The Prospect Research Manager is responsible for identifying, researching, and analyzing prospects for major gift cultivation and solicitation. Prospect research and management serve as a foundation for the Office of Advancement and directly contributes to Lipscomb's philanthropic success. This role identifies prospects using wealth screening tools, and in-depth research and analysis, and prepares briefing documents on prospects. They serve as a strategic partner to development officers throughout the donor cycle. This role is key in managing fundraisers' portfolios, assigning and removing prospects based on feedback from senior management, and proactively maintaining the moves management system. The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule in accordance with the university's Work-at-Home Schedule Policy, which includes a 6-month trial period.

Responsibilities:

Prospect Identification and Research

• Proactively identify and vet prospects with the capacity and inclination to grow the prospect pipeline and ensure the best prospects are actively qualified, assigned and managed by development officers.
• Perform prospect research, analyze, synthesize, and summarize information in the form of written prospect profiles and reports.
• Prepare accurate research briefings for senior leadership and gift officers for the purposes of donor engagement, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Record, organize and maintain prospect information in electronic files and other information systems; currently Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT and WealthPoint.
• Strategically mine internal databases, external publications, online resources, and leadership networks to identify individual, corporate, and foundation prospects for major gift solicitation assignments.
• Support regular evaluation of research tools and products and make recommendations on new resources as appropriate.

Prospect Management

• Conduct data entry and maintain data integrity associated with relationship management, prospect tracking, and portfolio maintenance.
• Complete various prospect management tasks, including prospect coding, tracking, status monitoring, reporting, and the review of dynamic information such as contact notes and account comments.
• Provide support for periodic Prospect Management meetings and portfolio reviews with gift officers and Advancement leaders.

Advancement Services

• In partnership with Advancement Office leaders, assists in developing, documenting, and implementing research and prospect management procedures.
• Cross-train with other Advancement Services staff and assist with records management and gift processing during busy periods. Share responsibility for database integrity efforts.
• Participate in professional organizations, Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), etc., and network with peers to stay abreast of the latest trends, tools, and resources for prospect research.
• Manage assigned projects efficiently and effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required
• Minimum of 2-4 years of in prospect research, prospect management, or a related field (market research, library science, etc.), preferably in higher education
• Excellent writing, analytical and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive research and produce in-depth, accurate prospect profiles and analysis
• Knowledge of research techniques, methodology, and online and print resources, including software systems to identify prospects through constituent list segmentation, wealth screening, and peer screening. Experience with LexisNexis is preferred.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and experience with relational database software and electronic database screening
• Understanding of wealth indicators and market trends, and the ability to interpret financial data
• Strong ethical sense to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• The successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of employees, be flexible in nature, and have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal office hours of 7:45 am - 4:30 pm during busy seasons

Full-Time Employee Benefits

• Great tuition discount at Lipscomb University and Lipscomb Academy for eligible dependents
• 403B retirement plan
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Vacation/Sick leave
• Generous holiday schedule