Director, Prospect Management and Research

JOB TITLEDirector, Prospect Management and ResearchLOCATIONWorcesterDEPARTMENT NAMEAdvancement OperationsDIVISION NAMEWorcester Polytechnic Institute - WPIJOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARYThe Director of Prospect Management and Research provides strategic leadership and hands-on direction for WPI's prospect development program, encompassing prospect research, prospect management, and pipeline development. This position designs and implements the research standards, screening strategies, capacity rating methodologies, and portfolio management practices that identify and advance the University's major, principal, and planned gift prospects, directly supporting a successful fundraising pipeline and the University's advancement goals.Reporting to the Executive Director, Advancement Operations, the Director leads the prospect research team and serves as a trusted partner and consultant to gift officers and fundraising leadership, conducting prospect research, managing gift officer portfolios, and translating research insight and pipeline analysis into actionable prospect strategy. The Director collaborates closely with the Analytics, Gift Management, and Advancement Systems functions to ensure prospect information is accurate, well-governed, and effectively used across the division.JOB DESCRIPTIONProspect Development Strategy & Program ManagementDevelop and implement processes that advance prospect management and research at WPI, including moves management, prospect pipeline development, portfolio development, prospect engagement measurement, and data hygiene best practicesParticipate in strategic discussions related to campaign goals, prospects, portfolios, and pipeline movement by providing analyses, reports, strategies, and other decision-making inputEstablish and maintain standards for capacity ratings, prospect qualification, and research documentationEvaluate current processes on an ongoing basis and recommend updates to prospect development policies and proceduresProspect Research & IdentificationPlan and execute strategies to identify major and principal gift prospects using effective research techniques and electronic methodologies, including wealth screening toolsConduct complex and sensitive research assignments personally, including those supporting University leadership and the Board of TrusteesDirect the biographical and financial profiling program, ensuring the team produces accurate, well-sourced reports, briefings, and bios for strategy development, events, and meetingsStay informed about national and local news, along with WPI research programs, events, and activities, to use in donor strategy developmentPrincipal & Major Gift Strategy SupportServe as a trusted partner and consultant to principal giving officers on engagement activities that advance the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle of WPI's principal gift donors and prospectsCollect and synthesize detailed information on prospective donors to support solicita...