General Statement: The Development Research Coordinator is a key member of the Development Department, identifying potential donors through research and data analysis and supporting the efforts to cultivate, solicit and steward individual and organizational donors. Working directly with department directors, the Development Research Coordinator also manages special projects related to donor relations and prospect engagement. By staying current with philanthropic trends and collaborating with department directors, the coordinator helps develop fundraising strategies and track donor cultivation and stewardship while ensuring accurate and confidential handling of prospect and donor data. The ideal candidate will have a keen analytical mind, excellent communication and organization skills, and experience with donor databases such as Raisers Edge.
Reports to: Director of Donor Relations
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Identify potential donors by conducting research on individuals, corporations, and foundations. Utilize various databases, wealth screening tools, and public records to evaluate prospective donors' wealth and philanthropic capacity.
Conduct detailed research on prospects and donors, covering financial capacity, philanthropic history, professional background, and affiliations.
Analyze and synthesize data to create comprehensive profiles of potential donors.
Stay current with trends in philanthropy, wealth indicators, and industry best practices.
Ensure accuracy and confidentiality of prospect research data.
Serve as a valued team member in prospect management meetings.
Act as the project manager and driver on special departmental projects related to donor relations, engagement, and solicitation as needed.
Serve as the internal project coordinator for development events related to prospect cultivation and donor relations.
Update prospect and donor information in the organization’s donor management database.
Assist with maintaining and updating grants/grantor information.
Collaborate with department directors to track and facilitate deliverables for organizational donors.
Use Raisers Edge to track current and prospective funders, ensuring up-to-date data for reporting and administrative needs.
Document prospective funder/donor progress through the giving lifecycle on Raisers Edge.
Prepare materials for meetings with existing and prospective donors and funders.
Attend organization-wide meetings, training sessions, and professional development workshops.
Assist with routine correspondence to donors, and file correspondence and other records as needed.
Tools and equipment used to perform this position: PC computer system including Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge, telephone and other basic office equipment.
Supervision, direction, or guidance provided for this position: Should be able to work without supervision and with guidance from the Director of Donor Relations. Must work collaboratively with all Development Department Directors, other key staff and community stakeholders.
Physical Requirements of this Position:
Sedentary Work: Position involves sitting most of the time. Standing and walking are required occasionally. Position requires the ability to exert minimal force of up to 10 pounds occasionally and minimal force to carry, lift, push, and otherwise move objects frequently.
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
Proven experience in prospect research, data analysis, and project management.
Proficiency in using donor databases, particularly Raisers Edge.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and confidentiality handling.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desired Skills and Attributes:
Analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
Team-oriented approach with the capability to work independently.
Up-to-date knowledge of philanthropic trends and wealth indicators.
Adaptability to dynamic project needs and priorities.
