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Sheppard Pratt · 1 day ago

Prospect Researcher

Towson, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Sheppard Pratt is a nonprofit organization focused on mental health and human services, and they are seeking a Prospect Researcher to enhance their fundraising efforts. The role involves conducting comprehensive research on potential funding sources, developing detailed prospect profiles, and collaborating with development officers to prioritize research efforts and support fundraising strategies.

CharityEducationHealth CareNon ProfitSpecial Education

Hiring Manager

Kristin Wenger

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive research on individual donors, foundations, corporations, and other potential funding sources using publicly available information sources and databases such as DonorSearch, Blackbaud ResearchPoint, Wealth Engine, Foundation Directory Online, and other prospect research tools

Analyze and synthesize information to assess a prospect’s capacity, affinity, and readiness to give

Develop detailed prospect profiles including biographical information, wealth indicators, philanthropic history, giving capacity, and connection points to Sheppard Pratt

Develop and maintain detailed prospect profiles, bios and briefings including for events

Analyze real estate holdings, business affiliations, board memberships, and other wealth indicators to assess giving

Research foundation and corporate giving guidelines, priorities, and application processes

Proactively identify new prospects to support fundraising campaigns and strategic initiatives

Collaborate with development officers and senior leadership to prioritize research efforts and support portfolio development and prospect strategies

Conduct relationship mapping to identify and organize the connections of Sheppard Pratt board, staff and supporters

Maintain accurate and up-to-date prospect information in the organization's donor database

Create and update prospect tracking systems and research files

Prepare written research reports and briefing materials for development staff and leadership

Create intelligence reports for use by gift officers, leadership, and campaign committees

Analyze giving patterns and trends to inform fundraising strategies

Ensure data integrity by conducting regular audits, verification processes, and quality control measures across all prospect records and research documentation

Evaluate wealth assessment tools and make recommendations for efficiency and research effectiveness

Track and rate prospects through a moves management system to support cultivation and solicitation strategies

Ensure the accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of all prospect data in the database (e.g., Raiser’s Edge)

Support fundraising team by participating in regular portfolio reviews, promoting moves management best practices

Collaborate with development officers to prioritize prospects and develop cultivation strategies

Provide research support for grant applications and proposal development

Assist in preparing materials for donor visits and meetings

Support special events and capital campaign research needs

Effectively represent the organization at Sheppard Pratt and Development Office sponsored events

Stay current on best practices in prospect research, data privacy laws, and fundraising trends

Qualification

Prospect research experienceDonor database managementAnalytical skillsMicrosoft Office SuitePhilanthropic trendsExperience in capital campaignsDiscretionMembership in professional associationsWritten communication skillsVerbal communication skillsAttention to detailCritical thinking skillsConfidentialityProject management

Required

5+ years of experience in prospect research, fundraising, or a related analytical role

Proficiency with prospect research databases and tools (DonorSearch, LexisNexis, Wealth X, Wealth Engine, iWave, Foundation Directory Online, etc.)

Strong Experience with donor database management systems

Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and deadlines

Bachelor's degree required

Strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills with attention to detail

High level of discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive donor information

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

Knowledge of philanthropic trends and donor behaviors

Experience in supporting capital campaigns or major gifts initiatives

Preferred

Experience in nonprofit fundraising is highly preferred

Raiser's Edge preferred

Bachelor's degree preferred; degree in Communications, Nonprofit Management, Library Science, Journalism, Marketing, Business, or related field preferred

Membership in professional associations such as Apra (Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement) is a plus