Prospect Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ready to contribute to Brookings' success?

The Development Research Manager conducts, manages, and coordinates philanthropic research for the Institution. The Manager responds to research requests from the Office of the President, the Vice President and Chief Development Officer (CDO), and other development staff. They support the fundraising efforts of the Institution by identifying and evaluating donor and prospect philanthropic interests and capacity with a focus on individual donors. The Manager works closely with other development researchers and the frontline fundraisers in Development by recommending new prospects for qualification and cultivation to build the giving pipeline. The Manager oversees a portfolio of fundraisers, projects, programs, and funding initiatives that require research services. They also compile current biographical and financial information and news on donors and prospects for visit/call briefings and event lookbooks for senior leadership. The Manager will also proactively identify potential prospects within the guidelines of federal, state, and local laws and institutional policies and procedures. Reports to the Director of Development Research.

Prospect Identification and Research (70%)

• Writes prospect profiles,due diligence summaries, leadership briefings, and other research products, createsprospect lists, determinesphilanthropiccapacity, pathways,networks,and interests,working closely withfundraisers. 

• Oversees theresearch components of the event lookbook process, coordinatingcloselywith other keydevelopment staff as needed. 

• Compiles and analyzes biographical, wealth, and philanthropic information from all available resources to identify new prospects forBrookingsdonor groups, special projects, or core needs supportin their portfolio. 

• Ensures that all suspects, prospects,and donors are researched and assigned capacity ratingsusing best practice methodsand those ratings are updated regularly. 

• Ensures that prospect research activities meet the needs oftheir portfolio of fundraisersin support oftheir revenuegoals. 

• Other research projects as needed. 

Data Management and Strategy (30%)

• Works with thedevelopment research team onthe assignment and tracking ofsuspects andprospects fortheir portfolio. 

• Trackssuspects and prospectsas they aremoved through the pipeline from qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

• Participates in portfolio reviews with frontline fundraisers. 

Bachelor’s degree required;a minimum ofthreeyears ofexperience researching prospects in a development setting.Experience in a related institution and/or familiarity with public policy organizationsis highly desirable.  

Knowledge/Skill Requirements  

Research proficiency, including solid knowledge ofresearch andmediaresources.  Strong analytical and evaluative skillswith attention to detail. Ability to extract information from a databaseandorganize,analyze, and present it inMicrosoftExcelor other formats for optimal utility. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment andsubmit work productsaccurately andquickly.Capacity to exercise independent initiative and judgment.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately. 

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening, you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first-generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Please Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.