Director, Prospect Development, University of Arizona Foundation

Ashley Hansen

Job title: Director, Prospect Development

Department: Development Services, Development Research & Resources

Hours: 40 per week

Opening: September 24, 2015

Closing: Open Until Filled

Classification: Exempt, Professional Staff

Benefits: Yes

General Position Summary:

As part of small but dynamic and growing Prospect Development team, work to develop strategies and programs to build an effective pipeline of potential donors to the University. Under the supervision of the Associate Vice President of Development Research & Resources (AVP), take primary responsibility and oversight for leading the team responsible for conducting prospect research and identification to grow the size and value of the prospect pool, with special attention to major and principal gift prospects. Build a broad and deep understanding of prospect management activities, policies, and processes to support the management of prospects through the development cycle.

Assume the lead role in managing prospect research and prospect management staff and programs. Work with the team to partner with and train DOs on the tracking and management of their activity in Raiser’s Edge and ensure their appropriate use of prospect research information to inform development strategies. Report on information regarding fundraising progress/activity and interpret information to advise Senior Leadership and other managers on fundraising performance. Assume primary responsibility for developing and managing Prospect Management Policy & Process Guidelines. Regularly monitor development activity for continuity and compliance with the Prospect Management Policy & Process Guidelines.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Supervisory responsibilities include hiring, training, and managing prospect research and prospect management staff. This includes conducting annual performance reviews as well as acting as an ongoing resource and mentor for prospect development team members. Delegate work and projects to employees based on their skill sets, knowledge, and experience. Provide guidance and direction for appropriate professional development.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

• Advise and report to Senior Leadership and other managers on the status of fundraising strategies, activities, and progress.

• Partner with staff to analyze fundraising activity to support DOs in identifying top prospects and suspects. As needed, partner with VPs to recommend the recalibration of DO portfolios to maximize performance and elevate the highest priority prospects for management.

• Mentor staff on developing and synthesizing information on prospects to produce clear profiles (bios) of their background, career, financial capacity, philanthropic interests, and nature of relationship to the University.

• Undertake financial analysis of prospects' and donors' known wealth indicators to assess potential philanthropic capacity. Manage and train staff to do the same.

• In partnership with the Associate Director of Prospect Research, develop and maintain a library of prospect development training materials, take the responsibility for the ongoing education and management of new prospect development staff.

• Maintain proficiency with standard prospect development resources (electronic, print, and other) and stay abreast of new resources and technologies to ensure that the department's resources meet industry standards.

• Manage and/or respond to prospect research and prospect management-related support requests that are directed to the team. Delegate tasks as needed to prospect research and management staff.

• Partner with colleagues to make recommendations and draft proposals for developing and/or modifying Prospect Management Policy & Process Guidelines. Serve as a co-chair of the Prospect Management Committee.

• In partnership with the Associate Director of Training & Information Engagement, build standard prospect management query templates & system reports in Raiser’s Edge for DOs to access on their dashboards as common business needs are identified. Also act as the Raiser’s Edge prospect management expert to inform and refine appropriate prospect management training programs for DOs and their support staff.

• Participate in the administration and configuration of the prospect research and management components of the Raiser’s Edge development system. Provide regular quality checks and audits as needed to ensure the quality of prospect, rating, action, and proposal data.

• Take the lead on special projects as needed. Topics may include: identification of future leadership prospects and board nominees, regional market analyses, peer benchmarking studies, prospect management process improvement assessments, investigation of additional research resources, and liaising with outside consultants and vendors.

• Assist the AVP in setting short and long-term goals and priorities for the prospect development program.

• Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance. Develop and maintain a network of contacts with other prospect development professionals nationwide.

• Safeguard the confidentiality of constituent information at all times. Establish, disseminate, and regularly review standards of ethics and confidentiality regarding the handling of donor and volunteer information and train prospect development staff and colleagues to understand/implement these standards. Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both the Foundation and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Specific Job Skills:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University of Arizona Development Program as well as the technology tools available, including The Raiser’s Edge (the development system), Tableau Data Visualization Software, a Microsoft Windows computer environment, and the Microsoft Office suite.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn quickly, the principles, practices, and techniques of managing a prospect development program in a complex and decentralized development organization, including an understanding of how prospect development programs are integrated into those operations.

• Proficiency with query and analysis techniques and tools used to modify, retrieve, manipulate, and report on information stored in relational database management systems.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, including the ability to communicate effectively. Strong commitment to customer service required.

• Strong verbal and writing skills, high attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills required – including the ability to set priorities and manage several projects simultaneously.

• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact required.

• Must be flexible and adaptable to new programs in an emerging and changing environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher and a minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience in a non-profit setting - with at least three (3) years in either prospect research or prospect management - required.

• Previous management experience required.

• Proficiency in managing prospect development activities in a complex organization.

• Experience working closely with frontline development officers.

• Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education approved by Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a related field (Business Administration, Social Sciences, Library & Information Science, Non Profit Management, etc.) desirable.

• Three (3) or more years of experience using The Raiser’s Edge, version 7.

• Three (3) or more years of experience working in a higher-education development role and managing prospect development staff.

• Demonstrated experience leading a project team and mentoring or managing colleagues.

Work Environment:

• This position works in an office environment with close work on a computer.

• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

• Willingness and ability to travel to various offices and departments across campus and/or non-campus locations for Foundation or University business required.

• Valid driver’s license required.

To Apply:

Please send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references (include job number DS1511 in the subject line) to:

The University of Arizona Foundation, Attn.: Human Resources

1111 N. Cherry Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85721 Fax (520) 621-2975 *E-mail hrdept@uafoundation.org

*E-mail submission is the preferred method in Word or PDF format*

The University of Arizona Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.