Prospect Research Manager

Reports to: Vice President,
Development
Staff reporting to this position: None
Department: Development
Position classification: Exempt, full time;
Nonunion – Level 6
Minimum compensation: $77,000
Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week,
Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress is seeking a Prospect Research Manager to join
the Development department. The ideal candidate is a self-starter
and able to effectively manage multiple priority projects in a
fast-paced environment. The Prospect Research Manager will work at
the direction of the Vice President of Development and in close
collaboration with the Major Gifts Officer and Director of Major
Gifts in the Development department to help shape a robust
individual fundraising program that is centered around American
Progress’ institutional priorities and designed to strategically
grow the Individual Giving team’s pipeline of supporters over the
next several years. This individual will research prospects, stay
abreast of the philanthropic landscape, help develop briefings, and
manage and implement prospect identification and pipeline
development. The Prospect Research Manager will act as a strategic
thought partner to the Vice President of Development in metric and
goal development.

The Individual Giving unit works with program staff at both the
Center for American Progress, a 501(c)(3) organization, and the
Center for American Progress Action Fund, a 501(c)(4)
organization.

The Prospect Research Manager will be driven by American
Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through
bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership and concerted
action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but
changing the country.

This work will include connecting the department’s policy
efforts with the organization’s five crosscutting priorities:

• Building an economy for all
• Restoring social trust in democracy
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Strengthening health

Responsibilities:

Prospect research:

• Develop strategy for proactive research that will guide
  donor-centric and data-driven decision-making related to prospects
  and donors.
• Respond to reactive research requests on behalf of the
  Individual Giving team and Development department leadership.
• Identify, rate, and assign individual prospects in support of
  fundraising goals and objectives.
• Provide prospect research to fundraisers who primarily work
  with major $5,000+ prospects.
• Use research tools to analyze individual wealth indicators,
  including salary, stock, real estate, and other assets, to
  determine overall financial capacity, wealth ratings, and
  solicitation potential.
• Prepare and regularly maintain thorough, accurate, and timely
  profiles on individuals.
• Manage biographical records utilizing methods such as daily
  news screenings, reviewing push technology/alerts, and donors lists
  to identify new individual, corporate, and foundation prospects and
  monitor current prospects.
• Manage research request queue and respond to requests in a
  timely manner. 

Portfolio management:

• Provide strategic thought partnership to the Vice President of
  Development and the Deputy Chief Development Officer that includes
  prospect strategies as well as analysis and reporting related to
  major and megaphilanthropic donors.
• Manage updates to individual donor portfolios and prospect
  assignments within the CRM database.
• Work closely with the Development Operations team to manage and
  execute the policies and procedures around prospect pipeline
  management and activity.
• Develop processes for and lead the Development department’s new
  gift acceptance policy, including donor vetting across all
  units.
• Lead a moves management system, including establishing
  baselines and metrics for movement and activity.

Research and projects:

• Participate in ongoing professional development activities as
  relevant to maintain and enhance skills and abilities and stay
  abreast of current prospect management trends and research
  techniques.
• Develop best practices in prospect research and management in
  order to recommend ways to create efficiencies.
• Participate in quarterly portfolio reviews with front-line
  fundraisers to ensure effective moves management, accuracy of
  projections, and data integrity for Development department and
  organizational leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least six years of professional experience, including at
  least three years of experience in prospect research, library
  science, information management, or analytics.
• Experience using a CRM database, iWave, WealthEngine,
  LexisNexis, and/or other prospect research software.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and
  donor databases is preferable. Salesforce, Smartsheet, SharePoint,
  and Power BI experience is a plus.
• A high level of written communication and organizational skills
  as well as attention to detail.
• Ability to follow ethical standards and utilize discretion in
  dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and the ability to
  translate that commitment into compelling donor
  communications.
• Commitment to the department’s values of being progressive,
  donor-centric, and entrepreneurial; demonstrating integrity; making
  decisions driven by data; and fostering a culture of mutual
  respect.
• Knowledge of current affairs and familiarity with progressive
  issues, causes, and organizations.
• Excellent organizational, research, and written and verbal
  communications skills.
• Ability to think strategically and anticipate and orchestrate
  next steps.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Familiarity with the basic tenets of fundraising and nonprofit
  management.
• Comfortable working with basic financial data.
• Ability to initiate, prioritize, and follow through on
  plans.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask competing priorities.
• Comfortable and experienced with time-sensitive deadlines and
  goal setting.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefit package.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to
apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a
minimum salary of $77,000.

American Progress’ hybrid work policy is posted on our Jobs
page. Please visit this page for updates. Any changes to this
policy will also be communicated at the time of hire.