Job Description

Prospect Researcher and Planned Giving Officer

The Prospect Research and Planned Giving Officer reports to the Senior Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, supports the University's Office of Institutional Advancement by providing data-driven insights, research, and analysis that strengthen donor engagement strategies and stewardship efforts. This position focuses on identifying and analyzing prospective donors, cultivating planned giving opportunities, and supporting development staff with actionable information, while maintaining compliance with federal and institutional guidelines.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct in-depth research on individuals, corporations, foundations, and others to identify prospective planned giving donors
• Analyze financial capacity, interest, philanthropic interests, and giving history to assess alignment
• Develop a pipeline of prospect profiles, including briefing materials, and research reports for leadership and development officers
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of prospect management databases, ensuring compliance with data privacy standards
• Prepare materials that explain planned giving, estate planning and deferred giving opportunities in collaboration with legal and financial advisors
• Ensure proper donor recognition and stewardship
• Support stewardship by tracking planned gift expectancies and documenting donor intentions in coordination with Advancement staff
• Monitor national and sector-wide trends in planned giving, reporting insights to inform institutional strategies
• Create dashboards, data visualizations, and regular reports on prospect pipeline development and planned giving trends
• Analyze donor and prospect data to identify gaps, opportunities, and emerging patterns
• Provide leadership with evidence-based recommendations to inform donor engagement strategies
• Ensure all prospect research and planned giving activities comply with federal Uniform Guidance, institutional policies, and ethical standards of fundraising research
• Collaborate with advancement staff, academic leaders, and external partners to support donor engagement, without engaging in direct solicitation or fundraising
• Support grant-funded projects by providing data and analysis that demonstrate impact, alignment with strategic priorities, and opportunities for long-term sustainability
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Minimum Job Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, data analytics, library/information science, or related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 3 years of experience in prospect research, advancement services, planned giving, or related areas. Strong skills in data analysis, financial research, and database management (experience with advancement CRMs such as Donor Search, Wealth Engine, or similar preferred). Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and estate planning concepts. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights. Strong attention to detail, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior): Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands: Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.

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