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Overview
The Assistant Director,Prospect, Engagement, and Data Strategy is responsible for managing the research in the Office of Advancement in support of the Principal Gifts office, including research prepared for the Office of the President of the University, the Office of the Vice President for Advancement, and the Principal Gifts fundraising team. This role is responsible for conducting detailed research using advanced on-line databases, internet resources, in-house files and data, library and other references, and supervising the work of other researchers involved in Principal Gifts Research. The Prospect, Engagement, and Data Strategy department within Data Strategy & Innovation is responsible for providing information integral to the cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, engagement of alumni and friends of the University.
This individual provides value-added critical analysis to research using independent judgment, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, is fluent in MS Office, and has experience with web-based research as well as database operations and usage. Primary responsibilities of the position include: analyzing, interpreting, and organizing financial, biographical and historical information; synthesizing data from many different sources in a timely manner; and writing and distributing clear, concise, and high-quality research documents with attention to accuracy and detail. The Assistant Director must be customer-oriented and have the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups, building and maintaining strong relationships with fundraisers, and participating in strategic discussions with senior Advancement staff as needed. The Assistant Director keeps up-to-date on developments in the prospect research profession, maintains proficiency in the use of proprietary and internal databases and well as internet resources, and conducts special research projects and/or analyses in support of specific University initiatives.
Princeton University Advancement works to inform, inspire, and involve Princeton’s global community of alumni, parents, and friends in ways that enable the University to fulfill its mission of advancing learning through scholarship, research, and teaching to serve humanity.
• Please attach a cover letter as part of the application process.
Responsibilities
Principal Duties
• Serve as the team lead within the Research team in support of the Principal Gifts group including presidential level prospects, working closely with the liaison in the Principal Gifts office to determine research priorities and deadlines for the team. Closely monitors and assists in prioritization of research queue to reflect prospect solicitation cycle and Advancement needs.
• Provide dedicated, high-quality, and responsive research service by completing requested research reports, primarily in the form of in-depth research, as well as updates and departmental rating reviews, to provide background information, financial data, and rating and capacity evaluations. Assist with additional ad-hoc requests as needed.
• Maintain research and prospect information within the Advancement database with appropriate task entry, prospect rating and capacity, and relevant data.
• Participate in discussions regarding the focus of research and strategy needed by the Principal Gifts team and meet regularly with the AVP, Principal Gifts and the Executive Director, Prospect, Engagement, and Data Strategy to identify and address needs. Collaborate with the Prospect Management team to ensure the Principal Gifts portfolio is current and to sustain a pipeline of potential donors.
• Build strong relationships with Principal Gifts Office staff. Offer assistance and training, imparting research knowledge to all Principal Gifts Office staff.
• Oversee the Prospect, Engagement, and Data Strategy department’s understanding of ongoing Principal Gifts priorities, areas of concentration, focus, and strategies.
• Review online and print publications and contribute prospect related or industry specific articles to weekly department newsletter distributed to Advancement staff and select campus partners.
• Stay current in key subject area/industry specialization and expertise and lead projects related to Principal Gifts and Advancement priorities.
• Assist with special projects as required, completing project work in a timely manner.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Bachelor’s degree and five plus years of strongly related experience
• Excellent attention to detail and high degree of accuracy
• Ability to use technology to gather, interpret, organize, and present data
• Proficiency at understanding wealth indicators for an individual as well as retrieving and analyzing financial statements for corporations and foundations
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with diverse groups
• Experience preparing clear, concise reports summarizing research for a variety of audiences
• Analytical acumen necessary to interpret financial information and manage data
• Strong initiative and self-motivation, as well as the ability to work both independently and in teams within a customer-service oriented environment
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information and material in a discretionary manner
• Organizational skills to handle several projects simultaneously, accommodate shifting priorities, and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Appreciation for the principles of fundraising
• Knowledge of and commitment to the values and mission of Princeton University and higher education and the goals and guiding principles of the Office of Advancement
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience in an education or fundraising setting
• Master’s degree
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Standard Weekly Hours
36.25
Eligible for Overtime
No
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Probationary Period
180 days
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No
Physical Capacity Exam Required
No
Valid Driver’s License Required
No
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
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