Research Manager

The Research Manager is responsible for identifying and researching donor prospects, compiling and analyzing data to assist the External Relations team in identifying potential donors and new prospects, and supervising the other members of the research team. This position requires strong organizational and analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.This full-time role reports to the Senior Vice President of External Relations.

• Conduct in-depth prospect research, including wealth screening, giving capacity, and philanthropic history.
• Analyze donor and prospect data to identify trends, patterns, and new major gift and mid-level giving opportunities for the External Relations team.
• Supervise and manage the research team, including assigning research requests, setting priorities, and reviewing work for accuracy and completeness.
• Build and maintain prospect profiles and research reports in Salesforce, ensuring data is accurate, current, and properly documented.
• Partner with Major Gift Officers, the Monthly Donor Program Manager, and Prospecting Call Agent to align research priorities with active cultivation, prospecting, and solicitation pipelines.
• Develop and maintain research methodologies, quality standards, and standard operating procedures for the research team.
• Compile periodic reports summarizing donor trends, prospect pipeline health, and research team output for External Relations leadership.
• Other related tasks, as assigned.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience in prospect research, donor research, or a related development/fundraising analytics role, with prior experience supervising or managing a team preferred.
• Strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and recommend strategic action.
• Experience with databases and DMS systems (Salesforce experience is preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and donor research tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize a research team's workload, delegate effectively, and review work product for accuracy.
• Experience developing or documenting research methodologies and standard operating procedures.
• Excellent written communication and report writing abilities.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills, with experience partnering with gift officers, program managers, or other frontline fundraising staff.