Development Associate for Prospect Research

About the Clark:

The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.

Job Summary:
The Development Associate for Prospect Research reports to the Associate Director of Advancement and is a key member of the Clark Art Institute’s Institutional Advancement Department. Working closely with colleagues in the Department, this position is responsible for identifying, researching, and analyzing prospects for solicitation. In addition, this position assists with maintaining the records in the Clark’s database.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Prospect Identification

• Identify potential sources of major support for the Clark’s fundraising initiatives;
• Utilizing general and specialized resources, design effective search strategies and advise on additional criteria that may impact cultivation and solicitation.

Research, Analysis, and Strategy

• Recommend strategies for cultivation and solicitation based on key information gathered during prospect research;
• Assess and analyze information from local, national, and international resources; electronic databases; print-based and internet sources; financial and philanthropy reports; and museum records;
• Utilize quantitative and qualitative criteria to evaluate each prospect's potential and propensity to give;
• Identify methods of solicitation for cold prospects, including email and mailing addresses;
• Work with frontline fundraising staff to respond to their research requests and maximize the effectiveness of their prospect and donor portfolios (create, edit, update as needed).

Writing and Documentation

• Produce robust research profiles (including bios, wealth summaries etc.) that support planning and decision making, while adhering to museum standards of discretion and confidentiality;
• Record research profiles and additional information, such as interests and relationships, in the database;
• Maintain accurate and current information on prospects and donors in the database for use by all development staff.

Additional Responsibilities

Provide additional research coverage for institutional giving, special event, and planned giving areas as needed.

Rate Range: :$25.25-$28.00/hr.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to interact positively with a wide range of constituencies in person, via Zoom/Teams, telephone, on email and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, follow through on projects, and to be proactive and solution-oriented.
• High level of integrity and demonstrated judgment.
• Ability to work independently and as well as part of a small, highly efficient team in a fast-paced and challenging atmosphere.
• Excellent communicator in verbal, written, and presentation forms.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Knowledge of current trends, patterns, and relationships in philanthropy and the arts and culture sector preferred.
• General fundraising knowledge preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 2-3 years relevant experience preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk/workstation and using a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Some work on weekends or after hours may be necessary.

Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.

The Clark is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds.

The Clark provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Clark considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.