POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Assistant Director of Prospect Development
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1757
GRADE 43
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Executive Director of Prospect Development
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Assistant Director of Prospect Development is a member of the Development staff conducting research to help the department achieve fundraising success. This position will provide key oversight in the development of systems and processes to increase in quantity and quality of the prospect pool. The incumbent will implement and manage critical proactive prospecting projects to drive fundraising initiatives and ensure the ongoing monitoring of prospect information, philanthropic interests, affinity, and other factors. This position manages critical projects including the production of event bios and profiles for University leadership and due diligence research for major gift acceptance. Additionally, this position will provide information and data, from time to time, to all levels of MSU Foundation Leadership and MSU Foundation Board of Trustee Committees, as well as University leadership.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree is required; demonstrated experience preferably with coursework in statistics or research methods. A master’s degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least three years of relatable office experience is required. Prior experience in a non-profit environment or higher education environment as well as experience in applied research, records management, data entry, and databases is preferred.
Skills: Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, including the ability to reason analytically, proofread, edit, and conveying data in oral, written, and graphic report to individuals with varying backgrounds are required. Excellent interpersonal skills are required. Demonstrated successful management of multiple short- and long-term projects, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: Occasionally required to lift and move boxes of materials and equipment weighing between twenty-five to fifty pounds.
Other: Occasional travel and participation in evening and/or weekend activities is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsible for performing prospect identification and analysis to ensure prospective major and principal gift donors are continuously being found for development staff portfolios. Implements prospect identification processes, assessments, and strategies to yield the best results, including but not limited to evaluating affinity, capacity and propensity of prospects to make a major gift.
2. Identifies, Develops, reviews, assesses, and makes recommendations on existing biographical research reports to best support the business need. Analyzes and shares meaningful data to assist in making informed decisions regarding prospects.
3. Directs research into corporate and foundation prospects including giving history, connections with the University, and data-driven strategies and tools.
4. Coordinates wealth screening information and prioritizes large scale prospect pools by data mining, sorting, and scoring, and strategic management of proactive research projects.
5. Collaborates with the Executive Director of Prospect Development to Interpret and synthesize financial and technical trade materials.
6. Participates in professional organizations, conferences, and workshops to keep informed of current trends and practices related to prospect research and attending trainings at the direction of direction of the Executive Director of Prospect Development.
7. Conducts research to ensure biographical information is current and accessible by assisting with maintenance of the database records.
8. Provides key oversight in the development of systems and processes to increase in quantity and quality of the prospect pool.
9. Assesses current research tools and methodologies to suggest changes based on best practices.
10. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
11. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
12. Contributes to the overall success of the University by assuming primary responsibility for special projects as assigned and performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned in a timely, thorough, and professional manner.
SUPERVISION
The Assistant Director of Prospect Development is supervised by the Executive Director of Prospect Development and will provide some supervision of a Graduate Assistant and multiple student workers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
JUNE 2022