The Research Consultant is an experienced prospect development professional who collects, maintains, analyzes, and distributes information on individuals and organizations to support development and advancement goals; applies a thorough understanding of industry knowledge and best practices to discover new prospects for the university or medical center and frequently conducts biographical and financial research to profile current or potential donors for meetings, events, and strategy planning for advancement purposes; and focuses on detecting, verifying, and synthesizing information.
The successful candidate will exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills demonstrating the ability to write and describe data clearly and concisely and synthesizing material from multiple sources into a coherent and
accurate presentation, a high level of proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Outlook, and Excel) and internet search techniques, a strong client service orientation, critical thinking, analytical, and
problem solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and use good judgment when working with sensitive information with a strict adherence to HIPAA compliance protocol.
All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and communication/interpersonal effectiveness. All members are also expected to exhibit The Ohio State Universitys Shared Values which include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect.
Duties and Responsibilities
40%
Build strong partnerships with front-line fund raisers and prospect development colleagues. Respond to inquiries to determine prospects' financial assets, potential for philanthropic support, areas of interest and medical center and
university affiliations; Work independently as prospect research advisor for one or more fundraising units; Meet with assigned development teams/officers regularly to disseminate information, acquire understanding of the goals and needs of each unit supported and any unique industry related trends of that area including grateful patient program and processes and develop identification and research strategies to meet the goals. Perform extensive searches in on-line subscription databases such as: LexisNexis for Development Professionals, iWave PRO, Wealth Engine, Foundation Directory, DonorSearch, etc.
35%
Leverage prospect research and grateful patient data knowledge to assess areas of interests, evaluate gift capacity and recognize relationships to identify and distribute potential new prospects to increase donor pool by employing a wide variety of prospecting methods using internal and external resources including: creating sophisticated constituent database queries; list segmentation; data mining; predictive modeling and reviewing electronic screening results with the ability to download and export information between systems. Analyze, synthesize, translate, compare and evaluate verified information to determine appropriate use of query results; Exercise deep understanding of wealth indicators with the ability to collect, analyze, interpret and summarize complex financial disclosure documents on individuals, corporations and foundations such as: property records, IRS 990 forms, SEC documents for purposes of wealth assessment. Information regarding IPOS, stock sales and expiration, private company ownership valuation and company mergers and acquisitions may be utilized. Frequent use of generally accepted prospect research methodologies and formulas for estimating gift capacity is necessary.
20%
Provides support in management, maintenance, and integrity of prospect data and is a resource for university staff adding, editing, analyzing, and translating prospect data. Assists in advising on business process and technical solutions to identify pipelines. Apply prospect management and unit-specific knowledge to provide direct data, system, and policy support to unit, development officers, and other university staff to ensure timely and accurate management of sensitive prospect data; Carry out day-to-day functionality of prospect management, including but not limited to facilitating new assignments, transfers, dismissals, solicitations, and other data updates.
Provides support in prospect development operational functions including but not limited to formal and informal training of Advancement staff within Prospect Development and outside of the team, data analysis and visualization, system enhancements, and data maintenance; Work on innovative projects of large scope to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of prospect development work.
5%
Performs other projects as assigned;
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a fundraising, nonprofit, or higher education setting.
Four (4) years of relevant experience.
the ability to write and describe information clearly and concisely.
familiarity with relational databases (CRM systems or Microsoft Access).
Desired Qualifications (We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)
Master's degree or equivalent experience in a fundraising, nonprofit, or higher education setting.
Six (6) years of relevant experience.
High level of proficiency with relational databases to perform queries and create reports (working knowledge of Blackbaud CRM Query preferred and/or Microsoft Access or similar)
The Office of Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.
Commitment to Inclusion
The Office of Advancement is committed to active allyship in addressing and dismantling the inequities created by systemic racism and implicit, long-held bias. We pledge to act with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times; trust ourselves and our colleagues and empower their whole identities; and hear and see our colleagues ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.
You Need to Know
Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.
In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.
The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.