Salary: $68,640 Annually

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Assistant Director of Prospect Research to play a vital role in advancing philanthropic engagement with CGU. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Advancement at CGU, working collaboratively with CGU's advancement team to enhance fundraising efforts.

The Assistant Director of Prospect Research will conduct high-level research to identify prospective donors and provide detailed background reports, giving analyses, relationship mapping, and alignment assessments to support CGU's fundraising priorities.

The role requires a strong research mindset, analytical expertise, and a high level of discretion in handling sensitive donor information. The ideal candidate will have experience in prospect identification, research, relationship mapping, and reporting. This is an exciting opportunity for a data-driven professional who is passionate about advancing philanthropy and contributing to CGU's institutional impact.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborate with colleagues and key partners in CGU advancement to support school-specific and university-wide fundraising activities.

• Conducts in-depth research to identify and assess potential donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.

• Utilizes CRM and databases to create, maintain, and refine systems for tracking, updating, and managing information on alumni and other constituents, including but not limited to prospect ratings, relationship details, and engagement history.

• Utilizes data analytics, wealth screening tools, and external sources to evaluate giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and engagement potential.

• Collaborates with development officers to build and maintain strategic prospect portfolios.

• Engages with stakeholders to align research efforts with institutional priorities.

• Adheres to ethical guidelines and confidentiality protocols in prospect research.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities:

Personal Skill Set:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear reports.

• Prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment

• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Professional Skill Set:

• Knowledge of wealth screening tools and research databases (e.g., iWave, ResearchPoint, LexisNexis, or DonorSearch).

• Experience conducting in-depth research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to assess mission alignment, giving capacity, and philanthropic Experience evaluating financial indicators, assets, and past donations to estimate a prospect's ability to contribute.

• Ability to analyze a prospect's charitable history, event participation, and connections to align them with CGU's fundraising priorities.

• Experience ensuring accurate and up-to-date donor profiles in the CRM, tracking biographical, financial, and philanthropic data.

• Ability to provide actionable insights to development colleagues, prioritizing high-potential donors for cultivation and solicitation.

• Experience preparing prospect research reports, wealth screenings, and analytics to inform fundraising efforts and campaign planning.

• Experience using donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar).

• Knowledge of ethical research practices and ability to maintain strict confidentiality in handling donor information.

• Familiarity with fundraising ethics, data privacy regulations, and best practices in advancement.

HOURS: The regular hours for this position are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS: Full-time benefits based, exempt position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: No

REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President for Advancement at CGU.

Qualification Standards:

Education: Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Experience : 2â“3 years of experience in prospect research, advancement services, or fundraising analytics within a nonprofit, higher education, or similar environment. Professional experience can be offset by educational attainment.

Benefits
We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional development of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

• Group life insurance

• Retirement plan with a 6% employer contribution â” no employee match required (after 1 year of service)

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Winter closure in December, subject to institutional approval

• Tuition reimbursement program available to eligible employees and their dependents for approved coursework, subject to plan guidelines and institutional policies

Physical Activities

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Environmental Conditions

Low temperatures.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

High temperatures.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Noisy environments.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Hazardous conditions.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Poor ventilation.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Small and/or enclosed spaces.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

No adverse environmental conditions expected.
☐ Never ☒Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Physical Demands

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

EEO Statement:

Claremont Graduate University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender and/ or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or physical disability or any other legally protected basis in its employment practice and in admission of students to educational programs and activities in accordance with the requirement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title I of the American Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable laws. CGU is committed to affirmative action in employment practices regarding ethnic minorities, the physically challenged, Vietnam-era veterans, and women. This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of the employment position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of the employment position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others.

It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Successful completion of criminal background and DMV checks required for final candidate.

Logo

About CGU Claremont Graduate University

The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and Claremont University Consortium, which provides shared institutional support services, is reminiscent of the Oxford-Cambridge model. The undergraduate colleges include Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. The two graduate institutions include Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute.

Connections working at CGU Claremont Graduate University