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Development Prospect Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... development of training curriculum and materials for the Advancement Team related to prospect research policies, procedures, systems, and applications. * Safeguard the confidentiality of donor ...

The Prospect Development Analyst is responsible for identifying, researching and analyzing prospects for gift cultivation and solicitation for the Houston Zoo. This individual will participate and ...

The Prospect Development Analyst is responsible for identifying, researching and analyzing prospects for gift cultivation and solicitation for the Houston Zoo. This individual will participate and ...

The Prospect Development Analyst is responsible for identifying, researching and analyzing prospects for gift cultivation and solicitation for the Houston Zoo. This individual will participate and ...

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. * 2-5 years of experience in prospect research, fundraising research, data analysis, development, or a related field. * Strong organizational skills ...

Prospect Research & Intelligence * Conduct proactive and responsive prospect research using ... Partner with development officers and advancement staff to identify research needs and provide ...

* Conduct proactive and responsive prospect research using internal advancement data, public records ... Monitor relevant news, business, philanthropic, and institutional developments and communicate ...

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Development Prospect Researcher information

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$29K

$117.6K

$227.5K

How much do development prospect researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for development 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.

What is a development prospect researcher?

Development Prospect Researchers are professionals who identify and analyze individuals, foundations, and corporations that have the potential to donate to an organization, typically in the nonprofit or higher education sectors. They gather and evaluate information about prospects’ giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and connections to the organization. Their work helps fundraising teams prioritize efforts and tailor engagement strategies to maximize donations. By providing data-driven insights, they play a crucial role in supporting fundraising campaigns and long-term donor relationships.

How does a development prospect researcher typically collaborate with fundraising teams to support donor engagement strategies?

Development Prospect Researchers work closely with fundraising and development teams by providing detailed profiles and analyses of potential donors. They help identify prospects, assess giving capacity, and uncover interests that inform personalized engagement strategies. Regular meetings and reports ensure that fundraisers have up-to-date intelligence, enabling them to tailor outreach and build stronger donor relationships. Effective collaboration between researchers and fundraisers is key to maximizing fundraising opportunities and achieving organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a development prospect researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Prospect Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and familiarity with fundraising principles, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Proficiency with donor databases (such as Raiser's Edge), online research tools, and data analysis software is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, discretion, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for accurately identifying and evaluating potential donors, supporting fundraising strategies, and maintaining organizational integrity.

What is the difference between Development Prospect Researcher vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectDevelopment Prospect ResearcherFundraising Coordinator
Primary RoleIdentifies and analyzes potential donors to support fundraising effortsPlans and executes fundraising events and campaigns
Required SkillsResearch, data analysis, donor profilingCommunication, event planning, relationship management
Work EnvironmentNonprofits, educational institutions, charitiesNonprofits, community organizations, charities
Common UsageInvolved in prospect research and donor analysisFocuses on organizing fundraising activities

The Development Prospect Researcher primarily focuses on researching and analyzing potential donors to support fundraising strategies, while the Fundraising Coordinator manages and executes fundraising events and campaigns. Both roles are essential in nonprofit organizations but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What cities are hiring for Development Prospect Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Development Prospect Researcher job openings:

What states have the most Development Prospect Researcher jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Development Prospect Researcher jobs?

For Development Prospect Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Development Prospect Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,556 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
Facing History and Ourselves, Inc
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees

$58K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Title: Prospect Researcher
Reports to: Managing Director, Development Strategy & Services
Location: US-Based Home Office
Status: Exempt; Full Time
Salary Range*: $58,000 - $65,000 (IC2/B3)
Start Date: Immediate
Facing History & Ourselves is a global education non-profit organization that challenges teachers and students to use lessons of history to stand up to racism, antisemitism, and other forms of bigotry and hate.
Role Summary
The Prospect Researcher identifies and analyzes information on individual and institutional donors to help the Development team build informed engagement strategies. By delivering a range of research products�from high-level snapshots to in-depth profiles�and conducting critical risk assessments, this role ensures the department has the actionable insights needed to grow the donor pipeline and support strong, well-informed relationship management.
Key Duties & Accountabilities
Prospect Research & Pipeline Intelligence (60%)
  • Produce a standardized "menu" of research products, including in-depth donor profiles, meeting briefings, and at-a-glance event snapshots tailored to specific use cases for executive leadership, senior development staff, and regional teams.
  • Perform research on both individual and institutional prospects (foundations and corporations) to map relationships and identify giving capacity, affinity, and philanthropic history.
  • Conduct thorough due diligence and formal risk assessment vetting to protect the organization and ensure alignment with gift acceptance policies.
  • Partner with event leads to prioritize guest lists and identify "must-know" prospects for signature fundraisers and cultivation events.
  • Partner with the Managing Director, Institutional Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives and grant writing team to produce a steady stream of institutional prospects that support regional expansion.
  • Manage the transition of "Raw Screening" (initial wealth data) into "Qualified Screening" by validating and confirming data to ensure a high-quality donor pipeline.
  • Synthesize information from multiple sources into concise summaries for Development leadership and board bios.

Proactive Identification & Strategic Support (25%)
  • Dedicate consistent time to proactive prospecting to uncover high-potential individuals and institutions not yet assigned to a portfolio.
  • Support specialized strategic needs, such as identifying candidates for Board pipeline growth, expansion into new geographies, and tracking philanthropic trends.
  • Monitor external news and financial filings for indicators of new wealth or shifting interests among potential donors.

Training & Staff Enablement (15%)
  • Develop and deliver standard onboarding and refresher training to help Development staff navigate basic research tools and interpret profiles.
  • Create role-specific guidance for staff on leveraging research tools (e.g., iWave) for local projects and relationship management.
  • Establish and manage clear request protocols and turnaround standards to ensure the department understands how to access research services.
Core Competencies for Role:
  • Strong research and analytical abilities with a skill for synthesizing information from multiple sources into a clear narrative.
  • Disciplined self-starter who takes initiative and manages their own research queue and project timelines independently.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for creating brief, readable formats for busy stakeholders.
  • Customer-service mindset, characterized by responsiveness, professionalism, and a commitment to meeting established deadlines.
  • High degree of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive or confidential donor information.
Other Skills & Qualities:
Facing History understands that restrictive job requirements may exclude historically marginalized groups from applying to jobs for which they are qualified. We take an equitable and holistic screening approach. If you feel you have demonstrated experience and expertise relevant to perform this role, please don't hesitate to apply!
  • Minimum 2 years of direct experience in prospect research with a proven track record of producing various research products, including profiles, briefings, and risk assessments.
  • Experience with both individual and institutional research required.
  • Proficiency with prospect research tools (e.g., iWave, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory Online, GrantWatch, RelationshipScience) and CRM systems required; Salesforce experience is a plus.
  • Experience in the nonprofit sector required; background in the education or nonprofit education sector is a significant bonus.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both as a collaborative team member and as a focused, independent contributor.

Benefits Summary: In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, Facing History provides an excellent and competitive compensation and benefits package including medical with a fully employer-sponsored health reimbursement account (HRA), dental, vision, life & AD&D, long-term & short-term disability insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary organizational contribution, generous paid time off, an employee assistance program, travel assistance plan, pre-tax commuter spending accounts, flexible spending accounts, voluntary Colonial Life group plans, robust wellness programs through aHealthyMe, an employee discounted marketplace through BenefitHub, weekly virtual yoga and meditation, 403(b) advisement, and a friendly work environment.
Facing History values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Our Commitment to Inclusion. Our strength as an organization is directly tied to the diversity of our staff, leadership, educators, students, scholars, and volunteers. We strongly encourage each member of our community to be intentional and self-reflective in their attitudes toward others. This intentionality not only makes for a safer, happier, and more vibrant workplace, but it reflects the ethical framework of the content we produce for teachers and students. Our continued dedication to an inclusive work environment includes facilitating group learning journeys throughout the year and making space for optional employee resource groups. Together we show grace and support to ourselves and our colleagues so that we can all contribute in ways which are meaningful and rewarding.
Remote-first/Hybrid Work Model (US Home Based): Facing History & Ourselves operates in a remote-first/hybrid work model, allowing staff flexibility in both schedules and work locations. This particular position is home-based. Travel is required.
* We strive to offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience in a similar position. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary range between the minimum and midpoint depending on experience and in alignment with internal parity.