Research Analyst

Overview

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The Research Analyst identifies new prospects to support Harvard University’s mission and provides strategic wealth and philanthropic analysis on existing prospects. They conduct comprehensive research and work with confidential as well as publicly accessible information, with a view to assessing donor interest and viability. The Analyst develops research profiles and analysis, prospect lists, ratings and wealth analysis for purposes of University fundraising.

Uses in-house and external resources to identify new prospects. Interprets biographical and financial information on individuals, corporations and foundations based on fundraising strategies and objectives. Performs philanthropic capacity estimations and assigns ratings based on publicly available information, including insider holdings, real estate, and general demographic assessments. Works with research, prospect management, and due diligence colleagues to analyze complex financial disclosure documents to further determine financial capabilities.

Keeps abreast of current events, philanthropic trends and Harvard’s fundraising objectives.

• Conducts focused research and evaluation of financial capabilities of new prospects and existing donors. Identify new potential donors through screening of news sources.
• Work with confidential information and with publicly accessible information, with a view of assessing donor viability. Make wealth estimations using salary surveys and other demographic information, as well as interpreting and analyzing complex financial documents under the supervision of senior researchers.
• Work with senior level researchers in support of fundraisers to determine research strategies for identifying new prospects.
• Participate in regular Research staff meetings and represent Research Team at other departmental/partner meetings.
• Ability to use extreme discretion when working with highly confidential information.
• Ability to use sound judgment and apply ethical considerations with confidential information. Ability to think creatively with resources at hand.
• Keep abreast of alumni in the news, philanthropic trends, and Harvard current events and fundraising priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to multi-task on different projects and initiatives. Ability to work in a team effort to reach organizational goals.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and summarize complex information into a coherent and accurate presentation. Ability to work under strict deadlines.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years of research-related experience required, preferably in a development, library, academic or legal environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills required.
• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Development or development-related experience preferred
• Understanding of the role information plays in prospect development throughout the prospect cultivation cycle
• Ability to use extreme discretion when working with highly confidential information
• Requires sound judgment, strong self-direction and self-motivation
• Strong attention to accuracy and detail
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with people at all levels, and willingness to function as part of a team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including ability to perform x-lookups/v-lookups and utilize the Zillow macro in MS Excel.
• Knowledge of Lexis-Nexis, Capital IQ, Foundation Center, Rel Sci and other fee-based resources helpful
• Awareness of the type and scope of data available online, and of search techniques
• Excellent writing and organizational skills; excellent computer skills; ability to prioritize and analyze confidential information with discretion.

• Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Employer related notes: LI-JP1

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the…