management or leadership experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Skill in using data to inform strategy, execution, planning, resource allocation, and measurement of activity and performance.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and the ability to work in a demanding, dynamic environment.
• Experience leading teams, with a focus on building and maintaining a cohesive, positive team environment; comfort and aptitude in prioritizing and delegating work and providing feedback to staff.
• Exemplary research and editorial skills, along with a demeanor that thrives in a fast-paced, highly visible work environment.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and the flexibility to accommodate changing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service with the ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate the diplomacy needed to function effectively among senior leadership.
• Possess a high level of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality with sound judgment and discretion.
• Demonstrated record of professional involvement in industry organizations.
• Mastery of the development cycle, with advanced knowledge of the role of prospect research within the cycle.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory Supports a Diverse and Inclusive Culture:Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.