University of Michigan

Senior Development Research Analyst

Office of University Development, Prospect Development and Analytics

Working Title

: 

Senior Development Research Analyst

Posting Number

: 

66461

Job Category

: 

Prospect Development and Analytics

Salary

: 

$40,000 - $45,000

Reports To

: 

Associate Director, Development Research

Experience Range

: 

2 to 5 Years

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

If you are unable to apply via the U-M Jobs site, please submit your cover letter and resume to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job ID# for which you are applying.

For questions about the U-M application process, please refer to the FAQ page

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Position Description

The Senior Development Research Analyst partners with a portfolio of liaised schools, colleges, and units to identify and meet prospect information needs. The senior analyst gathers, analyzes, and summarizes information to support cultivation and solicitation of top prospects; these activities include bringing new individuals to the appropriate attention. The senior analyst independently manages his or her own workload, assists the Associate Director, and contributes to the continued growth of the Development Research team.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Needs Assessment, Outreach, and Partnering (20%)
* Assume primary responsibility for assessing and meeting the prospect identification and information needs of a specifically assigned portfolio of development officers, schools, colleges or units, enabling them to meet fundraising goals. Initiate regular communications with these individuals, keeping abreast of their current fundraising initiatives. Support prospect strategizing as needed.
* Consult with liaised development officers to determine feasibility of research requests and special projects. Negotiate project scopes and deadlines directly with liaised development officers.
* Establish monitoring and seek feedback to ensure liaised development officers receive appropriate support.
* Participate in cross-departmental projects to improve development officers' understanding and strategic use of development data. Examples include portfolio review and user education on modeling and wealth screening data.
* Participate in projects related to OUD goals on collaboration, such as Major Gift Strategy Session.

Prospect Identification and Research (70%)
* Conduct reactive and proactive research. Be innovative in devising new ways to secure information of critical importance to the effective solicitation of significant constituents of the University of Michigan (UM).
* Estimate donor gift capacity through the analysis of complex individual, corporate, and foundation financial and philanthropic information. Summarize information relevant to the timing of a gift.
* Identify possible areas of philanthropic interest and potential engagement with UM.
* Participate in projects to proactively identify, qualify, and quantify segments of the University?s prospect pool through the use of screening, data mining, and modeling of existing donors. Bring the most promising opportunities for the University to the attention of appropriate colleagues.
* Write confidential research documents on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects for UM development staff members and senior executive officers.
* Exercise appropriate initiative through troubleshooting and basic project design.
* Manage special projects as assigned.
* Submit completed research for data entry into the development central database and for electronic storage in research optical imaging system.

Professional and Team Development (10%)
* Independently plan, organize, coordinate, and handle multiple tasks and responsibilities, prioritizing and organizing work to accomplish departmental goals.
* Assume responsibility for meeting and maintaining the standards set forth in the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) Skill Set in Prospect Research Fundamentals and Advanced Prospect Research.
* Assume responsibility for developing and maintaining expertise that enhances the Development Research team. Serve as an internal consultant on research and analysis related to one?s area(s) of expertise. Lead periodic peer education sessions to promote professional development and collaboration.
* Work in a collaborative team environment, sharing knowledge and newly identified sources with Development Research team, and leading or participating in group projects when necessary.
* Assist with peer editing and general quality control for information distributed through Development Research.
* Assist the Associate Director of Research as needed. Examples include assigning last-minute requests to ensure timely response, partnering with coworkers outside the department to complete projects, and acting for Associate Director when s/he is unavailable.
* Train research associates and research analysts, coaching them in research techniques and educating them about the department?s policies and procedures. Mentor research analysts. Model engagement with the field of prospect research and the UM development community.
* Assist in documenting Development Research procedures.
* Assist in evaluating resources and training opportunities.
* Provide written recommendations on Development Research policies, procedures, and needs upon request.
* Safeguard the confidentiality of donor information at all times. Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both UM and APRA.
* Participate at an appropriate level in professional associations such as APRA and CASE, both to increase knowledge and skills and to foster professional relationships with colleagues outside of UM.
* Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

* A Bachelor's degree is required.
* At least three years of work experience in development research or a related field.
* Well-developed interpersonal skills and excellent written and oral communication skills, an aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving; ability to work well under pressure and maintain flexibility.
* Highly developed scanning, skimming, and reading comprehension skills are essential, as well as superior ability to assess the relative value of, synthesize, and summarize relevant information into coherent, well-written documents.
* Commitment to professional ethics and confidentiality.
* Ability to interact with executive level clients is essential.
* Ability to learn to navigate unfamiliar information systems and use a variety of computer applications with little or no guidance.
* Strong computing and online research skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office 2007, relational database software, online databases and the Internet.

Preferred Qualifications

* An advanced degree is desirable.

Mission Statement

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan through high-quality collaboration with the development programs of schools, colleges, and units. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and life-long relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.