Back to search
Salary & Benefits:
Minimum starting salary of $75,000, commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
Primary Duties
Develop and implement a prospect research strategy inclusive of qualification, prioritization and portfolio management, that aligns with the university’s fundraising and volunteer and alumni engagement priorities.
Lead efforts to build and enhance the prospect pipeline, identifying high-capacity individuals and organizations while collaborating across the division to create prospect and constituent-level engagement strategies.
Contribute to the creation of campaign strategies, ensuring that research supports target setting and effective donor engagement. Provide data and insights to guide discussions on major gift solicitation, capital campaigns, and annual fundraising goals.
Work with leadership and fundraisers to develop detailed prospect portfolios for the President, Deans, and other high-profile leaders. Help senior leaders optimize their donor engagement efforts by providing research-driven strategic recommendations.
Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to the prospect research team, including all staff and student workers. Lead division-wide efforts to grow and deepen understanding of prospect research best practices across the division and serve as a resource for gift officers and support staff.
Deploy an entrepreneurial mind-set to evaluate and source prospects from a wide array of research sources for strategic campaign initiatives ranging from local, regional, and national events, internet research tools, online databases, prospect mapping exercises, news media, and other outlets.
Analyze and synthesize research findings into comprehensive profiles and reports that assess capacity, philanthropic interests, and engagement potential.
Determine prospect review needs and facilitate strategic talking points and research support for major events.
Collaborate with teams across the division to ensure accurate and timely management in the CRM system.
Develop and refine reports and dashboards that track prospecting activities, donor pipeline growth, and portfolio performance.
Ensure department adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of Grand Valley State University, Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
Manage and evaluate prospect research subscriptions, subscription services, and other tools and applications used for research purposes, as needed.
Be a culture champion by instilling confidence and excitement in others regarding our mission and goals.
Attend and assist as supportive fundraiser at major events.
Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree or experience equivalent to that which would normally be gained through completion of a four-year degree.
Three to five (3-5) years of experience in prospect research, development, or related field.
Proven ability to develop and lead research strategies, manage projects, and provide mentorship.
Strong knowledge of prospect research tools, techniques, and best practices.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data and present actionable recommendations.
Experience with word processing, spreadsheet, or database software, preferably MS Office Suite.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a high attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work as a member of the team.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively meet deadlines.
Ability to handle information in a confidential and sensitive manner.
Ability to work weekend and evening hours for fundraising functions as needed.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in leading a team/division of direct reports in executing Corporate, Foundation, Major, Principal, and Annual Giving research and moves management operations within a higher education or hospital setting.
Experience in leading prospect research efforts in a comprehensive or capital campaign environment.
Experience with creating presentations for high-level internal stakeholders.
Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Working Conditions
Normal office environment. Some travel may be required. Evening and weekend work as necessary.
How to Apply:
Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Institutional Advancement at advancement@gvsu.edu or 616-331-6000. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Application Deadline:
Application closes April 1, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site
