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Prospect Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Prospect Research Manager

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

The Bishop's School seeks a Prospect Research Manager with immediate start. Reporting to the Senior Director of Major and Principal Gifts (SFMPG) the Prospect Research Manager (PRM) is responsible ...

Prospect Research Manager

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

The Bishop's School seeks a Prospect Research Manager with immediate start. Reporting to the Senior Director of Major and Principal Gifts (SFMPG) the Prospect Research Manager (PRM) is responsible ...

Job Overview The Senior Manager, Prospect Development, leads prospect research, portfolio management, analytics, and data governance activities that support AltaMed's fundraising strategy. The role ...

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Prospect Researcher information

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a prospect researcher?

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 the daily responsibilities of 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?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prospect Researcher jobs in California? The most popular types of Prospect Researcher jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Prospect Researcher jobs in California? For Prospect Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prospect Researcher jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prospect Researcher jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Prospect Researcher jobs? Cities in California with the most Prospect Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Prospect Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Donor Prospect Research Associate

Direqt

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$33.65 - $40.87/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

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 collaborates closely with the Development team to ensure fundraisers are equipped with accurate, actionable, and timely prospect intelligence. This role applies research and data analysis expertise to build and maintain robust prospect pools, support data-driven fundraising strategies, and inform donor engagement efforts. This position is also responsible for prospect portfolio distribution, prospect-related reporting, and the ongoing maintenance of prospect research data within the Raiser's Edge database.
Essential Functions:
  • Conduct comprehensive prospect research using a wide range of biographical, organizational, and financial sources, including online databases, public records, and other reputable resources.
  • Prepare concise, high-level donor briefings and profiles for PCF leadership and Development staff.
  • Record and maintain donor biographies, ratings, and related research data in Raiser's Edge to ensure accuracy and usability.
  • Assess prospective donors' capacity, inclination, philanthropic history, and connections to PCF. Analyze complex information to identify gift capacity and provide clear recommendations to guide donor engagement strategies.
  • Provide administrative support to gift officers, including preparing donor lists, briefing materials, and other stewardship tasks.
  • Partner with gift officers, consultants, and Development leadership to share research findings, insights, and strategies. Support effective communication and coordination across the Development team to advance fundraising goals. Identify and correct data entry errors and inconsistencies.
  • Ensure donor data is secure and handled in compliance with organizational policies.
  • Stay current on best practices, tools, and trends in prospect research, prospect management, and the broader Development field. Always adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards established by PCF.
  • Maintain documentation of data research procedures and best practices.
  • Maintain knowledge and understanding of PCF's mission, programs, and fundraising needs and goals.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Proficiency in Raiser's Edge or a comparable non-profit CRM software.
  • Demonstrated experience in prospect research, data analysis, and development services within a nonprofit or higher education environment.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce concise and accurate research profiles.
  • High degree of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to ethical research practices.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, or similar).

Physical Demands: Bending, sitting, and lifting (20 pounds or less, not repetitive)
Position type and expected work hours: Entry-level
full-time, typically 8:00 am-5:00 pm, five days a week, but can expect to work on weekends and more than 40 hours a week infrequently. This role is in-office 4 to 5 days per week. Applicants must be local to Los Angeles or willing to relocate.
Travel: <5%.
Other Duties: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.