Job Description
The Director serves as the leader in all aspects of prospect research and drives decisions using prospect research knowledge, data, and trend analysis. S/ He serves as a fundraising partner to creatively identify, research, and analyze new prospects and existing donors for cultivation and solicitation. S/he will lead all prospect research processes and methodologies for prospect identification and qualification, proactive research, and prospect strategy. The Director will manage all prospect researchers to give structure and vision to the fundraising process by way of comprehensive and strategic analysis of donor pools, donor pipelines, and presentation of meaningful research data as it relates to ongoing fundraising activities and new campaign initiatives. S/he directs research efforts of the University’s highest-level prospects to optimize the work of the Chancellor and University leadership as fundraising partners. The Director also collaborates with colleagues in the schools, college, units and regional gift officers and corporation and foundation gift officers to ensure that University resources grow a culture of increased philanthropy and volunteer leadership. The Director initiates and implements all activities in the functional area of prospect research.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred
At least three and half years of experience in higher education development research or related field.
Proficiency in conceptualizing and developing proactive prospecting methodologies using such tools as constituent list segmentation, data mining and electronic and peer screenings.
Understanding of wealth indicators and ability to translate such information into prospect ratings and gift estimates.
Advances the latest trends in prospect research and identifies new research tools and resources.
Progressive experience in comprehensive biographical or genealogical research, financial analysis and data analytics.
Demonstrated proficiency in relational database management/CRM use.
Demonstrated experience and proficiency with research tools and data analytics, including internet sources and new research technology
Ability to manage and work well with various personalities, building teamwork and collaboration to achieve goals.
Demonstrated advanced-level understanding of the prospect research domain of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
Job Specific Qualifications
Proven success working with high-level administrators and staff.
Detail oriented with strong organizational skills, highly driven and results oriented.
Ability to foster a collaborative, customer-oriented working environment.
Skill in developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
Ability to implement short and long-term goals while managing multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines.
Excellent oral and written communication skills demonstrated by clear, concise, and persuasive writing, public speaking, and private discourse.
Ability to manage budget and negotiate with vendors on contract renewals, etc.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex requests, with multiple priorities and deliverables, in a short timeframe.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Responsibilities
Direct Prospect Research Initiatives
Oversee the production of high-quality research deliverables for senior university leadership and AEA fundraising staff. Research deliverables include conducting extensive financial and biographical research by identifying and analyzing wealth indicators, including real estate holdings, equity holdings, compensation, family foundation assets, closely held business ownership interests and philanthropic activity.
Compose detailed research materials that provide analysis and interpretation of prospects that support development officer work and fundraising objectives.
Lead and align corporate and foundation research initiatives, prospect identification, and constituent records enhancement through partnership with Corporate and Foundation Relations.
Cultivate culture and create analytical solutions for proactive research aligned with portfolio development, prospect pools, and campaign priorities.
Drive effective communication of research ROI to advance partnerships with staff and colleagues and opportunities for strategic utilization of research throughout all levels of the University.

Targeted Research Leadership Principal Gift Prospects
Direct research efforts of the University’s highest-level prospects to optimize the work of the Chancellor and University leadership as fundraising partners.
Use knowledge of the University’s top prospects to develop appropriate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; referencing and representing that information at meetings and in discussions, as needed.
Develop and implement a comprehensive news alerts system for high-level prospects that disseminates information to partners across AEA in a timely fashion to drive gift conversations.
Educate AEA staff on prospect research policies and procedures.

Staffing and Resource Management
Supervisory responsibility of multiple prospect research staff.
Identify staffing needs and create areas of expertise and growth opportunities for staff.
Cultivate team and direct onboarding efforts and ongoing trainings for prospect research staff.
Attend professional conferences and user group meetings and recommend changes and enhancements to the advancement systems and capabilities.
Evaluate and negotiate research resources and publications.
Maintain active relationships with product vendors and manage contractual relationships.
Stay informed about product issues and developments.

Other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
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