Director, Research and Prospect Management - Hybrid
Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, United States
Director, Research And Prospect Management - Hybrid
The Director, Prospect Research and Prospect Management provides essential strategic leadership and direction for the College's Prospect Research and Development function. This function is critical to the successful execution of our comprehensive fundraising campaign, which is now operating in its crucial leadership phase. This role is indispensable for ensuring the efficient, strategic identification, qualification, and aggressive strategic management of high-capacity major and principal gift prospects. The Director directly influences the pace and achievement of our highest philanthropic targets by optimizing the donor pipeline. The Director will drive the team's utilization of best-in-class industry software and emerging AI technology to significantly enhance traditional prospect research methodologies, pipeline management, and overall operational efficiency. This position leads and mentors a team of prospect researchers, advising senior gift officers and campaign leadership on donor strategy, and ensuring the College is strategically positioned to achieve its most ambitious fundraising goals and secure the campaign's success. Primary position responsibilities include: Strategic research and prospect identification Prospect management and strategy Team leadership and management Technology and methodology implementation Information delivery and records Supervisory responsibilities include: Associate Director, Prospect Research Assistant Director, Prospect Research Prospect Research Analyst Basic qualifications include: Education: Bachelor's degree required. 7-10 years of professional experience in prospect research and prospect management within a fundraising environment, including experience with relational databases and managing a team. Experience leveraging modern technology (including industry software and/or AI tools) for prospect development. Demonstrated experience managing or guiding a team or function, including responsibility for project prioritization, cross-functional partnership, and mentoring staff or colleagues. Skills and abilities include: Leadership and management: Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and manage a professional staff; strong organizational and project management skills. Research expertise: Deep proficiency in conducting high-level donor research, recognizing and assessing complex wealth indicators, and calculating philanthropic capacity (both an art and a science). Communication: Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present critical findings strategically for executive-level audiences. Technical proficiency: Demonstrated facility with modern, best-in-class prospect research and prospect management approaches and software, with an eagerness to explore and implement emerging AI solutions to optimize work. Core competencies: Meticulous attention to detail, sound judgment, strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and the flexibility to adjust priorities in a dynamic environment. Flexibility & schedule: We value a collaborative hybrid environment. You will join us on campus on Mondays and Wednesdays, plus a third day of the week that works best for your schedule. While standard hours are 8:30 AM 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, this role is critical to our donor relations, so some flexibility for evening and weekend events will be necessary. Salary: The pay range for the role is $109,000 - $125,000. Company description and benefits: Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a communityfaculty, students, staff, and alumnae. Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success. Competitive compensation Exceptional benefits package Commuting and transportation Paid time off Retirement savings Work/life and wellness Professional development Tuition and education benefits Campus privileges Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity! Worker sub-type: Administrative Time type: Full time EEO statement: At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideasthe best solutionsdraw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish. Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
The Director, Prospect Research and Prospect Management provides essential strategic leadership and direction for the College's Prospect Research and Development function. This function is critical to the successful execution of our comprehensive fundraising campaign, which is now operating in its crucial leadership phase. This role is indispensable for ensuring the efficient, strategic identification, qualification, and aggressive strategic management of high-capacity major and principal gift prospects. The Director directly influences the pace and achievement of our highest philanthropic targets by optimizing the donor pipeline. The Director will drive the team's utilization of best-in-class industry software and emerging AI technology to significantly enhance traditional prospect research methodologies, pipeline management, and overall operational efficiency. This position leads and mentors a team of prospect researchers, advising senior gift officers and campaign leadership on donor strategy, and ensuring the College is strategically positioned to achieve its most ambitious fundraising goals and secure the campaign's success. Primary position responsibilities include: Strategic research and prospect identification Prospect management and strategy Team leadership and management Technology and methodology implementation Information delivery and records Supervisory responsibilities include: Associate Director, Prospect Research Assistant Director, Prospect Research Prospect Research Analyst Basic qualifications include: Education: Bachelor's degree required. 7-10 years of professional experience in prospect research and prospect management within a fundraising environment, including experience with relational databases and managing a team. Experience leveraging modern technology (including industry software and/or AI tools) for prospect development. Demonstrated experience managing or guiding a team or function, including responsibility for project prioritization, cross-functional partnership, and mentoring staff or colleagues. Skills and abilities include: Leadership and management: Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and manage a professional staff; strong organizational and project management skills. Research expertise: Deep proficiency in conducting high-level donor research, recognizing and assessing complex wealth indicators, and calculating philanthropic capacity (both an art and a science). Communication: Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present critical findings strategically for executive-level audiences. Technical proficiency: Demonstrated facility with modern, best-in-class prospect research and prospect management approaches and software, with an eagerness to explore and implement emerging AI solutions to optimize work. Core competencies: Meticulous attention to detail, sound judgment, strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and the flexibility to adjust priorities in a dynamic environment. Flexibility & schedule: We value a collaborative hybrid environment. You will join us on campus on Mondays and Wednesdays, plus a third day of the week that works best for your schedule. While standard hours are 8:30 AM 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, this role is critical to our donor relations, so some flexibility for evening and weekend events will be necessary. Salary: The pay range for the role is $109,000 - $125,000. Company description and benefits: Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a communityfaculty, students, staff, and alumnae. Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success. Competitive compensation Exceptional benefits package Commuting and transportation Paid time off Retirement savings Work/life and wellness Professional development Tuition and education benefits Campus privileges Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity! Worker sub-type: Administrative Time type: Full time EEO statement: At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideasthe best solutionsdraw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish. Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.