Job Description

Description

Prospect Researcher

Mission: The Prospect Researcher provides critical donor research and data support to the IDEA Advancement by validating and researching individual and institutional prospects. Reporting to the Director of Prospect Strategy and Research, the Prospect Researcher serves as the primary research contact to the front-line fundraisers, conducting in-depth research to assess giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and affinity to the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This role does not require any supervisory responsibilities.

Location:

This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

Occasional travel (less than 10%) for meetings, site visits, or collaboration.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Serve as the main point of contact for the front-line fundraisers’ reactive prospect research requests, delivering timely and accurate research profiles, briefings, and analyses on existing and prospective donors (individuals, corporations, and foundations).
• Conduct routine donor screening for regular prospect identification. Proactively identify and validate new prospects from internal pools (unassigned constituents, annual giving donors, lapsed prospects, and other sources) and assign validated prospects to the front-line fundraisers.
• Provide portfolio review support to the Director of Prospect Strategy and Research by preparing materials, tracking and delivering follow-up actions, and updating CRM records as needed.
• Assist with large-scale research projects (e.g., board relationship mapping, event attendee screening, regional screenings, campaign or initiative-specific research etc.).
• Support the maintenance of prospect research resources and subscriptions.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain the integrity and strategic utilization of Advancement’s CRM by ensuring accurate, timely updates to constituent records, including research findings, wealth indicators, and engagement insights
• Collaborate with the Director of Prospect Research and Strategy to develop, implement, and continuously refine all prospect research and portfolio management systems, processes, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform other prospect research and management duties as assigned to support Advancement goals.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member makes informed decisions by gathering reliable information, asking clarifying questions, and evaluating multiple options. They thoughtfully align their choices with team objectives, current responsibilities, and the broader mission of the organization.
• Manage Work and Teams: This team member sets clear, measurable goals and regularly reflects on progress, adjusting actions as needed. They prioritize work aligned with their goals using a task management system and consistently meet deadlines through effective time management.
• Grow Self and Others: This team member demonstrates self-awareness by actively seeking and thoughtfully responding to feedback with curiosity and a growth mindset. They identify development areas, implement feedback when appropriate, and pursue opportunities to build their knowledge and skills.
• Build a Culture of Trust: This team member consistently demonstrates self-awareness and emotional intelligence, fostering psychological safety and trust within the team. They build respectful, reliable relationships and engage in direct, compassionate feedback, supporting a culture of honesty and mutual respect.
• Communicate Deliberately: This team member communicates clearly and professionally, delivering concise messages tailored to their audience. They actively listen, engage in dialogue by asking and clarifying questions, and follow up to ensure shared understanding in both individual and group settings.

Additional Skills:

The ideal candidate has 2-3 years of experience in full-time prospect research roles with expertise navigating the research subscriptions to collect, synthesize and interpret biographical and financial data to produce research deliverables that inform decision-making, as well as conducting prospect identification projects, wealth and propensity reviews, and other prospect development related projects as needed.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2-3 years of experience in prospect research, development, or related field
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Commitment to handling sensitive information with discretion and integrity
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple projects
• Outstanding interpersonal skills necessary to interface with a diverse group of colleagues and constituents as well as the ability to lead and build consensus among colleagues.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Proficiency in Salesforce CRM system
• Experience in prospect research and management within an Advancement setting
• Expertise with prospect research tools and methodologies – preferably iWave, LexisNexis, RelSci.
• Familiarity with conducting research on both individual AND institutional prospects and donors
• Familiarity with the Texas philanthropy landscape

Physical Requirements:

• This is a primarily sedentary role.

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $68,800 and $79,900, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at

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  IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here:

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