Prospect Research Analyst

About University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation

Established in 2003, theUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise 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 by serving as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation. 

About the role

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF) exists to raise and distribute 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 for 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: This is a full-time hybrid position and is open to employees in select US 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 with 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: We’re 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. We know that diverse teams make better decisions and deliver better results, which is why we’re committed to adding new perspectives and encourage everyone to apply. 

BENEFITS

• 20 vacation days, 12 holidays, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, and 2 office closure days.
• 4-day summer work week.
• 401(k) plan. You contribute 5% and receive a 10% match.
• Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave to use within 1 year of childbirth. An additional 6 weeks available for the birthing parent. Part-time work for full-time pay for the first 4 weeks post parental leave.
• Learn more about our benefits.

Proposed Annual Salary Range:
 $65,000 - $72,000

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, our constituents, and our community.

We welcome and value diversity in all its forms and recognize that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our work and advances our mission. We recognize that the benefits of a diverse team are fully realized when people of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages and nationalities; educational backgrounds; religious and political beliefs; sexual orientations; abilities; and socioeconomic and veteran status are valued, respected, and included at every level. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact careers@uma-foundation.org to request accommodation.

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.

Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team at careers@uma-foundation.org