The Assistant Director of Prospect Research will be responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive prospect identification strategies with focus on identifying individuals, foundations, and organizations with the affinity and capacity to provide charitable financial support to the University and Foundation; gathering and presenting data from internal and external sources to inform the fundraising efforts of Development; and supporting colleagues to ensure research needs are effectively addressed.  This position will assist in the creation and maintenance of prospect research policies, develop reports and dashboards with visualization tools (Excel and RE NXT), ensure research sources are maximized, and manage projects at all priority levels.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Identify, research, and analyze prospects for major gift cultivation and solicitation by utilizing the database and other sources including, but not limited to, Lexis-Nexis, Live Alumni, Foundation Directory, Blackbaud Fundraiser Performance Management, social media, alert services, and print publications. Synthesize all information gathered and produce written reports/profiles. (Proactive and Reactive Prospect Research)
• Work closely with fundraisers in a consultative capacity to help manage their portfolios through regular meetings to review activity, support prospect identification needs and advise on portfolio composition. (Relationship Management)
• Support the implementation of electronic wealth screenings which includes review and evaluation of screening results and identification of prospects for further research. (Prospect Research)
• Work with Director of Prospect Research to create or maintain reports or dashboards to track and evaluate portfolios and performance. (Data Analytics)
• Use the Foundation’s prospect screening and predictive analytics results to identify prospects for fundraiser’s portfolios, train foundation partners on how to effectively use results, and assist in tracking ROI of this source. (Data Analytics)
• Manage the maintenance and data integrity of the prospect fields within the database. (Relationship Management)
• Collaborate in creating, revising and updating of department policies, procedures and standards, as needed; Revise and edit written processes and procedures related to gift and biographical entry and update with current methods and standards. Make recommendations regarding system efficiencies, staffing and policies pertaining to prospect research.
• When appropriate, participate in strategic discussions with development leadership and fundraisers regarding portfolio assignments, metrics setting, and donor cultivation and solicitation plans. (Relationship Management)
• Continually research and make recommendations for technical resources to support Advancement Services. (Data Analytics)
• Manage multiple projects at one time and meet deadlines.
• Supervise student employee and/or graduate assistant on projects assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education: 

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Mimimum Experience: 

At least one year of related experience.

Minimum Other: 

•  Must have problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills needed.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, organize work, and meet deadlines.
• Curiosity with technology to assist with implementing and training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products with a focus on Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive.
• Must exercise discretion in working with confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diversity.

Preferred Experience: 

• A working knowledge of Advancement CRM platforms, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge/NXT preferred.
• Knowledge of higher education and university advancement operations.
• Ability to read and understand financial statements and data.
• Understand statistical predictive models.

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 120 undergraduate programs. We offer more than 140 master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees, with many of them ranking among the best in the nation. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world.