Northeastern University · 1 month ago
Director of Prospect Research
Boston, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$86K/yr - $122K/yr
7+ years expNortheastern University is seeking a Director of Prospect Research to lead prospect identification and research programs that support fundraising initiatives. The role involves managing teams, providing strategic direction, and ensuring high-quality research and identification support for gift officers.
Education
Responsibilities
Develop and oversee execution of ongoing screening schedule for individual prospects
Develop and manage a best-in-class prospect identification team dedicated to delivering insights that improve fundraising outcomes
Serve as a leading expert on the nature, structure, and trajectory of wealth within the organization’s prospect base
Lead the team in growing and maintain knowledge of global industries and wealth sectors. Develop mechanisms to deliver this knowledge to gift officers in a useful and actionable manner
Using ascend and associated technologies, implement a flexible and reliable system to identify potential wealth in Northeastern’s prospect pool
Establish and implement metrics to evaluate prospect identification team’s contribution to overall fundraising outcomes
Provide strategic direction to streamline business processes
Oversee creation of appropriate strategic research product and other materials for SVP and President
Establish and implement metrics to evaluate prospect research team’s contribution to overall fundraising outcomes
Maximize the use of ascend for prospect research purposes. Evolve Advancement research use of associated technologies to employ innovative and adaptable prospecting methods that address Northeastern University fundraising priorities
Evolve the prospect research liaison program, creating relationship with fundraising teams that lead to deep collaboration, the establishment and pursuit of shared objectives and mutual understanding of priorities and opportunities in the prospect pool
Mentor, coach, and lead prospect identification and research staff
Set annual and long-term activity goals and short-term operational plan for identification and research team
Manage employees by establishing annual performance goals and assessing annual performance
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum of 7+ years of experience in prospect research/management experience
Minimum of 3 years of management and supervision experience required
Comprehensive understanding of the development cycle, especially within the context of higher education fundraising
Expertise in the role of prospect research throughout the cycle and advanced proficiency in the competencies detailed by Apra's Body of Knowledge
Superior creative and critical thinking skills, with the ability to understand both the big picture and fine details simultaneously
Proficiency in identifying, evaluating, and making strategic recommendations on possible solutions
Ability to delegate tasks while maintaining an appropriate level of oversight
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to build strong working relationships with and secure buy-in from team, clients, leadership, and partners for new approaches
Demonstrated ability to succeed in a fast-paced work environment
Commitment to the highest standard of professional ethics, especially when working with sensitive/confidential information
Preferred
Experience in higher education advancement
Experience in formal project management, including deft handling of priorities and deadlines that may compete or shift
Knowledge of and ability to apply principles of ethics statements and policies as outlined by Apra and other related associations
Proficient computer skills, including the Microsoft Office suite of products and internet research
Experience working with a CRM/database (preferably Ascend), as well as a variety of prospect development tools
Benefits
Medical
Vision
Dental
Paid time off
Tuition assistance
Wellness & life
Retirement
Commuting & transportation
Company
Northeastern University
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university with a distinctive, experience-driven approach to education and discovery.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Northeastern University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (131)
2024 (112)
2023 (104)
2022 (100)
2021 (85)
2020 (111)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Angela Hosking
CEO Regional Dean
Dave Thurman
Dean & CEO, Seattle Campus
Recent News
2024-01-06
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2023-10-30
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