National Geographic Society is looking for a prospect researcher who is passionate about identifying potential new donors for the Society and collaborating with relationship managers on prospect strategy development. The ideal candidate will be a leader, willing to take initiative to identify and implement necessary processes, while also demonstrating a willingness to occasionally work on tedious tasks necessary to simply get the job done.
The Prospect Research Officer will manage and implement an integrated research and analytics strategy for National Geographic’s Partnership’s team. The officer is responsible for proactive identification and qualification of prospective donors, with a particular emphasis on identifying new major and principal gift prospects. The Officer will work across the department to meet personal and team goals.
- Provide prospect research support for the Partnership’s team. Prioritize research requests made by all partnerships staff members and other members of the Society to maximize fundraising effectiveness and efficiency, while meeting departmental and institutional goals.
- Apply best practice research methodology to gather, analyze, and synthesize biographical, financial, qualifying, analytical, and historical data for individuals, corporations, and foundations to support philanthropy at National Geographic Society.
- Lead the prospect assignment process, working closely with major gift officers to assign, assess, and re-assign or disqualify as needed across the donor continuum. Lead the development of a principal gift pipeline, identifying and tracking prospects through best practice research methodology and creativity. Maintain oversight of relationship managers’ portfolios, recommending comprehensive analysis on a bi-annual basis.
- Support and participate in donor strategy, pipeline, and solicitation planning meetings to gather and disseminate anecdotal and quantitative information for the purpose of maximizing donor potential.
- Collaborate with colleagues in Finance (including Senior Manager, Operations and staff responsible for budgets and reporting), and Partnership’s colleagues to advance Development’s advanced use of data analytics. Use data visualization tools and advanced database techniques to input, extract data, and analyze data from multiple internal and external sources for the purpose of maximizing donor potential.
- Maintain integrity of Raiser’s Edge donor database, to ensure productive fundraising.
- Monitor local and national publications and social media for relevant information related to donors and prospects; implement alert system for relationship managers. Manage research team resources including research database vendor relationships and subscriptions. Facilitate rollout and training for RE NXT and other new systems, as applicable.
- 5+ years of prospect research experience in a university or nonprofit organization, advanced-level proficiency with relational and research databases, preferably Raiser's Edge or other Blackbaud suite of products.
- Advanced skill level with Excel, Blackbaud, or other nonprofit relational databases. Advanced skills with online search methods, as well as online and offline prospect research tools including Lexis Nexis, Guidestar, NOZA Search, Foundation Search, Foundation Directory, and others.
- Excellent written communication and an eye for detail are key components of this position. Excellent project management and organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Ability to adapt and apply technology for innovative solutions and journalistic curiosity are highly desirable qualities.