Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

Administrator: Senior Director of Advancement Data & Research

Education Required: Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Experience: Donor research, data analysis, information and project management, technologically savvy and detail-oriented, inquisitive mind, strong analytical and communication skills, and a positive team player.

Overtime Status: Exempt; not eligible for overtime

FTE and Benefits: 1.0 FTE and eligible for full employment benefits

Location/Hybrid Work Environment: This position is located in Bozeman, MT. The MSU Alumni Foundation may offer a hybrid work environment (2-4 days/week) following an employee's successful first three months in the office

Preferred Start Date: October 15, 2025

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Prospect Research Specialist (Specialist) of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation ("Alumni Foundation") is part of the Advancement Services department. Under the Advancement Services umbrella, the Prospect Management & Research (PMR) team is responsible for identifying and researching alumni and friends of MSU who have affinity and capacity to make a philanthropic gift. The PMR team provides support by completing targeted research, working closely with the development team on portfolio management, and ensuring data accuracy on prospects.

The Specialist, focusing on prospect research, works under the guidance of the Senior Director of Advancement Data & Research. The Specialist is responsible for providing actionable insights that strengthen engagement and fundraising strategies. The Specialist conducts proactive and reactive research, evaluates wealth and philanthropic capacity, monitors prospect activity and delivers high-quality research products that support development officers, leadership and other Advancement partners.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead donor research efforts to identify, analyze and qualify prospective donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations.
2. Conduct in-depth research using a wide range of sources (public records, wealth screenings, media, databases, and online tools) to assess biographical, financial, professional, philanthropic, and relational data.
3. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate research profiles, capacity ratings, and briefing documents to support fundraising strategy, cultivation, and solicitation activities.
4. Partner with development officers to recommend new prospects, assess current portfolios, and provide intelligence to optimize fundraising strategies.
5. Develop proactive research strategies to identify potential major, planned, and leadership gift donors.
6. Ensure timely and accurate entry of research findings into the constituent database and prospect management system.
7. Create lists and reports as requested and provide summaries and analysis of key findings.
8. Pursue continuous professional development by staying current with best practices in fundraising, prospect research, and data management, with active involvement in the APRA community.
9. Maintain confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity in all donor-related information.
10. Support and collaborate with other PMR team members on special projects, portfolio reviews, and prospect management initiatives.
11. Affect and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative and performance centric work environment.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Advancement Data and Research.

Duties and responsibilities may change at any time.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Proficient in navigating a CRM, such as Raisers Edge or Salesforce.
2. Demonstrated experience conducting wealth batch screenings with leading vendors such as Kindsight/iWave, DonorSearch, Altrata and/or Windfall.
3. Demonstrated expertise in donor/prospect research, including ability to synthesize complex financial and biographical data.
4. Excellent analytical skills and the ability to independently locate and interpret financial and biographical information from a variety of sources.
5. Ability to review documents & excel spreadsheets with attention to accuracy and detail.
6. Strong communication skills in a wide variety of mediums including the ability to report on complex topics clearly and concisely.
7. Complete respect for confidentiality and exceptionally high customer service skills.
8. Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines for multiple projects and changing priorities.
9. Ability to work both independently and as an effective member of a team.
10. Must be technically competent and comfortable using a variety of software applications including MS Office and data management systems.
11. Prior experience working with and contributing to a diverse workplace with the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of professionals.

BENEFITS:

The MSU Alumni Foundation offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance (all of which are 90-100% employer-paid for employee-only coverage), 403(b) retirement plan with 7% employer contribution, up to 5 weeks paid time-off, 11 paid holidays, tuition assistance and more.

APPLICATIONS AND RECRUITMENT:

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, a resume, and three professional references online. Recruitment will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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