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How much do associate director research prospect development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director research prospect development in the United States is $93,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate director research prospect development?

An Associate Director of Research Prospect Development is a leadership role within a fundraising or development office, typically at a university or nonprofit organization. This professional oversees the research and identification of prospective donors, manages prospect databases, and develops strategies to support fundraising goals. They often supervise a team responsible for gathering and analyzing data on potential donors, ensuring that fundraising activities are informed by accurate and strategic prospect information. The Associate Director collaborates closely with advancement staff to prioritize prospects and maximize donor engagement.

How does the associate director research prospect development typically collaborate with fundraising teams to support institutional goals?

The Associate Director of Research Prospect Development works closely with fundraising teams by identifying and evaluating potential donors, preparing detailed prospect profiles, and strategizing on engagement approaches. Regular meetings and ongoing communication are important to align research priorities with fundraising campaigns and to ensure that high-potential prospects are actively managed. This role often provides actionable insights and guidance to gift officers, helping to optimize outreach and maximize philanthropic support for the institution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director research prospect development, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Director Research Prospect Development, you need expertise in data analysis, prospect research, and fundraising strategies, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with prospect management databases (such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce), data visualization tools, and research platforms like LexisNexis or WealthEngine is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills help in managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying and engaging prospective donors, driving fundraising success, and supporting organizational growth.

What states have the most Associate Director Research Prospect Development jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Director Research Prospect Development jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Director Research Prospect Development jobs?

For Associate Director Research Prospect Development jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Director Research Prospect Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,350 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Director, Research & Prospect Management

New York, NY • On-site

American Museum of Natural History
Museums and Historical Sites • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about American Museum of Natural Historyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and implement prospect research methodologies, standards, and best practices to support fundraising priorities.

  • Produce narrative research profiles on donors, volunteers, and prospects, and provide analysis and recommendations based on research findings.

  • Lead proactive prospect identification efforts, build and strengthen fundraiser portfolios, and develop prospect pipelines for various Advancement initiatives.

Job description

About the Organization
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), founded in 1869 with a dual mission of scientific research and science education, is one of the world's preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses more than 40 permanent exhibition halls, galleries for temporary exhibitions, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, including the Hayden Planetarium, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The Museum's scientists draw on a world-class permanent collection of more than 30 million specimens and objects, some of which are billions of years old, and on one of the largest natural history libraries in the world. Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, the Museum offers two of the only free-standing, degree-granting programs of their kind at any museum in the U.S.: the Ph.D. program in Comparative Biology and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Earth Science residency program. Visit amnh.org for more information.
Position Overview
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) seeks a strategic and analytically rigorous Director, Research & Prospect Management to lead the Museum's research, prospect management, portfolio strategy, and pipeline development work in support of the Advancement team's fundraising priorities.
Reporting to the Vice President, Advancement Operations and Strategy, the Director will manage a team of two direct reports and serve as the Museum's primary resource for prospect and donor research, prospect strategy, and portfolio management. This role partners closely with colleagues across Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Principal Gifts, Corporate Relations, Advancement Events, and Advancement Services to ensure research and data consistently inform fundraising strategy.
The Director will have the unique opportunity to redefine the role in a more expansive and modern direction by strengthening portfolio review practices, deepening the use of modeling and data in assignment decisions, and building a more proactive, institution-wide approach to prospecting and pipeline development.
Responsibilities
Research & Analysis
  • In partnership with the Vice President, Advancement Operations and Strategy, develop and implement prospect research methodologies, standards, and best practices that support the Museum's fundraising priorities.
  • Produce narrative research profiles on donors, volunteer leadership, and other prospects, drawing on financial databases, 990 filings, and other holdings-related sources.
  • Provide thoughtful analysis and recommendations that help Advancement and Museum leadership understand the significance of research findings and determine appropriate next steps.
  • Bring a strong data and analytical orientation to the role, using metrics, trends, and modeling outputs to inform research priorities and decisions.
  • Monitor news and conduct reputational research on individuals and organizations connected to the Museum's fundraising efforts.
  • Exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive research findings, determining what to include and how to communicate it professionally.

Prospecting & Pipeline Development
  • Lead proactive prospect identification efforts across Advancement to build and strengthen fundraiser portfolios and identify pipeline gaps and opportunities.
  • Partner with Advancement and Corporate colleagues to develop prospect pipelines for emerging Advancement priorities, strategic opportunities, leadership travel, and Museum events.
  • Build a more intentional system for leveraging Museum events, exhibition openings, and other institutional gatherings as prospecting opportunities, including attendee review, identification of high-potential prospects, post-event follow-up, and communication with the appropriate fundraising teams.

Committee Support & Volunteer Leadership
  • Serve as the Vice President's primary partner on the Committee on Trustees' work, managing the committee's prospecting and research needs from start to finish for each meeting.
  • Surface, assess, and track prospective candidates for Board and volunteer leadership consideration.
  • Partner with frontline fundraisers to build a pipeline of prospects for volunteer leadership groups across Individual Giving and Advancement Events.

Portfolio Strategy & Management
  • Oversee how prospects are segmented and assigned within Raiser's Edge NXT.
  • Strengthen portfolio reviews, establish clearer assignment criteria, and apply modeling and wealth screening data to determine portfolio fit.
  • Develop and refine moves management policies, portfolio review practices, and database-related processes.
  • Ensure fundraiser portfolios are appropriately sized and composed to support effective qualification, cultivation, and solicitation.

Data, Technology, and Innovation
  • Strengthen the use of data, modeling, wealth screening, and prospecting tools to inform research priorities, prospect strategy, and portfolio decisions.
  • Partner with Advancement Services colleagues to support effective use of Raiser's Edge NXT, modeling outputs, and other data sources.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and insight through updated workflows, tools, and research practices.
  • Stay current on trends and best practices in prospect research, prospect management, fundraising analytics, AI, and data-informed fundraising.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership
  • Manage and develop a team of two direct reports, a manager, and a coordinator, creating clear paths for growth, setting measurable goals, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
  • Partner with Advancement and Corporate colleagues by providing research, analysis, and recommendations that inform cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and portfolio management decisions.
  • Work closely with Advancement Services on database policy, process, and data maintenance.
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in prospect research and portfolio management in a complex nonprofit, cultural, or mission-driven institution.
  • Minimum of 4 years of management experience, including demonstrated experience successfully leading and managing a team.
  • Experience using financial databases, reviewing 990s and other financial holdings, and producing high-quality research profiles.
  • Familiarity with Raiser's Edge NXT (strongly preferred) and wealth screening tools (such as iWave, LexisNexis, RelSci, or similar).
  • Comfort with analytics, Excel, and modeling outputs, with the ability to translate data into portfolio and prospecting strategy.
  • Experience with moves management systems, policy development, and portfolio review or assignment frameworks.
  • Strong writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, useful, and actionable research.
  • Strong analytical, research, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Genuine affinity for the natural world and the ability to engage authentically with the Museum's research, exhibitions, and scientific work.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Annual salary in the range of $140 - $165K. Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered are based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.
  • AMNH offers an extensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, Retirement Plans, and PTO. Learn more at amnh.org.
Application Process
Please submit application materials using the form below.
Orr Group
AMNH has retained the Orr Group to conduct this search. Please direct all inquiries, interest, and nominations to the Orr Group search team.
Jesse Bryan
Vice President
Orr Group
jbryan@orrgroup.com
About Orr Group
Orr Group is a strategic partner to nonprofit organizations, offering comprehensive fundraising and executive recruitment support that advances mission, maximizes philanthropic potential, and builds long-term sustainability. We specialize in the business of philanthropy, helping our partners drive results through data-informed strategies, embedded team members, and hands-on implementation.

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