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Contract Prospect Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is a contract role Minimum Qualifications * 3+ years of experience in prospect research * Authorized documentation to work in the United States of America Responsibilities The Propsect Research ...

The Grant Writer is a contract position that reports to the Senior Director of Development. This ... Conduct prospect research to identify funding opportunities that would advance place-based impact ...

You will operate as a true hunter, identifying high-value commercial properties, researching decision makers, and uncovering upcoming contract and bid opportunities. The role combines prospect ...

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Contract Prospect Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do contract prospect researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract prospect researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract prospect researcher?

Contract prospect researchers are professionals who are hired on a freelance or temporary basis to help organizations identify and evaluate potential donors, clients, or business opportunities. They conduct in-depth research using public records, databases, and other resources to gather information about prospects’ backgrounds, giving capacity, interests, and connections. Organizations often engage contract prospect researchers to supplement their internal fundraising or business development teams, especially for specific campaigns or projects. Their work is crucial for building targeted outreach strategies and maximizing fundraising or sales efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract prospect researcher?

To thrive as a Contract Prospect Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and experience in data gathering and analysis, usually backed by a degree in a relevant field such as business, nonprofit management, or research. Familiarity with prospect research tools like DonorSearch, LexisNexis, and fundraising databases such as Raiser's Edge is typically required. Strong written communication, discretion, and initiative help you stand out when interpreting findings and supporting fundraising teams. These skills and qualities are essential to accurately identify and evaluate potential donors, enabling organizations to focus their outreach and maximize fundraising efforts.

What are the typical challenges faced by a contract prospect researcher when working remotely with multiple clients?

Contract Prospect Researchers often juggle varying expectations, data systems, and communication styles when working with several organizations simultaneously. Maintaining clear boundaries and consistent workflows can be challenging, especially as each client may have different research priorities and reporting formats. Strong organizational skills, proactive communication, and adaptability are key to managing competing deadlines and ensuring high-quality deliverables for each client. Regular check-ins and transparent progress updates can help foster trust and streamline collaboration with fundraising teams.

What is the difference between Contract Prospect Researcher vs Contract Fundraiser?

AspectContract Prospect ResearcherContract Fundraiser
CredentialsBachelor's degree, research skillsBachelor's degree, fundraising experience
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, data analysisDonor engagement, event planning
Industry UsageNonprofits, charities, educational institutionsNonprofits, political campaigns
Primary RoleIdentify potential donors or clientsSecure funding through donations

While both roles are vital in nonprofit settings, a Contract Prospect Researcher primarily focuses on identifying potential donors through research, whereas a Contract Fundraiser actively engages with donors to secure funding. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign the right talent for their needs.

More about Contract Prospect Researcher jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Prospect Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Contract 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 Contract Prospect Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Prospect Researcher jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Prospect Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Prospect Researcher

City Year

Boston, MA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


City Year rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 78 rated education support services


Job description

Active City Year Staff members must login to Workday to apply internally.
Application Instructions
Click Apply to submit your online application. Please attach a resume and thoughtful cover letter on the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV" field.
Position Overview
Contingent
Reporting to the VP, Development Operations, the Prospect Research Analyst - Contractor is an integral member of the City Year fundraising and engagement process. The Prospect Research Analyst is responsible for engagement portfolio oversight, and identifying, researching, and analyzing potential prospects to meet the needs of the City Year Development Teams. The Analyst plays an impactful role in supporting productivity and success of engagement and fundraising efforts. This is a contract role
Job Description
Minimum Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience in prospect research
  • Authorized documentation to work in the United States of America

Responsibilities
The Propsect Research Analyst - Contractor will perform the following roles and responsibilities as described below:
Maintaining System & Data Integrity
  • Support prospect management systems and processes.
  • Prepare concise prospect research reports and maintain accurate records in fundraising systems.
  • Protect constituent confidentiality and follow departmental information policies.

Analysis and Presentation of Data
  • Analyze fundraising, financial, biographic, news, and social media data to identify relevant insights.
  • Share timely research insights with Development staff and other stakeholders.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Collaboration
  • Participating in staff meetings and contribute to team success

Preferred Qualifications
  • City Year/AmeriCorps experience is a plus

Competencies
In order to succeed in this role, an applicant must have the following competencies:
  • Collaboration: Connects with stakeholders to identify shared interests; partners with others to incorporate different perspectives toward a common goal.
  • Teamwork: Actively contributes to shared projects with the understanding that team success is personal success.
  • Decision-Making: Uses appropriate context and data to make sensible and timely decisions; displays sound judgment when faced with opportunities/challenges.
  • Flexibility: Changes course quickly and thoughtfully when faced with new or unanticipated circumstances.
  • Problem-Solving: Identifies opportunities to make improvements; gathers information; connects related and unrelated concepts; integrates findings into actionable solutions.

Technical & Functional Skills
  • Proficiency in internet search engines and sophisticated search techniques, fundraising software, and data retrieval services (e.g. iWave/Kindsight, Altrata, etc.); able to evaluate and recommend new tools to meet strategic needs; strong MS Office skills (Word, Outlook, and Excel in particular).
  • Proven experience working with a relational database, preferably Salesforce; able to produce and maintain documentation to support team protocols.

Benefits
This role will not be eligible for City Year's benefit packages and is contingent upon completion of all satisfactory background checks, verification of your eligibility to work in the United States, and any other documentation that may be required.
Employment at City Year is at-will.
City Year does not sponsor work authorization visas.

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About City Year

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City Year, an AmeriCorps program, helps students across schools succeed. Diverse teams of City Year AmeriCorps members provide support to students, classrooms and the whole school, helping to ensure that students in systematically under-resourced schools receive a high-quality education that prepares them with the skills and mindset to thrive and contribute to their community.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1988