Prospect Research Analyst

STA00061PO25

Alumni Relations and Development

Development

Prospect Analyst

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/175067

P2 - Professional

Prospect Research Analyst

Columbia

Richland

Division of Development

DEV Advancement Services

6

$54,165

$54,165 - commensurate with qualifications

Eligible for hybrid or remote in SC, GA, NM, VA, NC, TN, LA, and FL.

Full Time

37.5

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

12 months

Alumni Development

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Under limited supervision, reporting to the Director of Prospect Research (Director), the Prospect Research Analyst (Analyst) provides prospect identification, analytics support, and research support for the University’s fundraising efforts. The Analyst creates concise, accurate wealth capacity ratings, strategy briefings, and prospect profiles using biographical information, financial data, news, philanthropic history, and other publicly available resources to support frontline fundraising efforts. The Analyst coordinates with Prospect Strategy staff to ensure that the best prospects are assigned to development officers and plays a critical role in developing and cultivating relationships with Development staff. This position participates in various fundraising initiatives, prioritizing research needs to advance the University’s fundraising mission. The Analyst proactively and independently plans and executes creative strategies to identify sources of major gift support using innovative research techniques and electronic searching methodologies to ensure that campus-wide fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals. This position utilizes research methodologies to ensure that newly identified prospects are presented and assigned to appropriate campus fundraisers in a timely manner.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of related experience with online database search techniques for products such as Lexis/Nexis, D&B, Research Point, Relationship Science, iWave, WealthX, LiveAlumni, and other personal wealth and financial databases. Experience working in a higher education (or comparably complex organization) setting, law, in a non-profit, or healthcare industry. Direct experience in relationship management, prospect research, development, sales, marketing, business administration, or project management. Blackbaud CRM, Qlik, Tableau, and other fundraising software experience desirable.

Knowledge of Prospect Management, Research, and Prospect Tracking principles and methods. Knowledge of process, ethics, and policies of professional fundraising. Adherence to CASE and APRA standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals internally and externally to the University. High-level customer service skills and customer service ethic; sets high standards and seeks ways to improve service. Adept at problem-solving and using judgment in situations requiring initiative and tact. Must be able to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities and meeting frequent deadlines, demonstrating strong project management skills. Ability to implement and train others in new technology tools. Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion. Ability to keep accurate records and complete timely reports. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to learn and increase knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures. Ability to analyze and synthesize information, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Respond to a broad spectrum of high-priority assignments, as requested. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Solid knowledge of database management and spreadsheet software: experience with Excel, Access, and other information management databases (to be used to join and analyze data from multiple tables) and able to adapt to and use future technologies. Ability to prioritize duties and achieve planned goals for a complex program. Ability to travel overnight to conferences, and work evenings, and weekends, as needed. Must have reliable means of transportation. Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both the University and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).

Conduct research on individuals, corporations, and foundations using various biographical, organizational, and financial sources, including state-of-the-art online database services, Internet websites, library and government sources, and other external public information repositories. Analyze and synthesize accumulated information to assess financial capacity, philanthropic tendencies, giving propensity, and linkages to campus. Evaluate research results to develop and implement further research strategies utilizing ethical intelligence-gathering techniques of the information profession.

Yes

20%

Compose documents (profiles, biographies, project summaries) using style, grammar, and content appropriate to specific audiences. Interpret and translate complex financial, legal, and corporate language into easily comprehensible terms while adhering to university standards of discretion and confidentiality. Extract and communicate essential information that directs cultivation and solicitation strategies. Prospect knowledge, including ratings, interests, and linkages acquired through research, is preserved, and maintained in a complex database system accessible to campus-wide fundraising staff and used to develop future cultivation strategies. Summarize key findings and create actionable recommendations to appear prominently in profiles, prospect lists, and other products.

Yes

20%

Proactively and independently plan and execute creative strategies to identify sources of major gift private support using innovative research techniques and electronic searching methodologies to ensure that campus-wide fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals. Develop and execute strategies to ensure that newly identified prospects are presented and assigned to appropriate campus fundraisers in a timely manner. Query CRM on wealth and affinity to identify proactive prospect leads.

Yes

20%

Make recommendations on prospect referrals to development officers and be responsible for maintaining the research flow of data and information from identification to gift by providing research information, updating, and tracking changes in the database, and making recommendations related to the assignment of prospects as well as post-assignment research and detailed financial analysis.

Yes

20%

Stay abreast of trends in prospect research, online searching, and analytics, monitor national, statewide, and regional news alerts for prospect activity, and identify new major gift prospects.

Yes

15%

Providing expertise and program support to others outside of the unit and other duties as assigned.

No

5%

No

Non-Essential

3

03/17/2025

01/24/2025

03/03/2025

No

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/182613

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.