Missouri Botanical Garden · 2 months ago
Prospect Research Analyst
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$62K/yr - $62K/yr
3+ years expMissouri Botanical Garden is seeking a Prospect Research Analyst to join their Institutional Advancement team. This role involves using advanced research and analytical methods to identify and qualify potential donors and enhance the effectiveness of fundraising initiatives.
AssociationEducationHigher Education
Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive research to identify and assess potential and current donors through various databases, public sources, and advanced research methodologies
Prepare written donor profiles, philanthropic capacity assessments, and qualified lists to inform cultivation, solicitation, stewardship strategies, and board identification
Partner with development staff to assign prospects to appropriate portfolios based on capacity, strategic alignment, and staff expertise. Support regular review of portfolios with Director of Major and Institutional Giving and gift officers and provide data-informed recommendations regarding next steps
Maintain and update prospect data in Tessitura, the Garden’s CRM, ensuring research findings, moves management steps, contact reports, and targeted communications are documented consistently. Create and monitor donor engagement scores
Provide data-driven insights to support the development of audience segmentation strategies for broader donor and member communications
Provide research support and exceptional service for fundraising leadership and internal partners. Actively manage research-related projects by coordinating tasks, monitoring follow-up actions, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables across multiple initiatives
Stay updated on the latest trends in donor behavior and research methods and tools to ensure that prospect research is current and effective
Ensure all research is conducted ethically, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to guidelines set by the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA)
Collaborate with the Fundraising Data team on assignments beyond prospect research and moves management, supporting donor engagement strategies and broader departmental needs as necessary. Occasionally assists division colleagues during onsite events such as Garden Glow, weekend festivals, and fundraisers
Meets expected attendance guidelines
Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies
Behave and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others
Qualification
Required
A minimum of 3 years of employment experience in Prospect Research, Fundraising, Higher Education, Library Sciences, or related field
Solid experience with Tessitura or similar constituent relationship management system (CRM) to track prospect and donor information and engagement
Experience with online information and screening services such as iWave/Kindsight, LexisNexis, Wealth Engine, Foundation Search, etc
Demonstrated research and analytical skills to initiate and perform complex analyses and organize information to identify philanthropic patterns, capacity, inclination, and relationships among individuals, corporations and foundations
Ability to read and interpret complex legal, business, and government documents for the purposes of wealth assessment (IRS Form 990, SEC filings, property assessments, etc.)
Knowledge and understanding of fundraising processes and principals, giving vehicles, and prospect portfolio development
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and proven project management skills; skilled at navigating shifting priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, with a strong capacity to define processes and strategies in this newly created role
A strong aptitude for logical thinking and intellectual curiosity. Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to translate analysis into an accessible format when interacting with non-technical audiences. Proficiency in delivering information clearly to others in both oral and written forms
Ability to recall, recognize, and communicate interrelated information pertaining to donors and prospects
Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality; handle sensitive information and material in a discretionary manner. Compliance with ethical standards and guidelines set forth by the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA)
The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required
Bachelor's degree with relevant coursework in Research Principals, Library Science, Writing, Communications, or related field required
Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)
Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals
Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution
High-level proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite, with particular emphasis on Excel
Experience with Tessitura or CRM and their native portfolio management tools
Experience with online information, research, and screening services (iWave, LexisNexis, Foundation Search, etc.)
Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day
May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stool ladders, etc.)
Ability to move up and down stairwells (multiple MBG buildings have stairs); walk about facility frequently throughout work day; frequent standing, reaching and stooping - 25% or more of the workday may be spent standing on feet
This position will occupy assigned desk/office and have access to dual-monitor computer, telephone, fax machine and other standard office equipment
Comfortable occasionally working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner
Ability to occasionally work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed)
Preferred
Membership or familiarity with Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) a plus
Company
Missouri Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the nation's oldest botanical gardens and a National Historic Landmark.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$14.4M2024-12-10Grant· $14.4M
Recent News
2025-09-12
2025-04-15
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