University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF)
About the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation
Established in 2003, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises philanthropic funds in support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s mission and highest aspirations.
Located on the Amherst campus and wholly dedicated to supporting the University’s mission, UMAF is a separately governed nonprofit organization with its own health, wellness, and retirement benefits. UMAF serves the University of Massachusetts Amherst community as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation.
About the Role
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF) raises and distributes philanthropic funds in support of the University's mission and highest aspirations.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Prospect Development, the Prospect Research Analyst is a member of the team responsible for identifying and evaluating prospective donors based on their interests, relationships, inclination, and philanthropic capacity.
Working closely with the Prospect Management team, the Prospect Research Analyst supports UMAF's fundraising team through research and by building a robust prospect pipeline. The role identifies new major donor prospects, assesses their giving potential, prepares prospect materials for fundraisers and senior leadership, and maintains accurate prospect information in UMAF's donor database.
The research and recommendations produced by this role inform UMAF's fundraising strategies and outreach efforts, helping fundraisers build targeted cultivation strategies that advance philanthropic support for UMass Amherst students, faculty, and the greater campus community.
Location: Full-time hybrid position open to employees in select U.S. states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.
What You'll Do
Prospect Identification and Research
- Identifies prospective major donors through a range of research methods, including online resources, screenings, alerts, relationship mapping, and regional, company, and initiative-based prospecting lists.
- Researches prospects' gift capacity, interests, and likelihood to give, and makes recommendations to inform fundraising strategy.
- Obtains and analyzes information on major donor prospects to assess giving potential, equipping colleagues to create targeted fundraising and cultivation strategies.
Fundraiser Partnership and Prospect Materials
- Supports UMAF's fundraising team through research and by building a robust prospect pipeline.
- Prepares and updates donor and prospect materials for fundraisers and senior leadership.
- Builds strong partnerships and open communication with fundraisers and other UMAF colleagues, working closely with the Prospect Management team.
Data Management and Process Improvement
- Enters, updates, and maintains accurate biographical, professional, and financial information in the Advance donor database.
- Contributes to the improvement of processes and procedures for prospect research and prospect development.
- Participates in evaluations of prospect research tools and subscriptions.
- Assists with training and work oversight of student workers, as needed.
Other Duties as Assigned
UMAF is building and growing, and this position will support those efforts through other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of two years of experience in prospect research, prospect management, and/or prospect development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Passion for UMAF's mission of supporting and uplifting UMass Amherst students, faculty, and the greater campus community.
- Familiarity with relationship databases and experience with prospect research tools such as LexisNexis, iWave, Aidentified, relationship mapping tools, IRS 990s, and SEC filings.
- Experience with the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
- High degree of integrity, demonstrating respect for individuals at every level of an organization.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in prospect research.
- Experience working in a large university.
- Experience with Salesforce, Tableau, and other development resources.
Note: UMAF is passionate about building a diverse team. If your experience is close but not an exact match, please consider applying. Experience comes in many forms, and skills are transferable. UMAF recognizes that diverse teams make better decisions and deliver better results, and encourages applicants to bring new perspectives.
Benefits
- 20 vacation days
- 12 holidays
- 12 sick days
- 5 personal days
- 2 office closure days
- Four-day summer workweek
- 401(k) plan: Contribute 5% and receive a 10% employer match
- Health insurance packages covering medical, dental, and vision
- 16 weeks of paid parental leave to use within one year of childbirth
- An additional 6 weeks of paid leave for the birthing parent
- Part-time work for full-time pay during the first 4 weeks after parental leave
Learn more about the benefits through UMAF's official careers resources.
Proposed Annual Salary Range
$65,000–$72,000 per year
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are recognized as valuable to the workplace, constituents, and community.
UMAF welcomes and values diversity in all its forms and recognizes that an inclusive team strengthens its work and advances its mission. The Foundation values and respects individuals of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages and nationalities, educational backgrounds, religious and political beliefs, sexual orientations, abilities, and socioeconomic and veteran statuses.
UMAF provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other employment benefits and privileges.
To request an accommodation, contact careers@uma-foundation.org.
Our Values
Connection: Build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, respect, and belonging.
Courage: Show up with integrity, embrace challenges, and lead through uncertainty.
Curiosity: Commit to learning—for yourself and others—and create a culture where everyone can thrive.
Contact Information
Questions regarding the position or careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team.
Email: careers@uma-foundation.org
Job Reference ID: PIdd150fc05b51-38265-41794384