Organization Name
University of Waterloo
Job Title
Prospect Research Officer
Job Type
Full Time (Contract)
Location
Waterloo, ON, Canada
Posting Date
04/17/2023
Application Deadline
05/13/2023
Job Start Date (Expected):
May 15, 202
Compensation
USG 8/9 ($59,100 – $96,500 annual)
Target Audience
0–5 Years of Experience
5–10 Years of Experience
10+ Years of Experience
Job Category
Other
Job Description
Job Title: Prospect Research Officer
Department: Office of Advancement
Reports To: Associate Director, Prospect Research & Pipeline Development
Jobs Reporting: None
Salary Grade: USG 8/9
Effective Date: May 2023
Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of the position is to support strategic and donor-centred fundraising efforts at the University of Waterloo through research and analytical activity. This may include researching existing and potential donors to the University; preparing reports related to fundraising priorities; liaising with Development Officers; and contributing to donor strategies.
Key Accountabilities
Research & Strategic Intelligence
• Prepare and provide prospect research material to inform Advancement fundraising strategies
• Conduct targeted, complex searches using Boolean logic and multiple e-databases as well as social media to identify relevant information
• Exercise expertise, independent thought and analytical judgement in selecting information to include in research materials based on reliability of source, client needs, departmental goals and university strategy
• Produce concise yet thorough prospect research reports and documents
• Familiarity with and understanding of fundraising techniques and strategies for each phase of the moves management cycle (qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship)
• Provide input and make recommendations on prospect strategy based on prospect research materials and personal expertise
• Identify and interpret financial and wealth indicators and their potential impact on giving including stock transactions, real estate values and corporate holdings
• Understanding of wealth indicators and available research resources in key international Waterloo markets such as Hong Kong
• Monitor global news sources to uncover opportunities for building relationships with potential new Waterloo prospects, or leveraging and developing existing ones
• Aware of best practices in Prospect Research
Prospect Identification & Pipeline Development
• Conceptualize, develop and implement proactive prospecting methodologies to identify potential major gift donors
• Conduct regular portfolio analyses and reviews with members of assigned Faculties/Units
• Develop and create capacity ratings based on industry standard formulas and an understanding of the impact of life stage and wealth indicators on capacity
• Uncover university affiliations and new opportunities for prospect engagement/connection
• Familiarity with departmental processes for managing prospects including reports and database tracking processes
• Aware of best practices in Pipeline Development and Prospect Management
Faculty/Unit Liaison
• Liaise with assigned Faculties/Units on behalf of Prospect Research
• Understanding of Faculty/Unit priorities, strategies and goals and how they relate to prospect research needs and services
• Communicate on deadlines and negotiate project details with assigned Faculties/Units on behalf of Prospect Research
• Monitor and contribute to management of pipeline development in the Faculties/Units
• Bring forward opportunities for Advancement training sessions to the Associate Director, Prospect Research
Other
• Assist with maintenance of Advancement print and electronic prospect and donor files
• Ensure fundraising and research data are accurately recorded on the Advancement database with the help of the Research Specialist and other Advancement Services units
• Make recommendations regarding purchases of Prospect Research subscription resources to the Associate Director, Prospect Research
• Train new Prospect Research staff and/or supervise co-op students as required
• Be an active Team Player with all Advancement units
• Other duties as assigned
*All employees of the University are expected to follow University and departmental health and safety policy, procedures and work practices at all times. Employees are also responsible for the completion of all health and safety training, as assigned. Employees with staff supervision and/or management responsibilities will ensure that assigned staff abide by the above, and actively identify, assess and correct health and safety hazards, as required.
Required Qualifications
Education
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience Masters of Library & Information Science preferred
Experience
• 3+ years at a charitable organization preferred
• Previous prospect research experience an asset
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
• Excellent client service, demonstrating diplomacy in all situations
• Proven strong verbal and written communication skills
• Possess sense of curiosity and collaborative mind set
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a Team
• Excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills
• Strong computer skills, with advanced proficiency in MS Word and Excel, and basic PowerPoint skills
• Ability to build searches using Boolean logic
• Familiarity with donor database software an asset; Raiser’s Edge preferred
• Knowledge of electronic news, business databases and social media, their search features and available content
Nature and Scope
• Contacts: Internally, communicates with Advancement staff at all levels to promote and foster a positive relationship with Prospect Research and Advancement Services. May also involve communicating with Waterloo faculty and non-Advancement staff at varying levels of seniority. Requires the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information ethically and with discretion. Externally, will have little regular contact outside the University, but will be expected to develop a network of peers at other institutions and in all instances represent Waterloo in a professional manner.
• Level of Responsibility: The position is responsible for supporting Faculty/Unit major gift level fundraising activities through prospect research and prospect management. Requires a significant level of independence and decision making that will impact the success of fundraising efforts. Ensures key issues requiring the attention of the Associate Director are brought forward in a timely manner.
• Decision-Making Authority: Responsible and accountable for managing and completing Faculty/Unit prospect research requests based on known deadlines, priorities and strategic plans.
• Physical and Sensory Demands: Minimal demands typical of a professional office environment; majority of time will be spent at a desk working on a computer.
• Working Environment: Minimal exposure to disagreeable conditions typical of a professional office setting. Some exposure to stress and pressure associated with constant deadlines, competing priorities and the impact of prospect research decisions on fundraising efforts.
Hybrid/Remote Option
Employees of the Prospect Research Unit are expected to physically be on-campus at least two days per week and up to five days, at the discretion of their Supervisor.
https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/policies-procedures-guidelines/guidelines/flexible-work-guidelines
Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
Please include the public link to your posting if available
https://careers-uwaterloo.icims.com/jobs/10195/prospect-research-officer/job?mobile=false&width=752&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240
Application Process
https://careers-uwaterloo.icims.com/jobs/10195/prospect-research-officer/job?mobile=false&width=752&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240
