Prospect Researcher​/Manager

Shenandoah University’s Office of Advancement is accepting applications for a Prospect Researcher/Manager. This is a full‑time, benefited position located in the Feltner Building in downtown Winchester, VA.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement, the Prospect Researcher/Manager is the core analytical and data resource for the University Advancement office. This individual drives the fundraising pipeline by identifying, researching, and strategically qualifying new and existing prospects—individuals, corporations, and organizations—for major and principal gift solicitations. The successful candidate will possess a blend of technical mastery, analytical prowess, and an unimpeachable ethical foundation.

• Prospect Research and Identification:
  Conduct research on individuals, companies, and organizations using premium research tools (e.g., Donor Search, Research Point, Foundation Directory Online), public sources, and AI‑powered or machine‑learning tools to identify emerging donor trends and proactively flag high‑potential, non‑obvious prospects.
• Strategic Analysis:
  Analyze complex financial and biographical data to determine a prospect’s capacity and inclination to give. Be able to read between the lines of public information to identify major gift prospects.
• Briefing and Strategy:
  Synthesize complex data into clear, concise, actionable, and strategically focused prospect briefings for frontline gift officers and senior leadership.
• Data Management and Integrity:
  Update and maintain constituent records in the CRM system (preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT), ensuring accuracy and completeness. Support data hygiene efforts and contribute to the expansion of the prospect database.
• Pipelin e Management:
  Utilize creative thinking with integrity to consider groups or populations outside of the existing constituency that might be interested in supporting the University.
• Fundraiser Support:
  Respond to research requests from fundraisers in a timely and professional manner, communicating clearly about deadlines and project scope.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work collaboratively with the Advancement department to align efforts and set goals, ensuring the research produced supports university‑wide and specific college/school programs.
• Professional Ethics:
  Maintain an absolute commitment to donor privacy, data security, and the highest ethical standards in all research activities.

Bachelor’s degree required. Coursework in research, communications, nonprofit management is preferred.

• Strong writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and CRM systems (preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT).
• Strong grasp of fundraising concepts, including the major gift cycle and moves management process.

• 1‑3 years of experience in prospect research, fundraising, or data analysis is required. Experience with fundraising database programs such as Raiser’s Edge is highly desired.

• Experience with Planned Giving.
• Knowledge of financial planning and giving vehicles related to philanthropic ventures.
• An understanding of estate planning and willingness to learn general practices and options.
• Experience with Planned Giving and a foundational knowledge of various planned giving vehicles, including wills, bequests, charitable trusts, and gift annuities.
• An understanding of estate planning principles and their direct relation to prospect capacity and inclination for making significant deferred gifts.
• Willingness to continue learning general practices and options related to complex philanthropic ventures.

• Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking):
  Possess a natural intellectual curiosity. Able to move beyond reporting data to analyzing it and providing strategy. Driven to understand the ‘why’ behind a prospect’s assets and giving history.
• Quality & Accuracy (Attention to Detail):
  Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness. Must possess meticulous attention to detail, as their work is the foundation for all major gift strategies. Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Planning/Organizing:
  Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time…