Prospect Research Associate

Position Title:

Prospect Research Associate

Department/School:

Advancement

Salary/Pay Rate:

$60,405.80 - $65,000

Job Summary:

The Prospect Research Associate will work closely with the Director of Development Research & Prospect Development to provide accurate, timely and relevant information for the potential fundraising cultivation, qualification and engagement of alumni and other constituencies.

The Prospect Research Associate will evaluate financial information, prepare reports for gift officers, and identify high-level prospects and donors to support Marist's fundraising efforts. The position will also assist with maintaining accurate records and collaborating with staff on fundraising initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with two or more years of experience in prospect research and/or related research activity
• Understanding of best practices in fundraising, research, prospect identification, and prospect management
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to function well in a multiple-team environment, prioritize projects, and meet deadlines
• Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple and varied tasks independently, while also working collaboratively
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills. Has the ability to use tact and diplomacy, and maintain a high level of confidentiality

Essential Functions:

• Utilize online resources, screenings, news alerts, reports, and other tools to support prospect identification efforts and ensure prospect records are up to date
• Discover, analyze, synthesize, and summarize large volumes of biographic, business, philanthropic, and financial data, including complex financial and legal disclosures, technical and trade documents, court and tax records, corporate annual reports, SEC filings, and real property files to contribute to fundraising strategies for donors, campaigns, and events
• Participate in wealth screenings of new families and alumni to evaluate potential donors and their likelihood of giving to various campaign initiative
• Prepare research deliverables, such as profiles, bios, and briefing materials for fundraisers and campus leadership in preparation for cultivation meetings and events
• Generate reports and prospect lists through donor databases as needed for the Director of Development Research & Prospect Development, front line fundraisers, and Advancement Office staff in all aspects of their work
• Coordinate the collection of information from sources across campus to update constituent records and generate bios as needed
• Assist with validating the accuracy of constituent records, particularly with giving history
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of MS Office; Excel and Word
• Experience with Ellucian's Banner Advancement Administrative system or other similar systems
• Knowledge of Level I and Level II competencies as outlined in prospect research area of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement's (APRA) Body of Knowledge
• Maintain awareness of new resources and best practices in development research
• Willingness to learn new computer and software skills as needed

Required Application Documents:

Resume, Cover Letter, & Contact Information of 3 Professional References

Benefits:

The position includes a comprehensive benefit package*. Benefits for this position include but are not limited to the following:

• 3 weeks of paid vacation. 4 weeks of paid vacation beginning in the 6th year of employment.
• Unlimited paid sick time.
• 14+ paid holidays per year.
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance programs at a 15% employee / 85% employer contribution rate. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care (FSD).
• Life insurance.
• Generous short-term and long-term disability programs and workers compensation.
• 403(b) defined contribution plan:
  
  
  
  • First 6 years University contributes 7.5%, Employee contributes a mandatory 4%.
  • University contribution increases to 10.5% in year 7, and 12% after 15 years.
  • Employee contribution decreases to 1% in year 7. Remains 1% thereafter.
  • Typical eligibility requirements: 1 year of service and 1,000 hours with Marist University.
  
  
  
  
• 403(b) Tax Deferred Annuity - Roth option available. Voluntary, up to IRS maximum contribution.
• Tuition Benefits:
  
  
  
  • Up to 16 undergraduate credits per semester. Up to 18 graduate credit per academic calendar. Eligibility extends to employee, spouse, and dependent children under age 26.
  • University pays 100% tuition only.
  • Eligible dependents may be Reimbursed up to $2,000 per semester towards tuition at another accredited institution.
  
  
  
  

*Eligibility requirements including waiting periods and/or employee probationary periods may apply at the discretion of the University.

About the Department/School:

As Marist has grown, so have its development efforts. In its last comprehensive campaign, the University raised nearly $160 million on an ambitious goal of $150 million. 14,388 donors contributed to the Campaign for Marist, including 21 gifts of $1 million or more. Significant support was secured for major capital initiatives, the faculty, and the establishment of more than 40 new endowed scholarships. The University 's alumni, now more than 52,000 strong, are highly engaged and supportive of the University. Additionally, Marist has an impressive record of development success with prominent philanthropists throughout the Hudson River Valley. The institution also benefits greatly from an expanding cadre of highly supportive and dedicated parents. The Advancement team consists of 27 individuals working in three departments including development, alumni relations and advancement services.

About Marist University:

Founded in 1929, Marist is a comprehensive, independent four-year institution whose signature educational approach blends the liberal arts with pre-professional studies and emphasizes experiential learning to enrich classroom instruction. With campuses in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Florence, Italy, plus over 70 programs offering a variety of international study, Marist is a portal to the world and is devoted to nurturing a welcoming, inclusive community. Through six schools offering almost 50 majors, Marist cultivates the intellectual growth and well-being of its more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students and encourages them to color outside traditional academic lines as they pursue coursework and personal experiences that provide valuable occupational expertise and reflect their individual passions. Marist has been acclaimed a top institution in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse, Princeton Review, and others. To learn more, please visit https://www.marist.edu/about

Type of Position:

Full-time

Classification:

Administrative (Exempt)

Months per Year:

12

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Occasional evenings and weekend work may be required.

Hours per Week:

37.5

Location:

Marist University Main Campus

Number of Position Openings:

1

Equal Employment Statement:

Marist University is committed to creating an inclusive workforce on our campus by ensuring that barriers to equal employment opportunity and upward mobility do not exist here. To this end, the University will strive to achieve the full and fair participation of all members of the Marist community.

Equal opportunity means employment, development, and promotion of individuals without consideration of race, color, disability, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or veteran status unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement which excludes persons in one of these protected groups. The University will review its employment policies and procedures to ensure that barriers which may unnecessarily exclude protected groups are identified and eliminated. The University will also explore alternative approaches if any policy or practice is found to have a negative impact on protected groups.

Marist's policy of non-discrimination includes not only employment practices but also extends to all services and programs provided by the University. It shall be considered a violation of University policy for any member of the community to discriminate against any individual or group with respect to employment or attendance at Marist University on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other condition established by law.