Job Information
Boston University RESEARCH ANALYST, Development & Alumni Relations, Prospect Research in BOSTON, Massachusetts
Our Mission
We in Boston University Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) harness the power of philanthropy to make an excellent education accessible and welcoming to all, and to advance BU’s global leadership in research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice. To support our work, we have built—and are continuing to build—an outstanding team of dynamic, mission-driven advancement professionals who constantly strive to create an environment where everyone belongs. Where it’s not just about a job, but a career and a community.
Now, our Prospect Research team is looking for a Research Analyst who will assist in developing and implementing strategies to identify prospective individual donors. For highly qualified candidates, we will consider hiring at the Senior Research Analyst level.
Prospect Research at Boston University
The Prospect Research department at Boston University is responsible for identifying new principal gift and major gift prospects for Development & Alumni Relations. Prospect Research also prepares briefing materials for development visits by the President, Deans and Executive Vice Presidents, and for development-related events. It is responsible for maintaining the data integrity of capacity ratings, inclination codes, and prospect manager assignments, and for creating and distributing a daily report of news events on its leading prospects.
Research Analyst
The Research Analyst writes reports that evaluate biographical, business and financial resources of these prospective donors, and provides advice and counsel to major gift and other development officers as to prioritizing the giving capacities and inclinations of prospects. Also, the Research Analyst conducts prospect research using publicly available information sources and data provided through internal and external sources. This person will prepare comprehensive written analysis, evaluate such toolsets as data analytics and relationship mapping, and collaborate with fundraisers, prospect management, and business intelligence teams, as well as update pertinent information in the University’s CRM database. Expect exciting professional growth opportunities such as applying new technologies and developing sought after specialty skills.
Responsibilities:
Create biographical and financial research reports and recommend strategy for handling of prospects; link prospects to fundraising projects/programs. Disseminate high level confidential information that impacts development activity responding to a broad spectrum of high priority and ad hoc research requests from the President, Senior Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, and other offices in Development.
Queries CRM and other databases to uncover potential new Development suspects/prospects. Updates research profiles to insure the continuous exchange of current information on trustees, important alumni, parents, and friends
Develop and implement strategies to identify and evaluate prospective individual and institutional donors. Involved in discussions with the gift and development officers to discuss cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Updates alumni database to provide newly identified ratings and updates to ratings; adds completed profiles and backgrounds to biographical tabs on the donor record. Provides other data enhancements to CRM as needed. Updates log of work.
Required Skills
A cover letter is required for consideration.
Bachelor’s degree
Three to five years of related experience.
Strong writing and analytical skills
Excellent collaboration and project management skills
Strong computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Ability to prioritize a workload and adapt quickly to changing needs.
Ability to handle confidential material responsibly and interact professionally with a wide spectrum of individuals.
But that’s not all we’re looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:
Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect , because we value every member’s contributions and know that leadership can come from anywhere.
Diversity, equity, inclusion , and a commitment to ensuring that each of us knows we belong here.
Integrity in how we work and how we treat one another.
Strategic thinking and curiosity in the relentless pursuit of fresh approaches and measurable results.
Continuous growth and improvement , both as individuals and as a team.
Joy and shared appreciation for working hard toward goals that matter.
If this resonates with you and you want to help us in our ambitious next campaign—and maybe do some of your best work as an advancement professional— we encourage you to apply. If you are hesitant to apply because you have not previously performed every responsibility listed in the description, but you do possess transferable skills and the defined qualifications, we still want to hear from you and welcome your application as well.
To learn more about Development & Alumni Relations at Boston University, and other job opportunities, please stop by the DAR Talent website: https://www.bu.edu/dar-talent/ .
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.
Required Experience