Director, Research and Prospect Management

Role Overview

• Lead and direct the team in performing sophisticated, traditional prospect research to identify, qualify, and prioritize high-capacity prospects.
• Oversee the collection, confirmation, analysis, interpretation, and summarization of complex biographical, financial, and philanthropic data to assess wealth and giving capacity.
• Oversee the prospect management system, including pipeline moves management, portfolio optimization, and key performance metric tracking.
• Provide strategic counsel and support to gift officers on donor cultivation and solicitation strategies, ensuring effective management of donor relationships.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of three Prospect Development professionals.
• Foster a culture of excellence, ethical research practices, and continuous professional development.
• Establish and maintain best-practice methodologies for prospect research and pipeline management, ensuring strategic leverage of best-in-class industry software (e.g., wealth screening tools, CRM/database) and emerging AI technology to maximize efficiency, data accuracy, and prospect yield.
• Ensure the timely creation and delivery of accurate, high-quality research briefings and reports for the President, Trustees, senior staff, and volunteer leaders to inform personal contacts and solicitations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7-10 years of professional experience in prospect research and prospect management within a fundraising environment, including experience with relational databases and managing a team.
• Experience leveraging modern technology (including industry software and/or AI tools) for prospect development.
• Demonstrated experience managing or guiding a team or function, including responsibility for project prioritization, cross-functional partnership, and mentoring staff or colleagues.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
• Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
• Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees.
• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.