Senior Research Analyst, Prospect Research

The Senior Research Analyst, Prospect Research is responsible for providing value‐added critical analysis to the prospect research work of the Office of Prospect, Engagement, and Data Strategy, using independent judgment, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The Office of Prospect, Engagement, and Data Strategy is responsible for providing information integral to the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of alumni and friends of the University.

The primary responsibilities of this position include conducting high level detailed research; analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing financial and biographical data; using advanced on‐line sources, Internet databases, in‐house files, and other references; preparing high quality written reports; and overseeing appropriate dissemination of reports and recommendations. This position will be responsible for providing research and recommendations in support of senior University administrators and internal Advancement staff, fostering strong working relationships with University Advancement colleagues; keeping up‐to‐date on trends in the prospect research profession; gaining and maintaining proficiency in the use of proprietary and internal databases as well as internet resources; and participating in significant special projects in support of University fundraising objectives and priorities.

Princeton University Advancement works to inform, inspire, and involve Princeton’s global community of alumni, parents, and friends in ways that enable the University to fulfill its mission of advancing learning through scholarship, research, and teaching to serve humanity.

Prospect analysis and identification

• Provide high level, detailed, and responsive analysis of information, including synthesizing of stock holdings, real estate records, and other complex financial data to inform the fundraising efforts of the Office of Advancement
•  Use critical thinking and strategic judgement while analyzing data from many different sources in a timely manner; exhibit analytical acumen to interpret financial information
• Identify new potential donors, primarily within the key high and ultra-high net worth segments; review and assess existing potential donor giving capacity in support of University fundraising prioritie
•  Identify areas of philanthropic interest and priorities of potential donors aligned with the University’s strategic framework

Comprehensive Reports and Presentations of Findings

• Complete high quality, detailed, and comprehensive reports for the President’s Office, Advancement Office staff, including the Office of the Vice President for Advancement, and senior University administrators
•  Prepare clear and concise assessments of wealth estimates, summaries of findings, and recommendations on potential donors to the University
•  Prepare research findings in due diligence reports and present findings to internal senior Advancement stakeholders

Special Projects

• Manage significant special department projects, including ongoing strategic projects such as Electronic Wealth Screening and pool diversification projects
• Make presentations about the results and findings of specific projects and analyses

Internal Partnerships

• Develop strong working relationships and partnerships with fundraising staff
• Be customer oriented; interact with members of the Advancement office to ensure research needs are appropriately identified and addressed; assist with additional ad‐hoc requests as needed
• Collaborate with other Prospect, Engagement, and Data Strategy staff to inform the potential donor pool and department projects
•  Participate on ad-hoc committees and special initiatives for the Data Strategy & Innovation team

Source Evaluation and Media Review

• Evaluate and assess the effectiveness of research tools and emerging technologies
• Participate in regular department review of news sources including subject area / industry specialization and expertise
•  Review online and print publications and contribute prospect related and industry specific articles to weekly department newsletter distributed to University Advancement and select senior campus partners and administrators

Data Integrity

• Enhance alumni and donor information within the Advancement database with relevant data from research findings
• Ensure data quality by proactively communicating appropriate changes and updates to the Alumni Records department and other Advancement staff as appropriate

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of five years of experience in prospect research/prospect development, or an equivalent amount of professional experience in an analytical, research or information specialist role within an academic, nonprofit, corporate or consulting setting.
• Excellent attention to detail and high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to use technology to gather, interpret, organize, and present data.
• Proficiency at understanding wealth indicators for an individual as well as retrieving and analyzing financial data on corporations and foundations
• Experience preparing clear, concise reports summarizing research for a variety of audiences.
• Extensive experience with web‐based research as well as database operations and usage., including CRM and other relational databases
• Analytical acumen necessary to interpret financial information and manage data
•  Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong initiative and self‐motivation and the ability to work both independently and in teams within a customer‐service oriented environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information and material in a discretionary manner.
• Organizational skills to handle several projects simultaneously, accommodate shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Understanding philanthropy (mission, practice, trends) and fundraising practices (the development cycle, prospect management policies and practices).
• Commitment to University Advancement’s mission to inform, involve, and inspire Princeton’s global community of alumni and friends, and adhering to its guiding principles of High Performance, Innovation, Civility, and Collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Princeton’s mission
•  Experience in higher education
• Master’s degree 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS