Research Analyst

at  Syracuse University

JOB DESCRIPTION

As part of the Prospect Development team, the analyst performs discovery, analysis, and recommendations for major, principal, and planned gift prospects for fundraising purposes. They will create, utilize and lead the analytical solutions to discover, identify, and qualify new prospects, increase/develop understanding of existing prospect pools, and support fundraising campaigns and other fundraising initiatives.
This is a varied, cross-functional position that requires the ability to take initiative in delivering innovative solutions through synthesizing prospecting strategies and processes. Data analysis and effective implementation of systems is an essential part of this position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Two (2) plus years relevant professional experience.
• Experience in writing logical and detailed reports with a high degree of accuracy.
• Knowledge of information segmentation utilizing a database.
• CRM experience, particularly within Blackbaud or similar software preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Experience in STEM industries and/or research preferred.
• Precise attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of team.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills demonstrated through the use of clear, concise language.
• General knowledge and competency of Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience searching online databases and Internet.
• Experience managing deadline-driven multiple and diverse tasks.
• Ability to work well with various personalities, collaborating to support division-wide goals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage requests with multiple priorities and deliverables.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Not Applicable

• Accountable for proactive prospect identification and qualification to support major and planned gifts fundraising initiatives as defined by University and divisional leadership, with emphasis on STEM related prospects.
• Identify prospects by incorporating the use of database segmentation analysis, external resources, electronic screenings, and peer-review/focus group results.
• Guide development staff with recommendations for potential major donors for cultivation and solicitation.
• Nominate candidates for the University board of trustees, school and college advisory boards, as well as for University recognition.
• Develop meaningful, collaborative relationships with gift officers with the goal of assisting in prospect identification, qualification, and strategy.
• Lead and guide effective fundraising outcomes through well- written analytical prospect reports for communication with the Chancellor, Trustees, Deans, and development staff.
• Research, compile, and interpret data on select major gift individuals and organizations.
• Analyze a prospect’s maximum level for successful solicitation and giving trajectory through sophisticated reasoning skills and diverse processes.
• Research and evaluate the giving capabilities, interests, and propensity for constituents within the University’s alumni & development records system.
• Deliver prospect information to internal constituents through concise reports.
• Participate in prospect strategy meetings, contributing relevant researched data points to the development of cultivation strategy.
• Lead and promote the data integrity of the University’s database of record to support all prospecting activity and prospect research.
• Determine operational and functional feasibility; evaluate and help develop proposed solutions; maintain documentation for best practices.
• Research, interpret and analyze complex financial disclosure documents for the purposes of wealth evaluation (SEC filings, real property files, financial, and legal disclosures, etc.).
• Identify and evaluate new research sources by staying current with emerging industry best practices.
• Use and continually refine knowledge of existing sources including the University’s alumni & development records system, Lexis-Nexis, i-Wave, various print media, public records and direct interaction with appropriate internal and external staff.
• Other duties as assigned.