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Assistant Prospect Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Uw

Senior Prospect Research Strategist

Seattle, WA

The Senior Prospect Research Strategist is responsible for partnering with large, complex and high ... * Assist in the definition and development of user documentation standards and policy and ...

The Bishop's School

Prospect Research Manager

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

... * Assist Database Manager and Major Gift team in producing targeted prospect lists * Manage and ... of prospect research and/or advancement services experience * Working knowledge of third-party ...

The Bishop's School

Prospect Research Manager

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

... * Assist Database Manager and Major Gift team in producing targeted prospect lists * Manage and ... of prospect research and/or advancement services experience * Working knowledge of third-party ...

Rutgers

Prospect Research Analyst

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$55K/yr

The Prospect Research Analyst is responsible for engagement portfolio oversight, and identifying ... Subject matter expert of department/project/program operations Strategy * Assist with strategy ...

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Assistant Prospect Researcher information

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$29K

$117.6K

$227.5K

How much do assistant prospect researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant prospect researcher in the United States is $117,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Assistant Prospect Researcher typically collaborate with fundraising teams to support donor outreach efforts?

An Assistant Prospect Researcher works closely with fundraising and development teams to provide valuable insights on potential donors. They gather and analyze data to create detailed profiles, which help fundraisers tailor their outreach strategies and prioritize leads. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, as researchers often attend planning meetings and respond to information requests, ensuring their findings directly enhance fundraising campaigns. This collaborative approach helps maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of donor engagement efforts.

How much do prospect researchers make?

Prospect researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and organization size. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and advanced research tools. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced researchers or those in larger organizations can earn higher wages.

What does a prospect researcher do?

A prospect researcher identifies and evaluates potential donors or clients by gathering information from public records, databases, and online sources. They analyze data to determine giving capacity, interests, and connections, supporting fundraising or sales strategies. Strong research skills and familiarity with research tools are essential for this role.

Are research assistant jobs in demand?

Research assistant jobs are generally in demand across various fields such as academia, healthcare, and market research, especially for candidates with strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools. The demand can vary based on industry growth and funding availability, with many positions requiring a bachelor's or master's degree and experience with research methodologies.

What does an Assistant Prospect Researcher do?

An Assistant Prospect Researcher supports fundraising efforts by researching and identifying potential donors for nonprofit organizations or educational institutions. Their duties typically include gathering and analyzing data on individuals, corporations, and foundations to assess their giving capacity and philanthropic interests. They help maintain databases, prepare profiles and reports, and ensure information is accurate and up to date. By providing this valuable information, they assist development teams in making informed decisions and building effective fundraising strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Prospect Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Prospect Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor’s degree—often in fields like library science, business, or communications. Familiarity with prospect research databases (such as WealthEngine or iWave), CRM systems, and proficiency in Excel are commonly required. Excellent written communication, discretion, and investigative curiosity are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential for accurately identifying donor prospects, supporting fundraising strategy, and maintaining data integrity in nonprofit organizations.

What is the difference between Assistant Prospect Researcher vs Prospect Researcher?

AspectAssistant Prospect ResearcherProspect Researcher
CredentialsBachelor's degree often requiredBachelor's or higher, sometimes specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentSupportive team, entry-level tasksIndependent research, senior responsibilities
Employer UsageNonprofits, educational institutions, fundraising teamsFundraising departments, development offices
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level rolesClarifying advanced responsibilities

The Assistant Prospect Researcher typically performs entry-level research tasks under supervision, focusing on gathering basic information about prospects. The Prospect Researcher handles more complex research, analysis, and strategic recommendations. The roles differ mainly in experience level and scope of responsibilities, with the Assistant supporting and the Prospect conducting independent research.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

To be an assistant prospect researcher, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, marketing, or social sciences. Strong research skills, proficiency with databases and data analysis tools, and attention to detail are important qualifications for this role.
More about Assistant Prospect Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Prospect Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Prospect Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prospect Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Prospect Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Prospect Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Prospect Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Prospect Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Prospect Researcher jobs are:
Assistant Prospect Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Prospect Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,556 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
Associate Director, Prospect Research

Associate Director, Prospect Research

Harvard University

Boston, MA • On-site

$57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 552 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard Medical School?
Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.
You'll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.
Job Description
Harvard Medical School (HMS) seeks an Associate Director of Prospect Research to play a key role in advancing our fundraising strategy through high-quality pipeline development, prospect research, due diligence, and data driven insights. Reporting to the Director of Development/Prospect Research, the Associate Director helps to develop proactive prospecting and pipeline development strategies utilizing data mining, predictive modeling, relationship mapping, and assists the team in effectively utilizing data and modern tools-including AI enabled solutions-to work more efficiently and effectively.
The ideal candidate is an experienced research professional who is comfortable working with large datasets; has strong analytical and writing skills; exercises excellent judgment around reputational risk; and is curious about how emerging technologies can responsibly support research and decision making.
Key Responsibilities:
Prospect Management and Pipeline Development
  • Partner with the Director of Research to strengthen and expand the prospect pipeline through the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of high-potential donor prospects using evolving research tools, screening resources, and data analytics.
  • Develop and implement proactive prospecting and pipeline development strategies utilizing data mining, predictive modeling, relationship mapping, and wealth and affinity analysis to identify new major and principal gift prospects and support data-driven portfolio growth and fundraising strategy.
  • Collaborate closely with principal and major gift officers to identify, qualify, and strategically advance prospects through the fundraising pipeline in alignment with institutional priorities and fundraising goals.
  • Partner with and participate in prospect strategy discussions with frontline fundraising teams to support portfolio development and prospect strategy by providing actionable research, analysis, and recommendations on donor capacity, inclination, interests, and engagement.

Prospect Research and Strategic Insight
  • Conduct in depth research on current and potential donors, including biographical, business, philanthropic, and financial information.
  • Prepare clear, concise, and well-organized research products (profiles, briefings, memos, landscape scans) for senior leadership and frontline fundraisers.
  • Analyze wealth indicators and philanthropic behavior to estimate giving capacity and identify strategic opportunities for principal and major gift cultivation.
  • Monitor news, public filings, and other sources to keep stakeholders informed of developments affecting key prospects and donors.

Due Diligence and Reputational Risk
  • Lead or oversee due diligence reviews on high-priority prospects and institutional partners, with attention to litigation, regulatory actions, sanctions and watchlists, corruption and fraud, and other activities that may conflict with HMS's mission and values.
  • Summarize findings in balanced, evidence-based assessments that clearly distinguish fact from allegation, convey levels of risk, and outline any ambiguities or limitations.
  • Collaborate with Development leadership and other campus partners on the integration of due diligence into gift acceptance and prospect strategy decisions.

Data, Analytics, and Use of AI Tools
  • Work with Development Technology colleagues to extract, clean, and interpret data from the fundraising database and related systems to support prospecting, portfolio analysis, and campaign planning.
  • Use Excel and other tools (e.g., SQL, R, Python, or similar) to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and develop reports that inform prospect identification and portfolio management.
  • Thoughtfully incorporate AI tools (for example, large language models, GPTs/Gens, and other generative AI applications) to assist with tasks such as summarizing long documents, scanning open-source media, organizing notes, and drafting initial language.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
  • 5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in prospect research, due diligence, analytics, consulting, financial analysis, journalism, or a closely related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data.
  • Advanced Excel skills (e.g., formulas, pivot tables, data cleansing).
  • Experience querying, exporting, and interpreting data from a CRM or fundraising database (familiarity with Advance helpful).
  • Demonstrated experience conducting comprehensive research using public records, news databases, business and financial filings, and specialized research tools.
  • Proven ability to synthesize complex information into clear, succinct written products tailored to senior audiences.
  • Demonstrated experience handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
  • Experience with SQL and at least one statistical or scripting language (e.g., R or Python) for data analysis and modeling.
  • Experience with data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or similar).
  • Familiarity with AI enabled tools and a track record of using them thoughtfully to enhance, rather than replace, human research and judgment.
  • Prior responsibility for due diligence or reputational risk assessments in a fundraising, legal, compliance, or corporate environment.
  • Experience with advancement databases (e.g., Blackbaud, Salesforce, Ellucian Advance, or similar).

Additional Information
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
  • Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

#LI-WG1
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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