ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Development Prospect Researcher Jobs in Pennsylvania

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDevelopment Prospect Researcher JobsDevelopment Prospect Researcher Jobs in Pennsylvania

Development Prospect Researcher information

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.

Infographic showing various Development Prospect Researcher job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Manager of Donor Research & Strategy

Philadelphia, PA • Hybrid

The Philadelphia Orchestra Association
See more jobs at The Philadelphia Orchestra Associationexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Title: Manager of Donor Research amp; Strategy
Department: Development
Reports to: Senior Director, Development Services
Summary:
The Manager, Donor Research amp; Strategy will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and administering a robust program of strategic donor research and prospect management for The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc.’s (POKC) Development Department.
These services will include, but are not limited to, prospect identification and research, moves management, portfolio maintenance and reporting. The Manager will collaborate closely with the POKC’s frontline fundraising team and will have a significant impact on the achievement of fundraising goals.
Leading with our bold vision to inspire and connect humanity through the Philadelphia Sound, we at The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. are vital influencers and conveners, emblemizing our values of being exceptional, innovative, diverse and inclusive, and authentic. IDEAS—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Strategies—is a comprehensive transformation process, guided by our vision and values, to assess and improve all aspects of our operations, concerts, and programs, and to spur sustainable change.
The Manager reports to the Senior Director, Development Services, and will interface daily with members of the frontline fundraising team, providing assistance with portfolio management, research, and reporting. The Manager’s work will inform strategy and decision-making on the highest levels of POA board and staff leadership.
This position will be responsible for proactively developing systems to maximize fundraising potential and articulating strategies while working in a fast-paced environment, maintaining flexibility and a sense of urgency. The Manager will create protocols and metrics that measure and advance the development department goals.
The Manager’s work is especially critical at this time as POKC is in a comprehensive fundraising campaign, encompassing annual fundraising, endowment growth, capital and special project fundraising.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Oversee prospect research for POKC leadership and frontline fundraisers, including both individual, foundation and corporate prospects.
  • Work closely with the frontline fundraising team to establish and implement effective processes for portfolio management, including analysis, rebalancing, documentation, and reporting.
  • Using Moves Management best practices process, direct pipeline meetings and reporting for effective coordination of cultivation and solicitation action steps for major gift prospects.
  • Oversee a data-based approach that ensures gift officers execute strategies that result in the meaningful engagement and successful solicitation of prospects.
  • Generate and analyze data to identify opportunities for new fundraising efforts.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director, Development Services and the Vice President of Development to develop reports for use with Board of Directors and related committee reporting.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.
Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with a minimum 3 years of experience in development; an emphasis in prospect research is required.
  • Experience with fundraising databases required; , Tessitura or a similar CRM experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of, and experience using, online databases to research individual and institutional donors (e.g., WealthEngine, iWave, Guidestar, etc.).
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Highly organized with strong project management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage deadlines.
  • Ability to analyze data and identify trends and opportunities.
  • Strong ability to seek out and research donor prospects and to document information and activities in databases.
  • Experience working with frontline fundraisers and helping support their efforts.
  • Strong experience in and track record of developing systems, policies and protocols, leveraging data to create gift portfolios, metrics and evaluative methods.
  • Excellent computer skills and advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Power-point, Word) programs.
  • Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Flexibility and ability to work independently and as a team player with a range of constituents and colleagues.
  • Commitment to the mission and programs of POKC.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
  • Routine for office environment.
  • The employee may be required to work occasional evening and weekend concerts and/or events.
  • This position is not fully remote, in office work is required Tuesday through Thursday.
Resume and cover letter are required when applying for this position.
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, or military service.

Apply