Prospect Development Analyst

Prospect Development Analyst

The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1 : Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions. At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. We're preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense. We're fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place - contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.

DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU's mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world. This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU's most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education. DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and campaign leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.

Reporting to the Director of Prospect Development, the Prospect Development Analyst plays a vital role in advancing fundraising efforts at DU by serving as a strategic partner to frontline fundraisers. This position identifies and assesses major gift prospects through in-depth research, proactive identification, and data analysis to expand and prioritize the donor pipeline. The role regularly manages and optimizes the prospect management system, maintains data integrity, and ensures timely, accurate deliverables by coordinating with internal stakeholders. The role regularly monitors and reports on fundraising activity for accuracy and alignment with Prospect Management Guidelines, while collaborating with fundraisers to provide actionable insights to support donor engagement, inform fundraising strategy, and drive prospects through the giving cycle.

Essential Functions

• Prospect Research
• Prospect Management
• Partnerships & University Citizenship

Prospect Research - Conduct detailed research using public, proprietary, purchased, or leased databases, newspapers, published materials, and other resources to identify potential donors and funding sources, create donor profiles, travel lists, and other written material for internal and external clients. Analyze and interpret biographical, business, and financial information on individuals and / or corporations and foundations based on the University's fundraising strategies and objectives. Provide timely qualitative and quantitative data and trend analysis that supports the strategic and tactical planning and operational effectiveness of key fundraising programs, including annual, major, and planned giving. Study internal and external data and utilizes data mining and predictive modeling software to help discover, analyze, classify, and strategically manage and grow the pool of prospects capable of making philanthropic contributions to the University. Research and populate CRM Database (PioSphere) with current information on prospect and donor careers, financial assets, interests, relationships, affiliations, and potential for philanthropic support. Analyze individual wealth indicators, including salary, stock, real estate, and other assets, to determine overall financial capacity and solicitation potential. This involves interpreting liquidity events and their relevance to solicitation strategies and timing, as well as providing internal wealth ratings. Monitor daily media alerts on assigned prospects and share information relevant to prospect strategies with fundraisers within liaison system. Maintain strong knowledge of DU's programs, projects, personnel, and initiatives and leverage this information in the service of prospect identification and prospect analysis.

Prospect Management - Partner with the Director of Prospect Development and other Prospect Development colleagues to facilitate regular portfolio consultation meetings with assigned fundraisers to review portfolios to achieve a high level of portfolio optimization, while providing strategic input to advance prospect strategies, increasing fundraising outcomes. Update the CRM Database (PioSphere) with current information on prospect and donor assignments, as well as proposal statuses. Regularly read contact reports for prospects relevant to assigned fundraisers and leverage information for input on assignment recommendations, stage changes, proposal updates, and other strategic information. Partner with Prospect Development Coordinator and Director of Prospect Development to conduct routine data audits and necessary clean-up of person, prospect, and pipeline data for quality control.

Partnerships & University Citizenship - Provide training to development officers in designated units as needed. Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative fundraising practices. Model One DU leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proven research and analytical techniques, emphasizing the ability to gather, evaluate, and synthesize data and information from various sources and present information clearly and cohesively. Knowledge of current trends in philanthropy, as well as advanced analytical and research skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to present information in formal and informal settings and impart understanding of complex ideas to others. Displays and demonstrates overall knowledge of prospect development, including prospect identification, research and management, as well as data analysis, querying, and reporting. Proven ability to deal with confidential matters with tact and sensitivity. Proven ability to prioritize and work independently, responsibly, and meet deadlines while managing competing priorities. Expertise in industry-standard sources of data; familiarity with databases such as LexisNexis for Development Professionals (LNDP), ResearchPoint, iWave, Foundation Directory, Rel-Sci, desired. Willingness to take initiative, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a professional demeanor.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification / education and experience may substitute for the degree qualification). 2 years of prospect development-related experience in a development, advancement services, fundraising, or nonprofit setting. Experience with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in a related field, including history, library sciences, or other humanities or social science fields. Experience working in higher education, political, or similarly complex non-profit environment. Experience with CRM software. Active participation with Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), Association for Advancement Services - Professionals (AASP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)