Student Assistant I - Prospect Researcher

Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university, founded in 1975 and located in the heart of Northern California’s Silicon Valley, is a community grounded in values of social justice, dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues in the fields of psychology and counseling that meet the needs of today’s diverse society. The students at PAU reflect the diversity of the region, are engaged in their education, and committed to improving the lives of others. The University sees diversity in its staff and faculty as very important to serving its diverse student body (or synonymous with inclusive excellence).  PAU offers undergraduate and graduate programs with online, hybrid and residential options. PAU has an engaged faculty who make significant contributions to their fields and prepare future leaders who make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.  When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of psychology and counseling and who move ahead in life by moving lives ahead. 

Position Description

Job Title:     Prospect Researcher

Department:    Development

Program:    

Reports To:    Anne Farrah, Director of Development    

Location:  Remote

Employment Status:

Summary

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Job Description: Prospect Researcher

We are looking for a qualified, mission-oriented candidate who demonstrates the fundamental competencies of prospect research.

Applicant should be curious, analytical, persistent, and detail-oriented. A creative thinker and problem solver, candidate should work well both independently and in collaboration with others. 

Excellent communication and customer service skills are essential.   

Primary Functions:

1. Provide in-depth research and analysis of individual donors and prospects, and occasionally corporate and foundation prospects from a wide variety of trusted local, state and national sources. Use sources, tools and techniques to obtain financial, biographical, corporate and philanthropic information. Collects, analyzes and conveys relevant information in order to meet ongoing development needs and identify prospective major donors. Prepare insightful, high-quality, comprehensive and detailed prospect research profiles on identified current and prospective major gift and high-level annual gift prospects and donors 

2. Profiles include personal, financial (including giving capacities) and relationship-based information as necessary to support the strategic fundraising efforts of PAU. Act as a strategic partner and pro-actively provide data-informed recommendations regarding next steps to the Director of Development. 

2. Through training and professional development, keep up-to-date with effective prospect research and prospect management techniques, research tools and emerging technologies as well as trends in the prospect research profession and the advancement/fundraising field.

3. Professionalism and discretion in handling confidential donor and prospect information. At all times, uphold the ethical and confidentiality guidelines of the College, the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). 

4. Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Degree Requirements – Bachelor’s Degree

• Years of Experience – 2 years research experience

• Demonstrated ability in research techniques that can apply that skill set to prospect identification, data mining, and relationship mapping. 

• Ability to read and interpret business, government & legal documents (IRS Form 990, SEC filings, property assessments, etc.).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to analyze, interpret, synthesize and present complex information effectively. 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines and adapt to shifting priorities. 

• High-level proficiency in using Microsoft Office and/or G-Suite.

Application Procedures:

PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive population.  In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience has prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values. 

EEOC Policy: 

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.