Job Description

Department:

Advancement Research

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Employee Type:

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Prospect Research and Analysis plays a critical role in supporting the fundraising efforts of Colby College by identifying, researching, and analyzing prospective donors. This position is responsible for providing high-quality, actionable intelligence on individuals, corporations, and foundations to inform cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. Reporting to the Director of Prospect Research and Analysis, the Associate Director will work closely with frontline fundraisers, senior leadership, and other Advancement team members to build and maintain a robust prospect pipeline and ensure data integrity.

Essential Functions

To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.  This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned.
 

Key Responsibilities
 

Prospect Identification & Research:

• Proactively identify new prospective donors with the capacity and inclination to support the college's priorities through various research methodologies (e.g., wealth screening, philanthropic databases, public records, news alerts).

• Conduct in-depth research on individuals, corporations, and foundations, compiling comprehensive profiles that include biographical information, financial capacity, philanthropic interests, giving history, and connections to the college.

• Utilize and manage prospect research tools and databases effectively.

Data Analysis & Strategy:

• Analyze complex data from various sources to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for prospect engagement.

• Develop and implement proactive research strategies to support specific fundraising initiatives and campaigns.

• Provide strategic recommendations to frontline fundraisers on prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies based on research findings.

• Collaborate with the Advancement Operations team to ensure accurate and up-to-date prospect information within the donor database.

Pipeline Management & Reporting:

• Assist in managing and optimizing the prospect pipeline, ensuring a consistent flow of qualified prospects for fundraisers.

• Generate reports and dashboards on prospect pool metrics, research activities, and pipeline progress to inform decision-making.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of prospect management policies and procedures.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Serve as a key resource and partner to frontline fundraisers, providing timely and relevant prospect information and strategic guidance.

• Collaborate with other Advancement team members (e.g., Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Gift Planning) to support integrated fundraising efforts.

• Present research findings clearly and concisely, both verbally and in written reports, to various internal stakeholders.

Training & Best Practices:

• Stay current with best practices, trends, and technologies in prospect research and fundraising.

• Assist in training new staff on prospect research methodologies and tools.

• Adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality regarding donor information.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and/or experience:

• Bachelor's degree

• Five years of experience in prospect research, development operations, data analysis, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications or Skills:

• Deep knowledge of fundraising and development principles, particularly in higher education.

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Ellucian, Salesforce, or other CRM/database systems used in advancement.

• Demonstrated experience using research tools and databases (e.g., iWave, LexisNexis, or similar).

• Prior experience building dashboards or visual reports for leadership and using predictive analytics for pipeline development.

• Knowledge of philanthropic trends, including donor behavior, we