Location: Manhattan, KS
Department: Advancement Services
Type: Full Time
Min. Experience: Mid-Level
Position Summary:
To support Kansas State University Foundation’s fundraising effort, the Prospect Research Analyst provides
analytical research results and strategic data to fundraisers in partnership with colleague(s) in prospect management.
The position reports to the Director of Prospect Research and works in close collaboration with all the units within
Advancement Services, including Prospect Management, Donor Relations and Events, Gift Processing.
Overall responsibilities include validating prospects, ranking prospects for colleges and programs, providing
comprehensive and strategic research to include prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies, consulting in the
creation of a prospect pool, and producing comprehensive prospect briefings as requested by deans, Foundation
leadership and the President. More specifically, the Prospect Research Analyst develops projects and procedures to
enhance prospect and donor pool, and reviews donor and prospect financial activity in order to identify appropriate
philanthropic interests at KSUF, focusing an expertise in different industries, campus units, and the University as a
whole. Through immersion in these processes, the Prospect Research Analyst generates an analysis of prospects
and delivers current news alerts and an industry expertise to support the fundraising needs and priorities of the unit
fundraisers.
Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Interpret individual's wealth indicators, including stock and real estate holdings and apply knowledge
of demographic information to the wealth indicators.

Assess service levels and specific research products in order to recommend and implement
improvements.

Apply statistical findings to data resources in order to identify trends, relationships, and KSU affinity.

Prioritize prospects based on their propensity to give to the University. Utilize various research and
analytical tools, as well as previous experience with donor giving trends.

Verify fundraisers' solicitation strategies derived from annual operating plans.

Review internal performance management reports, and identify areas of fundraiser performance that
are working well, as well as areas that need improvement.

Verify giving capacity of the overall prospect pool for a fundraiser and for a unit.

Validate results from statistical methods and tools.

Identify donor engagement opportunities.

Set a solicitation amount for a gift based on defining a prospect's capacity, program and/or University
affinity, and inclination to give.

Proactively request analytics model for units to further enhance giving opportunities.

Analyze and organize information to identify philanthropic patterns, tendencies, and relationships
among individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Deal with confidential matters with tact and sensitivity.

Work independently, set priorities, and complete projects within specified timeframes.
Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum three years of progressive experience in research and analytics

Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparation of detailed analytical reports and
briefings to Foundation and campus leadership, including the President.

Excellent analytical and presentation skills for participation in strategic planning and prospect
qualification meetings.

Demonstrated expertise in research industry/sector performance indicators, including finance, real
estate, technology, media, agriculture, arts and entertainment.

Experience with SEC information, such as the IPO filing process, information on executive
compensation, and understanding corporate financial reports, audit report, and annual reports.

Advanced knowledge of research methodology and ethical standards.

Knowledge of fundraising terminology and resources.

Advanced understanding of financial activity and events and the ability to analyze their relevance to
solicitation strategies and timing.

Skill and resourcefulness in using references to gather needed information to complete projects.

A valid motor vehicle operator’s license with an acceptable driving record required.

Position is primarily sedentary, must be able to sit for long periods of time. May require some physical
exertion such as recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities
Desired Skills

Experience in research and analytics in higher education or complex non-profit environments

Experience in the strategic planning process for fundraising operations.

Ongoing knowledge of campus current events, and ability to match opportunities for beneficial
prospect involvement.

Knowledge of the donor cultivation process.