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Prospect Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Botanic Garden

Prospect Manager

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$60K - $79.50K/yr

Prospect Researcher Year-Round Full-time employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits: * 2026 A Guide to Your Benefits JP.pdf Compensation Philosophy: At the ...

Direqt

Donor Prospect Research Associate

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$33.65 - $40.87/hr

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 ...

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do prospect researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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.

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.
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Prospect Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prospect Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 40% Physical, 15% Hybrid, and 45% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Prospect Researcher & Donor Experience Officer

Lincoln University of PA

Mckeesport, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Prospect Researcher & Donor Experience Officer
Classification: Professional
Department: Institutional Advancement & Lincoln University Foundation
Reports to: Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Executive Director of the LUPA Foundation
FLSA: Salary, Exempt
Job Summary:
The Prospect Researcher & Donor Experience Officer plays a pivotal role in strengthening the institution's fundraising capacity by identifying, researching, and qualifying prospective donors while supporting personalized engagement strategies for alumni, parents, and friends of Lincoln University and the Lincoln University of PA Foundation.
In a small advancement office, this position is both analytical and relational-combining data-driven research with hands-on donor stewardship. The ideal candidate is innovative, collaborative, and comfortable balancing strategic projects with day-to-day operational needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Prospect Research & Portfolio Management
  • Conduct comprehensive research on individuals, foundations, and corporations to assess giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and engagement potential.
  • Develop and maintain prospect profiles, briefings, and research reports for use by frontline fundraisers and leadership.
  • Manage and refine prospect pools and portfolios, ensuring appropriate prospect assignment and movement through the donor cycle.
  • Monitor and analyze wealth indicators, engagement data, and predictive modeling tools to surface new prospects.
  • Track fundraising activity and provide insights that support goal-setting and pipeline development.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship
  • Support the creation and execution of individualized stewardship plans for major and leadership donors.
  • Draft donor communications, including acknowledgment letters, impact reports, and personalized updates.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to coordinate small-scale donor events, campus visits, and cultivation activities.
  • Maintain accurate donor interaction records and ensure timely follow-up on engagement opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain broad knowledge of the university, such as admissions, athletics, colleges, and continuing education. Develop network of contacts through the university to access additional information. Develop knowledge of resource hub (Homebase) of relevant content to share with donors.
  • Execute quarterly touchpoint cadences across the donor portfolio to ensure consistent and relevant communication.

Data & Systems Support
  • Work closely with the advancement services team to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and strategic use of the CRM.
  • Generate reports and dashboards that help leadership understand donor behavior, trends, and opportunities.
  • Assist with data hygiene projects and contribute to the development of research and stewardship standards.

Cross-Department Collaboration
  • Partner with annual giving, alumni relations, and communications staff to align research insights with outreach strategies.
  • Provide research support for campaigns, special initiatives, and institutional priorities.
  • Serve as a resource for colleagues seeking donor background information or engagement recommendations.

Content Curation
  • Collaborate closely with colleagues to identify and deliver content related to the impact of philanthropy through video, social media, and digital platforms.

  • Collaborate with marketing and annual giving teams to tailor modern marketing tactics for donors.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree required.

Experience:
  • Minimum of three years of progressive and successful basketball coaching experience at the college level.
  • Division II or III coaching experience preferred.

Qualifications:
  • Strong analytical, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
  • Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.
  • Comfort working in a small, collaborative team environment.
  • Experience in prospect research, fundraising, advancement services, or related fields.
  • Familiarity with donor databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Slate, Salesforce, or similar).
  • Knowledge of wealth screening tools, research databases, and public records resources.
  • Understanding of fundraising best practices and donor engagement principles.

Physical Demands:
  • Moderate lifting up to 20 pounds as frequently as needed to move objects; dexterity to write and manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; ability to hear and speak clearly; and body mobility to stoop, kneel, and bend and reach.
  • Night and weekend responsibilities will be required for major university events and fundraisers.

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