Job Description
Department:
Advancement Ops and Prospect Research
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
As an integral member of the advancement strategy team, the
director of advancement research brings a solutions-focused
perspective to convert research and insights into opportunities to
maximize both fundraising performance and prospect identification.
This data-driven individual proactively formulates strategies,
gathers intelligence, analyzes data and executes projects
leveraging observations and collaborative relationships to support
research outcomes and the needs of the Division of College
Advancement.
The hiring range for this position is $100,000 to $115,000.
Essential Functions
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to
perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience,
knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. This list
of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive,
and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
- Oversee staff and operations of the Prospect Research and
Analysis (PRA) team under the supervision of the Assistant Vice
President for Alumni and Donor Engagement, Operations, and
Research
- Generate and analyze broad data sets, search for explanations
and underlying causes, draw conclusions, and develop actionable
recommendations
- Manage and optimize processes for research, data validation,
and recording using proven research methodologies and a consistent
research cycle (planning and direction > collection >
processing > analysis > dissemination > evaluation)
- Conduct topical “deep dives” using data mining and intelligence
gathering efforts to uncover patterns in specific giving groups for
various funding priorities and strategic initiatives
- Strategize and lead work to expand the pool of targeted donor
prospects focusing on accurate identification and research
methodologies to increase the effectiveness of fundraising
efforts
- Identify new fundraising opportunities by keeping abreast of
local, national and/or international news and industry trends, as
well as collaborating with internal colleagues across the
College
- Prepare and manage briefing materials for key meetings and
events involving senior staff at the College and in
Advancement
- Partner with the liaison to the president on briefing materials
through regular meetings and calendar review
- Hone institutional techniques for prospect identification,
tracking, and documentation with PRA staff
- Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs, and best
practices, implementing changes accordingly to meet Colby’s goals
and objectives
- Lead data collection and visualization efforts for special
initiatives that do not have department owners and require
cross-functional coordination, including long-term research
projects and surveys in collaboration with campus partners at
Colby
- Track and provide summary reports using data visualization
techniques to enhance pipeline development and highlight
significant discoveries found through the research process
- Elevate and promote the PRA team, including coordinating
strategy meetings in partnership with fundraising leadership,
routine reporting and development of highly tailored prospect
strategies through in-depth analysis of existing and newly
researched donor information, and trend forecasting
- Conduct workstream analysis and generate recommendations to
elevate the value and use of information provided by the PRA
team
- Foster a team culture that inspires curiosity, innovation, and
forward thinking while maintaining data integrity and
confidentiality
- Perform additional duties as assigned; duties,
responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or
without notice
Position Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and
experience; advanced degree preferred
- At least five years of relevant experience in an advancement or
development office in an institution of higher learning preferred;
capital campaign experience ideal
- Highly proficient in using database applications including
Raiser’s Edge NXT
- Demonstrated professional work experience in positions
requiring problem solving, business judgement, and analytical
skills
- Proven ability to develop rapport quickly, communicate
effectively, and build consensus with a diverse constituency
- Excellent social, written and oral communication, and
presentation skills to clearly explain and translate complex
information to a range of audiences
- Validated management and leadership experience possessing the
ability to motivate teams to accomplish shared goals and achieve
high performance
- Strong organizational skills; able to prioritize and handle
multiple projects simultaneously and to work calmly under pressure
of goals and deadlines
- Working knowledge of data analysis and business intelligence
technologies and capabilities such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau,
or Spotfire
- Talent to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and
discretion, building bridges between differing or competing
priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism in all
circumstances
- Proven capability to work collaboratively and build
cross-functional partnerships
- Experience working effectively and respectfully with high-level
administration
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described
herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or
may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions.
- To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to
handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with
care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
- This position involves working with a variety of timelines,
including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to
urgent needs.
- In this role, the employee will interact with members of the
public and others in a variety of situations and conversations.
Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful
manner at all times is an important part of the role.
- This position includes regular movement throughout office
spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
- Daily work will involve extended use of a computer, including
keyboard and mouse
- Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most
roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some
positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
- Vision requirements for this position include the ability to
see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as
needed.
- The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving
multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong
organizational skills..
- The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be
occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus
activity.
Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is
committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of
the position.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the
“Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a
cover letter and resume to your application.
