Job Description

Position Number FP902W

Position Title Director, Prospect Research

Employment Category Full Time Professional

Location William & Mary

Department 610000 University Advancement

Unit Mission Statement

University Advancement creates the conditions for opportunity - human, financial, & experiential - by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

William & Mary Foundation's defining and essential mission is to support the university's people and programs. By seeking private support, and then diligently managing those funds, the W&M Foundation advances and furthers the work of William & Mary's students and faculty -providing vital resources for scholarships, professorships, research and program funding.

Consistent with the university's shared services agreement with the William & Mary Foundation (WMF), this position is assigned 25% effort to support Foundation Services, LLC, a subsidiary of the WMF with the responsibilities outlined below.

Position Summary

The Director of Prospect Research is a leader on the Prospect Research team in the Office of University Advancement at William & Mary. Reporting to the Executive Director of Prospect Management & Research, the Director of Prospect Research leads prospect identification and research, prospect strategy and portfolio assessment, strategic process improvement & training for Office of University Advancement.

Leadership of prospect identification and research includes the design, planning, and implementation of strategic data-driven identification of prospective donors, the execution of dynamic wealth and propensity reviews, and the development of proactive communications and operational plans to support full spectrum philanthropic engagement and giving. The Director leads the team's due diligence research efforts, guiding research methodology and deliverables, as well as oversight for the intake, tracking, and notification processes. The Director collects, synthesizes, analyzes, and interprets biographical and financial data to produce briefings and reports that inform decision-making; these reports include calculated wealth estimates and capacity ratings (via forecasting and formulaic estimates) that indicate the ability and propensity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to make philanthropic contributions to and serve in volunteer capacities for the university.

The Director sets strategic goals for the research operation, including annual quantitative and qualitative goals for the program, team, and individuals. Specifically developing short and long-term goals for a comprehensive prospect identification and wealth review program, lead and mentor staff and development of individual work plans and evaluating individual and team performance through established metrics and peer benchmarks.

The Director will design and implement departmental policies and procedures and will serve as an expert resource for prospect information, prospect strategy, and wealth analysis for the division. In a continuous effort to pursue a best-in-class operation, the Director will be an active member of the fundraising community and will stay abreast of industry standards, best practices, and current and emerging trends by engaging peers, interacting with other industry professionals, and demonstrating a commitment to continuous growth and improvement.

The successful Director will be a values-based leader and curious innovator who will foster a culture of belonging that embraces all people and perspectives. This is a hybrid position based in Williamsburg, Virginia, which offers a flexible work environment.

Please review the full position description with all job duties under the "Featured Job Opportunities" on the University Advancement recruitment website:

Conditions of Employment

• Long hours may be required to meet deadlines.
• Highest standard of professional ethics and agreement to abide by ethical and confidentiality precepts as set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the university, CASE, and APRA.

Essential Designation No

FLSA Exempt

Position Restricted? No, this is a continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

Position Term 12-Month

Position Months Faculty or Staff: 12 month

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in research principles, library science, history, business, writing, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience required in a related field such as prospect research, prospect management, fundraising, nonprofits, or market analysis.
• A strong aptitude for logical thinking, intellectual curiosity, as well as strong problem solving, analytical and organizational skills and the proven ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated project management and problem-solving skills, including organizational skills to meet goals and objectives through effective program and project planning.
• Strong analytical skills: ability to manipulate, analyze, and synthesize data and present findings that are clear and actionable to a variety of Advancement professionals.
• Knowledge and understanding of current trends in philanthropy as well as fundraising principles to include understanding of business intelligence concepts and the ability to understand business financial concepts.
• Demonstrated mastery of standard research methodology best practices for portfolio development and management, evaluating donor prospects for capacity, inclination, readiness and recommending relationship development strategies.
• Proficiency in incorporating common prospect tracking data in a relationship management system, such as prospect ratings, staff assignments, solicitation goals, strategies, moves, contact reports, proposals, and stages.
• Demonstrated mastery analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating wealth data, gift vehicles, and their application in solicitation strategy, as well as demonstrated mastery of the various fundraising units and roles, and their need for support and services from Prospect Management & Research.
• Proficiency with emerging technologies which can reveal prospect interests, relationships, and networks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse audience, to translate analysis into an accessible format when interacting with non-technical audiences and build consensus among colleagues.
• Experience in training staff on how to understand and use research capacity ratings for prospect prioritization and strategy planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (specifically a Master's degree (e.g., Business, information studies, public administration, etc.).
• Demonstrated advanced ability to identify nontraditional connections and creatively use search strategies and algorithms to uncover those connections.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and/or support pre-campaign assessments, including feasibility studies, pool assessment and preliminary gift pyramids, and ability to create and execute a prospect identification plan for a comprehensive campaign, aligned to campaign priorities and specific new prospect pool needs.
• Experience within fundraising office in higher education.
• Experience with Blackbaud CRM.

Is the position remote work eligible? Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)

Remote Work Disclaimer

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Advertised Pay Range $90,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience

Advertised Pay Range Statement

All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.

University Salary Range U12

Benefits Summary Statement

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to:

Job Open Date 05/09/2025

Review Begin Date 06/09/2025

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Application Instructions

Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

recblid k6npph3wdnytg0c8tla2wnlx0lx442
William & Mary

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Flexible hours, Shift work, 1 day per week,

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