Senior Prospect Researcher (Contractor)

Kelli Gentile

Hourly Rate

$25 - $50 - Dependent upon experience and number of hours contracted per month.

Work Schedule

Flexible and Hybrid Setting

Position Overview

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designated by the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) to receive and manage gifts on behalf of its colleges. The Foundation seeks innovative partnerships and contributions from a variety of sources, in order to make postsecondary education and certifications accessible and affordable and to boldly impact our community. Read more about the Foundation here.

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) is seeking an experienced Senior Prospect Researcher to be retained on a contract basis.

This individual will identify, research, and analyze prospective donors for major gift cultivation and solicitation, and directly contribute to the EmpowerED for Student Success campaign. The Prospect Researcher works directly with the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) and coordinates with ten college development officers to identify and qualify major donor prospects to support the 3-year campaign.

Areas of Responsibility

1. Under the direction of the Foundation’s Network and Systems Administrator, develops written prospect research profiles, biographies and project summaries for potential and identified major gift and high-level annual gift prospects. This includes individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
2. Analyzes and synthesizes accumulated information to assess financial capacity, philanthropic inclination, giving propensity, and linkages.
3. Uses creative research techniques to produce high-level research on individuals, alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations using a variety of biographical, organizational, and financial sources - including online databases, internet sites, library and governmental sources, and other external repositories of public information to identify prospects.
4. Assists with cultivation and solicitation plan documentation, using Raiser’s Edge.
5. Monitors contact and internal giving reports for new and current donor prospects for major giving.
6. Provides data for all clearance and rating requests and provides verification of screened research information (i.e., giving capacities) as requested and approved.
7. Reviews and monitors digital and print resources for information about individuals, corporations and foundations.
8. Prepares prospect reports and assists in preparing major gift tracking reports.
9. Assists in training staff members on basic prospect research techniques as well as on how to fully use Raiser’s Edge for prospect management.
10. Is proficient in effective prospect research and prospect management techniques and tools as well as trends in the prospect research profession and development fields.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related areas and/or equivalent experience with knowledge and skills.
• Working knowledge of fundraising, donor relations and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in prospect research, development, library research or information.
• Deep knowledge of the range of resources available to prospect researchers and the ability to apply those resources in an organized and purposeful manner.
• Demonstrated analytical skills to initiate and perform complex analyses and organize information to identify philanthropic patterns, tendencies, and relationships among individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial disclosure documents for the purposes of wealth assessment.
• Strong computer skills and demonstrated background in internet-based research.
• Excellent oral and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong project management skills, problem-solving skills, and demonstrated ability to work independently in a complex environment.
• Ability to maintain professional standards and confidentiality. Knowledge and adherence to ethics standards established by APRA, Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), AFP, and/or other related associations.

Benefits

Not Applicable

Special Working Conditions

• Travel to various college campuses or District Office locations may be required.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume showing how the applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications. All minimum requirements must be met at the time of the application.

Please email all application material to: kelli.gentile@domail.maricopa.edu.

Please ensure your materials clearly provide the following information.

• Clearly illustrate how prior experience, knowledge and education meet the required qualifications for this position.
• Provide employment history including job title, job duties, for each position held and name of employer for each position.
• Professional references, preferably current and/or former supervisors.

Posting Close Date

Open until filled