Description

The Prospect Researcher serves as a key team member in identifying, qualifying, profiling and researching potential major gift donors to support the organization's fundraising efforts and the mission of providing comprehensive mental health services. This role plays a critical part in advancing our fundraising goals through strategic prospect identification and in-depth research analysis. The Prospect Researcher helps the development team build and manage a robust pipeline of major gifts, planned gifts, and other philanthropic support. It works strategically and closely across departments and within the Office of Philanthropy to advance the organization's philanthropic mission and ensure smooth delivery of the upcoming comprehensive campaign.

Responsibilities:

Prospect Identification & Research

Conduct comprehensive research on individual donors, foundations, corporations, and other potential funding sources using publicly available information sources and databases such as DonorSearch, Blackbaud ResearchPoint, Wealth Engine, Foundation Directory Online, and other prospect research tools.
Analyze and synthesize information to assess a prospect’s capacity, affinity, and readiness to give.
Develop detailed prospect profiles including biographical information, wealth indicators, philanthropic history, giving capacity, and connection points to Sheppard Pratt.
Develop and maintain detailed prospect profiles, bios and briefings including for events.
Analyze real estate holdings, business affiliations, board memberships, and other wealth indicators to assess giving
Research foundation and corporate giving guidelines, priorities, and application processes.
Proactively identify new prospects to support fundraising campaigns and strategic initiatives.
Collaborate with development officers and senior leadership to prioritize research efforts and support portfolio development and prospect strategies.
Conduct relationship mapping to identify and organize the connections of Sheppard Pratt board, staff and supporters.
Data Management & Analysis

Maintain accurate and up-to-date prospect information in the organization's donor database.
Create and update prospect tracking systems and research files.
Prepare written research reports and briefing materials for development staff and leadership.
Create intelligence reports for use by gift officers, leadership, and campaign committees.
Analyze giving patterns and trends to inform fundraising strategies.
Ensure data integrity by conducting regular audits, verification processes, and quality control measures across all prospect records and research documentation.
Evaluate wealth assessment tools and make recommendations for efficiency and research effectiveness.
Track and rate prospects through a moves management system to support cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Ensure the accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of all prospect data in the database (e.g., Raiser’s Edge).
Support fundraising team by participating in regular portfolio reviews, promoting moves management best practices.
Strategic Support

Collaborate with development officers to prioritize prospects and develop cultivation strategies.
Provide research support for grant applications and proposal development.
Assist in preparing materials for donor visits and meetings.
Support special events and capital campaign research needs.
Effectively represent the organization at Sheppard Pratt and Development Office sponsored events.
Stay current on best practices in prospect research, data privacy laws, and fundraising trends.

Requirements

Requirements:

5+ years of experience in prospect research, fundraising, or a related analytical role (experience in nonprofit fundraising is highly preferred).
Proficiency with prospect research databases and tools (DonorSearch, LexisNexis, Wealth X, Wealth Engine, iWave, Foundation Directory Online, etc.).
Strong Experience with donor database management systems (Raiser's Edge preferred).
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
 Bachelor's degree required; degree in Communications, Nonprofit Management, Library Science, Journalism, Marketing, Business, or related field preferred.
Strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
High level of discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive donor information.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Knowledge of philanthropic trends and donor behaviors.
Experience in supporting capital campaigns or major gifts initiatives.
Membership in professional associations such as Apra (Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement) is a plus.