Prospect Research Analyst II, Foundation Relations, Duke Alumni Engagement and Development

Prospect RESEARCH ANALYST II – FOUNDATION RELATIONS

Occupational Summary

The Prospect Research Analyst II in the Office of Foundation Relations will perform a variety of duties involving the collection, interpretation, analysis, and documentation of data on prospective foundation donors and develop deep subject matter expertise and leadership in multiple areas of foundation research. The Prospect Research Analyst II will submit reports to Foundation Relations staff, Duke faculty and academic leadership, and other Duke fundraising colleagues with recommendations regarding identification, cultivation, and solicitation of foundation donors to Duke University. The position reports to an Associate Director of Foundation Relations.

Work Performed

Foundation Prospect Identification, Research, and Analysis

• partnering with frontline fundraisers and senior leaders to formulate research projects and identify research needs.

• Design and maintain systems for intake of research requests, maintenance of research on strategic initiatives, and dissemination of research. Manage research queue, communicating timelines and refining requests with clarity and diplomacy.
• Utilize a variety of research databases and university systems to uncover rich information on foundation interests and current relationships. Synthesize large amounts of data from diverse sources to create actionable and focused information. Analyze data to recommend strategy and next steps for a foundation prospect.
• Present research in strategic and relevant ways, providing timely, insightful, and actionable responses to senior university leaders and fundraisers across the university.
• Identify and monitor news sources for information on prospective and existing foundation donors, trends in business, higher education, and philanthropy, and funding opportunities. Disseminate this information to appropriate foundation officers and faculty.
• Maintain capacity to answer just-in-time queries, uncover background on new funding opportunities, and capitalize on breaking news.
• Develop briefings, bios, and related documents for the President, Provost, Deans, Institute/Center Directors, and other leaders in preparation for meetings with prospective and existing foundation donors.
• Cultivate and demonstrate deep subject matter expertise in foundation philanthropy and in select university priorities and programs, making an important contribution to the Foundation Relations knowledge base. 
• Provide training on foundation fundraising research to faculty and colleagues across campus.
• Provide additional support for foundation site visits and meetings on campus, as needed.
• Participate in professional associations such as CASE, both to increase knowledge and skills and to foster professional relationships with colleagues outside of Duke.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the performed work described above.

Research Projects

• Independently initiate, conduct, and complete complex research projects and analyses in support of strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Independently plan, organize, and coordinate multiple tasks, prioritizing and organizing work to accomplish departmental goals.
• Proactively initiate and lead projects to discover new alignments between philanthropic foundations and university priorities, programs, and initiatives, as well as new opportunities within existing relationships. Bring the most promising opportunities for the University to the attention of appropriate colleagues.
• Build partnerships with development officers, researchers, and other offices across Duke to advance strategic priorities, explore productive intersections between areas, and advance strategic use of Duke’s data resources.
• Innovate and trial new tools and formats to present data that provide the basis for strategic action.
• Utilize national networks and conferences for foundation fundraising and foundation research to develop research and dissemination strategies and to elevate Duke as an industry leader in foundation fundraising.
• Identify and incorporate leading edge developments in foundation research methods and approaches. Continually innovate and test ideas to improve and grow the program.

Behavioral/Soft Competencies

• Curiosity and Information Seeking
• Decisiveness and Judgment
• Attention to Detail
• Planning, Prioritizing, and Multitasking
• Provides Excellent Customer Service
• Collaborating with Others
• Expressing Ideas Orally and in Writing

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required with demonstrated skills in research, writing, and editing.
• At least three years of research experience, preferably in a nonprofit or institution of higher education, or related experience.
• Highly developed scanning, skimming, and reading comprehension skills are essential, as well as superior ability to assess the relative value of, synthesize, and summarize relevant information into coherent, well-written documents.
• Ability to take initiative and exercise sound independent judgement.
• Ability to comfortably handle multiple priorities with attention to detail & timeliness.
•  Knowledge of contemporary higher education and philanthropic trends and issues. Demonstrated track record of strategic and creative approaches to research and collaboration with frontline fundraisers, system administrators, and senior level management preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced computer skills and proficiency with research databases, free online tools, and other reference resources required.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills & excellent written & oral communication skills with an aptitude for critical thinking & problem-solving; ability to work well under pressure and maintain flexibility. Ability to support peers and leaders is essential.
• Ability to learn to navigate unfamiliar information systems and use a variety of computer applications with little guidance.
• Position requires diplomacy and sensitivity related to institutional prioritization of needs as well as discretion regarding institutional data
• Skillful problem solving, curiosity, discretion, & continuous attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret and analyze data.

Work requires the skills and knowledge normally acquired through completion of a Bachelor's degree.

Work generally requires three years of experience in development research or a related field. Work experience in research methodology is required or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience..

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.