The Research Analyst in Development Research provides prospect identification, analytics support, and research support for the Division of Development & The Jimmy Fund. The Research Analyst creates concise, accurate, and timely ratings and research profiles using biographical information, financial data, news, philanthropic history, etc. The Research Analyst will also be trained and eventually take part in developing fundraising analytics models.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Identifying and qualifying new prospects for fundraising business units
- Rating the giving capacity of individual prospects
- Supporting the research needs of assigned fundraisers/fundraising teams
- Leading monthly meetings with clients in an effort to identify their fundraising priorities, anticipate research needs, and help them understand and manage their donor portfolios
- Assisting and working closely with Research’s Client Services team to identify individual, corporate, and foundation prospects that match client needs
- Spending 10–20% of work hours learning, developing, and applying data analytics skills to assist in the creation of predictive models to help facilitate strategic and financial goals
- Analyzing research requests to determine appropriate level of detail required
- Identifying appropriate resources needed for completion of requests
- Creating concise, accurate, and timely research products using biographical information, financial data, news, and philanthropic history, while adhering to professional standards such as an individual’s fundamental right to privacy and protecting the confidential information of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Maintaining an expectation of excellence in both written and verbal communication, as well as a dedication to superior customer service with an emphasis on relationship building
- Tracking and disseminating news and information about top donors and prospects
- Staying abreast of trends in prospect research, online searching, analytics, and participating in professional development opportunities
- Continuously developing fundraising knowledge and professional skills through internal/external trainings, research webinars, and local and regional conferences and workshops
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reports to Assistant Directors of Development Research. Has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree required; 1-2 years direct or comparable experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; superior communication, organizational, project management, writing, and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple clients and to meet deadlines.
The Research Analyst must be a “circular thinker.” Prospect information is not always easy to find, and creative thinking about linkages and possible trails to follow are necessary. Must be curious, focused, and knowledgeable in interpreting financial statements, stock transactions, proxy statements, annual reports and must be able to analyze the data. Must have high level writing skills as the reports and briefings prepared in Development Research are used by Trustees, the President, the SVP of Development, and other key Development and Jimmy Fund staff. Should have the ability to identify and adapt to shifting priorities, be flexible and resourceful, and exercise professionalism in working with internal and external contacts. Must exercise discretion in working with confidential information.
Technical Skills: Superior skills in Microsoft applications; familiarity with Internet search strategies and online subscription services such as Lexis-Nexis for Development Professionals, Foundation Directory, Wealth Engine, and Alumnifinder. Willingness to learn how to develop analytics models. Experience with SAS or SPSS preferred but not required.
Please send cover letter and resume to alicia_kim-shen@dfci.harvard.edu and apply online at www.danafarber.org.
