"Prospect Research Analyst"

Prospect Research Analyst

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Location: Geneva, NY

Open Date: Jan 19, 2026

The Prospect Research Analyst serves as an essential member of the Advancement team. S/he will work with a three person prospect research team to develop, maintain, refine, and enhance all aspects of a comprehensive research function that will meet the evolving informational needs of the College's advancement and development programs. Proactively identify, evaluate, rate, and present new prospects to significantly enlarge the prospect pool for general fundraising as well as specific projects. Work closely with the Director to manage the incoming-parent identification project and produce an inclusive summary report. Maintain accurate ratings of existing prospects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and develop excellent familiarity with the names of top donors, prospects, and foundations, and how they are connected to the Colleges' to support the functions of Advancement. Focus to include Presidential interest and principal gift prospects.
• Assist the Director in the day-to-day functions of the group.
• Maintain records of prospect research activities.
• Maintain knowledge of objectives of the Colleges' capital campaign and areas of focus.
• Implement and perform pro-active/data-mining research projects to identify previously unknown prospects.
• Analyze new and existing donors and prospects for major gift qualification, cultivation and solicitation.
• Keep development staff apprised of changes in giving codes and changes in the personal or business life of prospects.
• Utilize LinkedIn to discover and track career changes.
• Independently research and write highly effective prospect profiles utilizing current research sources. The profiles should include sections on addresses, occupation, educational biography, relationships, alumni activities, career outline, finances, philanthropic interests, prospect ratings and history of contacts. Update Raiser's Edge advancement database as profiles are prepared for such areas as undergraduate and alumni activities, other college level educations, relationships, and visits made. Of great importance is the representation of an intimate knowledge of the critical relationships between HWS and its donors. These reports are prepared for the Trustees, the President, Office of Advancement, Admissions, Career Services and Athletics.
• Provide concise research reports for on and off-campus events and receptions.
• Attend periodic prospect pipeline meetings as directed by the Director.
• Conduct proactive research to identify potential donors; write profiles on prospects to review for possible tracking.
• In collaborate with the department, help develop screening strategies to identify newly qualified donor prospects through the use of wealth screening tools.
• Assist with the review of incoming student applications to identify and rate giving potential of 'Prominent Parents.' Write comprehensive report for distribution.
• Keep current with industry trends and implement useful new approaches, services and tools. Learn about technologies, products and expertise that could improve the effectiveness of the College's fundraising program.
• Utilize Insightful news alert database to review potential life and career updates on constituents.
• Fulfills various objectives of the Office of Advancement as appropriate by attending and assisting with a variety of on campus events involving alumni and donors including Homecoming Family Weekend, Reunion, building dedications, athletic events, dinners and other fundraising functions.

OTHER INFORMATION:

This is an in person, full-time, 12 month, benefits-eligible administrative hourly. Normal hours of work are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the academic year with a possible shortened workweek during the scheduled summer hours. Additional night or weekend hours may be requested during college on-campus events. This position description is not all-inclusive, as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Pay rate is $22.27 per hour.

Qualifications

• A college degree or experience in higher education advancement work is preferred.
• This position requires a high level of sensitivity to the personal circumstances of donors. Strict confidentiality is essential.
• Successful candidate will have an exceptionally high level of organizational skills, independent judgement and decision making capabilities as well as having an analytical mind and being very detail oriented.
• The position requires someone who can thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and occasionally stressful environment while demonstrating flexibility and strong collaboration skills.
• Mastery level skill in Microsoft Office is required.
• Knowledge of internet research tools and databases is desirable.
• Experience with Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge is strongly preferred.
• Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment.