Senior Director of Prospect Research

Job ID: 57220

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department

FSU
Foundation 

Florida State University will soon embark on its next
comprehensive campaign. As the silent phase of the campaign begins,
the Division of University Advancement is accelerating the hiring
of additional Advancement Services professionals campus-wide and is
excited to build out its team. For Advancement professionals who
are interested in being a part of a comprehensive campaign from the
beginning for their career development, the timing is ideal to join
our team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled
& Veteran Employer.

FSU’s Equal Opportunity Statement can be
accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of
Advancement Services, the Senior Director oversees, manages, and
directs all aspects of the prospect research program to support
FSU’s Division of University Advancement’s fundraising goals They
will focus on the discovery and evaluation of prospective donors,
their interests and relationships, their inclination to give, and
their philanthropic capacity by providing timely, relevant, and
high-level intelligence and analysis of high-capacity donors to
inform and support academic fundraising strategies and to maximize
major and principal gift fundraising success.

Facilitate the day-to-day operations of prospect research,
provides leadership in the development and enhancement of policies
and procedures related to prospect research; the outlining and
training or research methodologies; the establishment and
enhancement of research products; the development and execution of
quality control standards and processes; the management of the
workload queue; assignment of all research requests; and the
establishment and direction of a broad range of pro-active prospect
identification projects.

Assist frontline fundraising staff in prioritizing prospect
portfolios and encourage the timely review and assignment of newly
identified prospects through regular one-on-one portfolio review
meetings, bi-annual portfolio optimization, and collaborative
prospect strategy. Develops plans and strategies for the management
and expansion of the overall pool of major and principal gift
prospects and donors through a broad range of proactive prospect
identification projects. Works with the AVP of Advancement,
Colleges, Schools, and Units, and the AVP of Advancement, Principal
Gifts to ensure fundraiser portfolios are robust, contain strong,
viable prospects, and are supported by a continual flow of newly
identified and effectively rated prospective donors.

Manages, provides direction, and mentors a Tallahassee-based
prospect research team who conducts research predominantly on
individuals, but may include some corporations, and foundations
using a wide variety of prospect research resources and prepare
confidential high-level and well-written research reports for
use by the President, Provost, Vice President of University
Advancement, Deans, Directors of Development, senior management,
and select volunteer leaders.

Leads the team to develop accurately rated pools of prospects
and donors available for FSU’s academic fundraising purposes.

Oversees all donor screenings and ratings, assigns research
requests, coordinates proactive research including mining
electronic screening overlay results, implements prospect research
improvements all while assessing the current university and
campaign needs, which may result in an increase in volume during
peak times of the year.

Research and design systems to identify and qualify new major
and principal gift donor prospects, utilizing all resources
available. Identify, evaluate, and recommend current and potential
major and principal gift prospects and assess their ability to
financially support the university. Provide research and analysis
of biographical, philanthropic, professional, and financial
information of donors and prospects. Compile a history and status
of the prospect’s relationship with the University. Prepare written
profiles, conduct due diligence reports, event bios and qualified
lists to support the cultivation of individuals. Track prospects
and donors through monitoring daily news, online “alerts,” and
utilizing internal information.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience; or a high school
diploma/equivalent and experience equal to ten years. (Note:
post-high school education can substitute for experience at the
equivalent rate.)

Preferred

Baccalaureate or higher degree.

Minimum of ten years of experience preferably in a higher
education environment.

Minimum of seven to ten years in conceptualizing and developing
proactive prospecting methodologies.

Six to eight years supervisory experience with demonstrated
experience creating and managing staffing plans, teams,
departmental budgets, annual work plans, etc.

Computer literacy required; familiarity with Microsoft Office
Wealth Engine, Target Analytics, Lexis Nexis, Foundation Directory,
Dun & Bradstreet, and iWave Pro Platinum.

Experience working with corporate and government documents such
as proxy statements, IRS Form 990, deeds, property tax assessments,
salary estimates, and demographic assessments.

Proven library and research techniques, emphasizing the ability
to gather, evaluate and synthesize complex data from various
sources, apply intelligence and interpretative insights and present
information in a clear and cohesive manner.

Exceptional reading, technical writing and proofreading skills
with the ability to synthesize and interpret high volumes of data
Careful attention to detail, formatting and readability; ability to
convey complex information straightforwardly and write
concisely.

High degree of fluency in computer technologies, including
proficiency with building Internet and web queries, manipulating,
and retrieving data from complex database sources, managing news
alerts and using electronic subscription services. Proficiency with
word processing, spreadsheet and database systems with an ability
to also become comfortable quickly with the University’s alumni and
donor databases.

Ability to apply good judgment, discretion, and a commitment to
professional ethics and data security when dealing with highly
confidential alumni, parent, student, family, donor and prospect
information.

Must be a detail-oriented, self-starter with an ability to work
independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet
aggressive timelines and challenging deadlines.

University Information

One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida State
University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the
sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while
embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the
traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in
1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of
higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in
tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and
embraces diversity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of
a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people
whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn
more about our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit
our website to learn more
about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and
Employee Development programs.

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How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as
advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a
current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with
all applicable information. Applications must include all work
history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a
resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P (Administrative and Professional)
position.

This position requires successful completion of a
criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled. The
hiring committee will review applications as received.

Applicants must upload a cover letter & resume with their
online application.