Associate Director, Prospect Research

This position is based in our Chicago Office (Lewis Towers) office, with the opportunity to work from home in the greater Chicagoland area. The incumbent must be in the office at least 3 times per week.

Job Summary:
As part of a collaborative Advancement Services team and in consultation with the Director of Prospect Management and Research ( PMR), the Associate Director - Prospect Research plans, organizes, implements, and coordinates all elements of the Research function in the PMR office, including advising on and determining goals, resources, standards, strategies, and tactics for prospect identification, rating, description, and summarization. Identifies and evaluates major and principal gift prospects for all areas of Loyola University Chicago (Loyola). Conducts detailed research using online databases, in-house data, and other reference sources. Creates written reports compiling and synthesizing this information, and oversees appropriate dissemination and presentation based on audience and situation. Uses prospecting tools such as screening and data modeling to provide analysis of overall prospect pools and targeted groups to support planning and projections. Provides analysis of and suggests suitable strategies for prospects concerning institutional fundraising opportunities. Works with the Associate Director - Prospect Management to ensure identified prospects are placed into and moved along the pipeline.

* Conduct detailed biographical, business, and financial research on individuals and organizations using online databases, in-house data, and other reference sources. Provide capacity assessments on prospects in ongoing projects and upon request. Prepare briefings and other formatted reports synthesizing this information as appropriate for a variety of audiences and situations. Act as primary liaison and researcher to Loyola and Advancement leadership.

* Identify potential donors to Loyola as new prospects for future research and cultivation. Conduct special prospect identification projects in support of identified priorities and initiatives. Review and validate regular screening results. Conduct in-depth analysis of leadership groups and build the pipeline of prospects for trustee and other leadership volunteer roles.

* Establish and maintain turnaround and quality control standards for research-specific materials and communications produced by the department. Review outgoing materials for accuracy, content, presentation, and consistency with departmental standards.

* Develop and maintain an ongoing, collaborative relationship with Advancement and related staff. Develop knowledge about Loyola and its programs, projects, personnel, and initiatives.

* Onboard and train current and new Advancement and related staff on understanding and interpreting research products and initiatives. Train Advancement administrative staff as appropriate on basic research techniques and resources.

* Assist in training and coaching PMR staff on research and analysis information resources, techniques, and standards.

* Methodically update online and imaged files and records on constituents.

* Gain and maintain proficiency in the use of commercial databases, free Internet resources, and internal systems. Assess and advise on tools and products in the marketplace; make recommendations on budgetary allocations for best resource usage.

* Assist in maintaining internal systems and products, including contributing to the upkeep of departmental SharePoint, shared drives, and other sites.

* Gain and maintain awareness of issues within the development profession, particularly relating to ethics, privacy, and compliance, and of the goals and activities of LOYOLA and its peer institutions.

* Monitor and participate in relevant listservs, publications, and professional groups to maintain a strong knowledge of developments in the field of research and related functions. Identify and attend relevant meetings, conferences, and related training opportunities of vendors and professional organizations.

* Serve on administrative teams as appointed.

* Ability to apply an ethical code and good judgment, and to handle confidential materials and situations with sensitivity and discretion.

* Perform related duties and assist the Director, AVP, and related partners with projects as assigned.

* Serves as liaison to fundraising units to inform portfolio and pipeline strategy. Conducts portfolio reviews, manages portfolio optimization process for specific fundraisers and units, and assists in the overall management of the university prospect pool.

* Partner with Advancement colleagues to manage PM&R responsibilities for specific University volunteer boards, particularly the Board of Trustees and National Alumni Advisory Board. Responsible for proactively identifying potential volunteer board members, maintaining the pipeline of board candidates, and preparing candidate profiles and briefing materials.

* Assist the Director of PM&R with the special projects for the University Campaign such as the creation of gift tables, analyzing prospect pools, and developing top prospect lists, as presented.

* Uses prospecting tools such as data screening and modeling, including new models developed in collaboration with university partners, to provide analyses of targeted groups and overall prospect pool to better prioritize major and principal gift prospects.

* Under the direction of the Director of Prospect Management & Research, assists with developing new portfolio management procedures and data-entry protocol.

* Hires, trains, and manages Sr. Prospect Analyst and Research Analyst who liaise with fundraising staff.

* Performs prospect identification and research on prospects by analyzing and interpreting biographic, business, and financial information on individuals and/or corporations and foundations based on the University's fundraising strategies and objectives.

* Prepares accurate, clear, and concise research profiles and briefings to communicate relevant details that advance the qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospective donors to major gift officers and senior leadership.

* Helps to oversee the timely and accurate entry of key prospect management information (e.g., news articles about alumni, obituaries) into the CRM, communicating this information to key stakeholders as necessary.

* Develops and maintains ongoing, collaborative relationships with Advancement staff.

* Key Partner in maintaining strong knowledge of Loyola University Chicago's programs, projects, personnel, and initiatives.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstration of 3-5 years of tenure and longevity at previous employers.

N/A

* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
* Working knowledge of personal computers
* Working knowledge of donor and fundraising databases
* Familiarity with research resource materials consistent with APRA's Advanced Body of Knowledge preferred.
* Experience with Advance AWA, Kindsight ascend, Raiser's Edge, or a similar fund-raising database tool preferred.
* Required proficiency in information management and "power user' knowledge of standard Windows applications such as Excel.

Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit University founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus. One of the largest Catholic Universities in the United States, Loyola's professional schools include programs in medicine, nursing, and health sciences anchored by the Loyola University Medical Center, and the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Comprised of thirteen colleges and schools, Loyola University Chicago offers more than 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate/professional programs while enrolling approximately 17,000 students. In addition to offering a world class educational experience, Loyola University Chicago strives to be an employer of choice by offering its staff and faculty a wide array of affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits. Our benefits are centered on health and wellness, financial security, equity, and work-life balance. We offer medical, dental, vision, 403(b), HSA, FSAs, tuition benefit, pre-tax transit benefits, EAP, and more. To view our benefits in detail, click here.

As one of the nation's largest Jesuit, Catholic Universities, Loyola University Chicago fosters a transformative cultural experience that honors Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse, mission driven workforce that enables a culture of inclusivity. We act with the heart of a nonprofit organization and an academic enterprise with ethical practices that advance the Jesuit Mission. Loyola actively seeks to build a community of diverse opinions, perspectives, and backgrounds that support our Jesuit tradition, while helping Ramblers foster a sense of belonging and affinity for all.

Loyola University Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion (except where religion is a bona fide occupational qualification for the job), national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by law.