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Prospect Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prospect Researcher Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised ...

Donor Prospect Research Associate Exempt/Non -exempt: Non-exempt Reports to: Associate Director, Database Operations Date : January 12, 2026 Position Summary : The Donor Prospect Research Associate ...

Donor Prospect Research Associate Exempt/Non-exempt: Non-exempt Reports to: Associate Director, Database Operations Date: January 12, 2026 Position Summary: The Donor Prospect Research Associate ...

Position Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Prospect Research Analyst to join our dynamic team at Scouting America. In this role, you will play a critical part in supporting ...

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do prospect researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prospect Researcher position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prospect Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, experience with data analysis, and a background in research or nonprofit fundraising, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with prospect research databases (such as WealthEngine, iWave, or DonorSearch) and proficiency in CRM systems are typically required. Attention to detail, discretion, and excellent written communication skills set outstanding researchers apart. These abilities are critical because the role involves identifying and evaluating potential donors to drive successful fundraising strategies and organizational growth.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Prospect Researcher?

As a Prospect Researcher, your daily tasks often include conducting in-depth research on individuals, foundations, or corporations to assess their capacity and inclination to give, preparing detailed donor profiles, and updating information in the organization's database. You may also collaborate closely with fundraisers and development officers to identify new fundraising opportunities or prioritize prospects. Balancing multiple projects and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information are central to the role. This work directly supports your team’s fundraising efforts, making attention to accuracy and timeliness essential.

What is a Prospect Researcher job?

A Prospect Researcher is responsible for identifying and evaluating potential donors for a nonprofit or fundraising organization. They gather and analyze data from public records, financial documents, and other sources to assess a prospect's giving capacity and interest. Their research helps fundraisers build strong donor relationships and develop effective fundraising strategies. By providing insights into donor history, wealth indicators, and philanthropic interests, Prospect Researchers play a key role in securing funding for their organization.

More about Prospect Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Prospect Researcher jobs? Cities with the most 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 Prospect Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Prospect Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prospect Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prospect Researcher jobs are:
Infographic showing various Prospect Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Prospect Researcher

Cranbrook

Bloomfield, MI • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Prospect Researcher
Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America" and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.
Reporting to the Director of Advancement Operations and Gift Planning, the Prospect Researcher will support Cranbrook Educational Community's (CEC) Advancement Team by providing detailed research and data that will inform donor outreach and strategic plans to further fundraising goals related to charitable and sponsorship revenues from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. They will also provide assistance with the portfolio assignment and review process with the goal of advising CEC fundraisers on the optimization of their portfolios and the achievement of their fundraising goals.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive and effective prospect research system, including management of research tools and processes.
  • Train, as needed, on the use of research tools, collection, and recording of information to ensure data integrity, database proficiency, and consistency and support a high level of confidence in resulting profiles, ratings, and reports.
  • Assist with 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 information and adhere to the ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both the CEC and APRA.
  • All other responsibilities and tasks assigned by the Director of Advancement Operations and Gift Planning.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in a related field, such as Journalism, History, English, Business, or Library Science.
  • A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in prospect and donor research.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the tools utilized, and the fundamentals involved with fundraising research.
  • Experience with DonorSearch and Blackbaud products, specifically RENXT and Research Point, preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills, high-level organizational and computer skills.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the tools utilized, and the fundamentals involved with fundraising research.
  • Ability to produce concise research documents with attention to accuracy and detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage deadlines.
  • Experience with web platforms will be favorably considered.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a higher-education or major cultural institution setting.
  • Experience working in a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
  • Familiarity with financial information, including proxy statements, annual reports, SEC documents and stock holdings.

This is a full-time position with a salary of $62k+ based on experience.
Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.
For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.