Research Assistant Director

at  Indiana State University

JOB SUMMARY/BASIC FUNCTION

Perform and manage research to proactively and systematically identify new prospects and develop cultivation and solicitation strategies with development directors. Monitor the performance of development director prospect pools and provide new prospects and updates to pool. Create and maintain constituent profiles for events and visits to be used by development directors and upper-level University administrators. Create and distribute reports to different groups at the University. Assist with the creation and management of lists and provide backup as needed for list and data requests. Help maintain the database by updating individual or groups of constituent records. Serve as backup for administrative and technological requests from faculty and staff members at the University. Assist with other tasks as assigned.

REQUIRED RELEVANT EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education:Bachelor’s Degree (4 years); Experience: Two to five years’ experience in institutional development focusing on prospect research.

PREFERRED RELEVANT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT or other databases.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Able to adapt to change, Able to assemble, analyze and present data, Able to learn and retain information, Able to multitask, Able to plan, organize, and implement projects in a timely manner, Able to read English, understand, and follow verbal and written instructions, Able to work both independently and collaboratively, Able to work carefully and politely around others, Able to work well with others, Attention to detail, Demonstration of high ethical standards, integrity, professionalism, politeness, and courteousness, Excellent customer service skills, Excellent interpersonal, organizational, planning, teambuilding and problem solving skills, Excellent leadership skills, Excellent public speaking skills, Experience and knowledge in job related program, Experience in an educational environment preferred, Math and basic accounting skills, Must be able to travel; some overnight travel, when required, Must be comfortable networking with groups or individuals, Professional demeanor, high energy, dynamic personality and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer applications, Proven supervisory skills, Proven verbal and written communication skills, Willing to interact with students, Willing to work extended hours during events and peak seasons, when required, Work effectively with a diverse community

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Outstanding analytical, communication, writing, and organizational skills are necessary, and the candidate must be able to excel in a team environment.

QUALIFICATIONS & DISCLAIMER

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The information on this description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within the classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and other sources for prospective research, the assistant Director of Research will provide new entries and updates to the prospect pool for development directors. Tools such as LiveAlumni, PeopleFinder, iWave, Google searches, and publicly available records will be used in the creation of this research.
• Work with development directors to update portfolios.
• Create and maintain constituent profiles for events and visits attended by development directors and upper-level University administrators, such as the President’s Office and members of the President’s Cabinet.
• Create, maintain, and distribute reports to various groups at the University. This includes reports on giving metrics, birthday and deceased lists, weekly gift reports, and other reporting as requested. Assist with list requests as needed.
• Update constituent records in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT as new information is collected and assist with maintaining database records and management.
• Assist with the administrative and technological requests from faculty and staff. This can include granting access and user rights to Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and other software, troubleshooting issues with systems, and working with OIT on user access and equipment requests.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare research profiles and assist with research activities including data collection, evaluation and analysis using a wide variety of source material including public documents, legal records, periodicals, computer databases, professional organizations, professional contacts and other electronic sources. Maintain/update on a regular basis all data, electronic and paper files, pertaining to major gift prospects. Provide wealth and research data to the development and alumni teams, the University president, and deans. Work with the development, alumni and operations teams to collaborate across team boundaries regarding database issues. Use sound professional judgment, utilize best practices, be a team player, use and value the importance of philanthropy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Using the results of wealth screening data, strategize with development officers and monitor their efforts in maximizing the use of that data in their fundraising efforts; i.e., identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. This includes monthly meetings with each development officer and monthly meetings with the whole development team.