Grinnell College · 1 day ago
Assistant Director of Prospect Research
Grinnell, IA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveGrinnell College is seeking an Assistant Director for Prospect Research to serve as a strategic partner to the fundraising team. The role focuses on identifying and evaluating prospects to enhance fundraising efficiency and inform advancement strategy through research and analysis.
EducationHigher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Conduct proactive discovery research to determine donor capacity, propensity, and affinity by reviewing biographical, financial, and philanthropic information on donors and prospects, utilizing in-house files and a variety of online, electronic, and printed sources (Raiser's Edge, Research Point, iWave, LinkedIn, federal filings, philanthropic giving reports, open-source public data, etc.) using a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens
Analyze and verify wealth information to determine giving capacity estimates; use the database to assist development staff to segment and prioritize prospects
Partner in the assignment of prospects to portfolios, maintain assignments in the database, and monitor the prospect assignment cycle in prospect management meetings
Manage the prospect management system (pipeline) to support moves management and portfolio tracking; ensure that data and processes are accurate and appropriately tracked
Prepare detailed, actionable research profiles and donor strategy briefing materials that support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, identifying alumni with leadership potential. Prepare profile notes, event participant reports/lists, bios, and other materials for staff, the President, the Dean, and other partners for donor meetings, events, and recruitment to leadership positions at the College
Provide research support services to respond to the needs of development staff and campus partners in a timely manner; participate in projects involving prospect identification, external screenings, rating recommendations, and prospect information updates
Evaluate and recommend tools, databases, and services to maximize ROI; develop innovative research methods, leveraging generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.) to enhance efficiency
Develop strong working relationships with frontline fundraisers and support staff; participate in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of trends in prospect research, management, and development
Qualification
Required
Intellectually curious
Technologically savvy
Detail-oriented
Strong analytical skills
Database proficiency
Ability to work independently
Ability to collaborate closely with partners across the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team
Strong ethical judgment
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Candidates must reside in the U.S; CA, NY, and MA residents are not eligible
The College must approve the remote state work eligibility prior to hire, based upon registration requirements
Company
Grinnell College
Grinnell College is a liberal arts college that has academic programs, diverse and engaged student body, and focus on social responsibility.
Founded in 1846
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.05MKey Investors
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
2023-01-10Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Autumn Wilke
Associate Chief Diversity Officer for Disability Resources
Dave Robinson
Chief Information Officer
Recent News
MarketScreener
2025-10-09
Corridor Business Journal
2025-10-01
2025-05-17
Company data provided by crunchbase