"Assistant Director of Prospect Research"

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Operations, the Assistant Director for Prospect Research serves as a strategic partner to the College's fundraising team, identifying and evaluating prospects to advance the institution's strategic priorities. This role maximizes philanthropic impact by optimizing gift potential, enhancing fundraising efficiency, and informing advancement strategy through prospect research, pipeline management, and portfolio performance analysis.

The successful candidate will be intellectually curious, technologically savvy, and detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills and database proficiency. This position requires the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with partners across the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team. Given the sensitive nature of donor information, strong ethical judgment and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality are essential.

*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.*

Key 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.

Minimal overnight travel (up to 10%) by land and/or air.

About Grinnell College

Since its founding in 1846, Grinnell has become one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges, enrolling 1,700 students from all 50 states and from as many international countries. Grinnell's rigorous academic program emphasizes excellence in education for students in the liberal arts; the college offers the B.A. degree in a range of departments across the humanities, arts, sciences, and social studies. Grinnell has a strong tradition of social responsibility and action, and self-governance and personal responsibility are key components of campus life. More information about Grinnell College is available at www.grinnell.edu.