The Assistant Director of Prospect Research will employ advanced investigative research, data collection, and financial and statistical analysis skills to proactively identify, research, and assign wealth capacity ratings to prospective donors of Wellesley College. They will prepare written confidential research briefs on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects for use by development staff and college leadership in developing specific cultivation and solicitation strategies. This role will maintain a strong working partnership with staff members of Individual Giving to evaluate research requests and determine appropriate level of detail required. The Assistant Director of Prospect Research will help manage the policies and procedures relating to portfolio management. They will work in partnership with members of the Research team to review and validate results from a wealth screening. They will code their data findings within Affinaquest, Wellesley College’s Salesforce CRM.
The Assistant Director of Prospect Research will participate in Prospect Strategy meetings and all other training involving the Research team. Additionally, this role will serve as a key organizational resource and will process ad-hoc requests for research such as verifying employment and title, confirming professional awards, and securing copies of periodicals.
Primary Position Responsibilities
Identify, analyze, and evaluate information yielded from a variety of sources to determine potential donor’s wealth capacity and philanthropic interests
Prepare written confidential research briefs on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.
Maintain a working partnership with staff members of Individual Giving to evaluate requests as well as portfolio management
Evaluate research requests to determine appropriate level of detail required
Track prospects and donors affiliated with Wellesley College from a variety of media sources as well as leads from development staff
Serve as a resource by staying abreast on current and emerging trends in philanthropy, fundraising, higher education, and select business industries
Performance Profile
Judgment – exercise good judgment and the ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion
Accuracy – complete deliverables with thoroughness and accuracy in a timely manner
Efficiency - strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to problem-solve effectively and juggle multiple demands efficiently
Initiative – proactive, confident in taking responsibility, decisive
Customer Service – provide excellent customer service to all colleagues and internal and external stakeholders
Collaboration – works effectively with colleagues in a positive, professional, and collegial manner.
Education Required
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience Required
4-6 years of relevant experience
Skills and Abilities Required
Experience working in nonprofit organizations a plus
Familiarity with principal and major gift fundraising practices
Proficient in interpreting and synthesizing complex data to make evidence-based judgments
Strong written and verbal communication
Experience with Salesforce or similar enterprise CRMs
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel
Project management experience highly desirable
Possesses strong analytical skills to make logical deductions from presented data
Possesses problem-solving skills and inherent decision-making ability as well as the ability to take initiative, be assertive, and manage multiple streams of work
Extremely detail-oriented and able to work productively and flexibly in a high-volume and fast-paced environment
Able to work independently and as part of a team, while fostering collaboration and peer support
Demonstrates a commitment to diversity within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socio-economic circumstance?
Demonstrates a commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts?
Able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and end users
Flexibility and a good sense of humor.
Commitment to the mission and goals of Wellesley College
Other
Writing samples required
This position incorporates a flexible hybrid work schedule, and Wellesley College requires employees must reside in New England
About Wellesley College
Founded on the radical belief that educating women leads to progress for everyone. Wellesley College has long championed intellectual rigor, diverse perspectives, and impactful leadership. For nearly 150 years, Wellesley graduates have been a powerful force for good in the world—pioneering scientists, environmental revolutionaries, U.S. secretaries of state, civil rights activists, investment trailblazers, network news producers, and genre-defying artists. We know from experience that the boldest ideas and the most enduring solutions emerge from a variety of voices, backgrounds, and experiences.
Located on a stunning campus just 30 minutes outside of Boston, Wellesley College is one of the most academically challenging institutions of higher education in the country, and widely acknowledged as the top women’s college in the world.
The College is dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, physical ability, or any other identity. Our student body reflects this commitment, with the Class of 2028 consisting of 18% who are the first in their families to attend a four-year inst...itution, 55% coming from multilingual homes, and 54% identifying as domestic students of color.
Wellesley actively seeks faculty and staff who share our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage candidates who resonate with these values to apply.
Our vibrant academic community values rigorous inquiry, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and practical application. Wellesley’s acclaimed faculty are at the forefront of their fields and students are consistently challenged to reach their full potential. While we are the ones who so often become the “firsts”—but we are even prouder of the “nexts” our community makes way for.
Wellesley College provides a robust array of benefits and resources for employees, including comprehensive health plans, wellness programs, continuing education, and competitive retirement plans. To learn more about the benefits of joining Wellesley, please visit wellesley.edu/hr/benefits.
