Logo
Inside Higher Ed

Director of Prospect Management and Research

Inside Higher Ed, Greensboro, North Carolina, us, 27497

Save Job

Director of Prospect Management and Research Join to apply for the

Director of Prospect Management and Research

role at

Inside Higher Ed

Apply now:

https://bit.ly/UNCGDirPMR

Position Summary The Director will lead the strategic direction of the Prospect Management and Research team at UNC Greensboro. This role ensures that the university’s prospect management and research practices are dynamic, data‑driven, and collaborative, supporting the fundraising efforts. Key responsibilities include designing and executing strategic data‑driven prospect identification, conducting comprehensive wealth and propensity screenings, overseeing due‑diligence research, and playing a key role in the upcoming CRM transition.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated mastery of research methodology best practices for evaluating donor prospects for capacity, inclination, readiness, and recommending relationship development strategies.

Proficiency in Excel and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Desktop Tools (Word, Excel, etc.).

Knowledge of leading CRM tools and technologies used in fundraising operations; proficiency in incorporating pipeline development and prospect tracking data in a fundraising CRM.

Progressive experience managing prospect identification and research methods and directing a prospect management system supporting fundraising initiatives.

Proven analytical skills and proficiency utilizing data analysis tools, fundraising databases, and evaluating wealth indicators.

Experience evaluating complex issues, identifying appropriate solutions, and providing leadership in development and implementation of a strategic plan.

Excellent planning skills and experience identifying, clarifying, and articulating project purpose, goals, and outcomes.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.

Strong strategic thinking, research, writing, verbal presentation skills, organizational ability, and initiative.

Ability to analyze and synthesize information, manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Proven leadership experience managing a team, setting strategic goals, and driving results in prospect management and research.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and specialized expertise related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree preferred.

5+ years relevant experience in fundraising operations, advancement services, prospect research, or related activities.

Experience with CRM transitions and system integrations.

Experience with Banner Advancement module, EverTrue, and advanced analytics for prospect research.

Mastery of the development cycle and advanced knowledge of the role of prospect research within it.

Experience creating and executing prospect identification plans aligned to fundraising priorities.

Experience adapting prospect strategy management, tracking, and reporting for different prospect segments (annual, major, principal).

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement a strategic vision for the Prospect Management and Research team, aligning with the university’s fundraising goals.

Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team and division.

Build strong partnerships with frontline fundraisers and provide actionable insights and high‑quality prospect research.

Align research activities with strategic fundraising initiatives in collaboration with Development leadership.

Process Improvement & Innovation

Evaluate current prospect research methods and align them to a data‑driven approach using advanced analytics, machine learning, and data visualization tools.

Evaluate and integrate new technologies and platforms to enhance prospect research capabilities and efficiencies.

Collaborate with the CRM & Analytics team to ensure the new CRM system meets the needs of the advancement team.

Collaborate with the advancement operations team to ensure cohesive and efficient operations.

Team Management & Development

Supervise and mentor two Prospect Development Analysts.

Establish measurable goals and objectives for the team and implement strategies to achieve them.

Promote a collaborative work environment and encourage knowledge sharing.

Act as project manager: manage the team’s workload queue, assign research requests, and direct proactive prospect identification projects.

Prospect Identification & Management

Partner with advancement leadership on donor strategy meetings to develop cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Oversee identification, qualification, and management of prospects to ensure a robust pipeline of potential donors.

Utilize data analytics to identify trends and opportunities within the prospect pool.

Ensure gift officer portfolios remain robust, supported by the prospect research team’s identification projects.

Research Resources & Budget

Track and manage the portion of the budget devoted to research.

Coordinate evaluation, purchase, and renewal of research resources, publications, and services.

Represent the research team in selecting future electronic screening vendors.

Compliance & Best Practices

Ensure compliance with ethical standards and university policies in all prospect research activities.

Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies through continual professional development.

Special Instructions to Applicants This position is fully on‑site. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to

Scott Murray, director of executive search

at

sfmurray@northcarolina.edu . Submit a cover letter and CV via the link above. Confidential review of applications will begin immediately, and the position remains open until filled.

Recruitment Range $85,000 – $94,443

Job Details

Location: Greensboro, NC (UNC Greensboro campus)

Open Until Filled: Yes

FTE: 1.000

Type of Appointment: Permanent

Percentage of Time on Strategic Leadership: 20%

Percentage of Time on Process Improvement & Innovation: 15%

Percentage of Time on Team Management & Development: 15%

Percentage of Time on Prospect Identification & Management: 5%

Percentage of Time on Research Resources & Budget: 5%

Percentage of Time on Compliance & Best Practices: 5%

Application Deadline Job Open Date: 09/15/2025

#J-18808-Ljbffr