Director of Prospect Research and Development

Kenyon College is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Director of Prospect Research and Development. The director will play an important role in the College’s success by spearheading comprehensive prospect research initiatives and creating and implementing a strategic pipeline development program.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Information Services, the director works in partnership with Advancement colleagues to ensure robust fundraiser portfolios through continual prospect research and prospect management.

The successful candidate will join a warm and supportive team on a campus ranked among the most beautiful in the US.

Essential Functions

• Pipeline development and prospect management - Create and implement a strategic plan for the management and expansion of the overall pool of prospective donors through a broad range of proactive prospect identification and analysis efforts. Work closely with fundraising teams to ensure portfolios are robust, contain strong, viable prospects, and are supported by a continual flow of newly identified and appropriately rated prospective donors. Serve as a partner to front-line fundraisers in the creation of donor strategy and portfolio management.
• Prospect research - conduct proactive and reactive research to identify and evaluate new and existing prospects, with a focus on providing easy-to-digest information on an expanding pool of potential donors. Complete in-depth research on individuals with complex backgrounds and resources, as well as conduct rapid research on a wide range of people for fundraising initiatives or in geographic regions.
• Data screenings and analysis - collect and analyze data from wealth screenings and other resources to refine and enhance our knowledge of constituents’ philanthropic inclination and capacity. Lead our analysis and expanded use of external resources and tools, incorporating predictive modeling and artificial intelligence in a manner that balances innovation and privacy concerns.

Additional Functions

• Coordinate work with outside organizations and companies, including wealth screening vendors and other partners.
• Volunteer candidate review - provide initial information on and conduct vetting of volunteer candidates.
• Donor profiles - prepare succinct profiles on key donors for the president and other members of leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Success Factors

• Significant experience in prospect research and prospect management, including rating and capacity development, wealth screenings, data analysis, pipeline development and portfolio management. Experience collaborating with fundraisers and leadership. Higher ed experience preferred.
• Strong project management skills; demonstrated ability to work in an ever-evolving environment. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work well as part of a team. Able to balance the need for accuracy with the requirements of a fast-paced environment.
• Proven analytical skills and proficiency in utilizing data analysis tools and fundraising databases, and interpreting and evaluating wealth indicators in a philanthropic context. Experience with data analytics and predictive models in support of fundraising. Willingness to investigate and learn about new technologies.
• Proficiency in working with a range of processes with a focus on improving efficiency of the overall prospect research and management program.
• Understanding of APRA’s Body of Knowledge and AASP’s Best Practices and the ability to manage highly sensitive information with a high degree of integrity, judgment and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and the ability to work with ambiguity and competing priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for supervising one prospect research colleague, including establishing goals and performance metrics, performing annual performance reviews, and ensuring a productive and enjoyable work environment.

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment. Hybrid work environment opportunities with the option to work remotely for a few days per week.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably from a liberal-arts college. Masters degree preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of prospect research practices and techniques, including knowledge of prospect management.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong commitment to a liberal-arts education.

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at nineteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.