Research Analyst

In partnership with fundraising staff members, the Research Analyst will identify new and qualify existing donor investors through innovative, systematic, prospect identification processes and will assist in the development of strategies for engaging and cultivating major gift donors. Depending on area of assignment, donor prospects could be individuals, corporations and/or organizations.

What you'll do:

• Proactively identifies prospects using fundraising analytics, screening, alerts, and routine research activities to determine a donor’s giving capacity, interest, and ties to the University

• Maintains and updates individual biographical, financial, business, and relationship information on the alumni and development donor database

• Upholds all fundraising and prospect research professional standards and expectations

• Collaborates and strategizes regularly with development staff to gain an understanding of their goals and priorities and advises them on identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to maximize fundraising effectiveness

• Analyzes, interpret, and summarizes financial disclosure documents for purposes of wealth assessment

• Conducts in-depth research on individuals, corporations, and foundations, utilizing confidential files and print, electronic, and on-line resources

• Assists in maintaining database records and promoting system integrity; ensures that the activity and movement of prospects through the fundraising cycle is coordinated through the database

• Creates financial qualifications and in-depth financial profiles, and rates current and prospective donor investors for various University fundraising initiatives and volunteer leadership opportunities

• Represents the department on various foundation-wide boards and/or committees

• Provides training, guidance, and assistance to development staff, as needed, on donor and research database

• Prepares reports on status of organizational prospects, CFR portfolios, and national organization giving trend data

• Prepares and delivers presentations and training to Foundation staff on basic prospect research, and mentors’ new researchers

• Stays up to date and knowledgeable of multiple screening strategies and methodologies, including (but not limited to) constituent list segmentation on the basis of limited, specific variables such as zip code, age, sex, or other demographic data; external, electronic database screening and peer group screening

• Works with team on priority requests and special projects ensuring that all deadlines are met with quality products

What you'll need:

• Excellent organization and prioritization skills, able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with a high attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned tasks

• Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, writing, and by phone with excellent follow through when developing research reports and briefing documents

• Collaborative style coupled with an ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with little supervision

• Ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the ASU Foundation, Enterprise Partners, and the University

• Ability to take initiative, and consistently respond to changing situations in a flexible manner to meet the current needs of the department/unit

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to ASU Enterprise Partners (the ASU Foundation’s parent organization), its other subsidiaries and University business and confidential prospect information

• Ability to represent the institution well, including upholding our commitment to diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion by identifying areas to increase diversity of prospect and donor pool

• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations

• Ability to use query tools such as Access or Hyperion

Relevant qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in prospect research, development, fundraising, financial analysis, and/or relevant experience in an academic setting

Preferred education and experience:

• Advanced degree

• Understanding of and competency with the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) Advanced Skill Sets and proficiency in prospect management systems and processes

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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