University of Michigan

Development Research Associate

Office of University Development

Working Title

: 

Development Research Associate

Posting Number

: 

60332

Job Category

: 

Prospect Development and Analytics

Salary

: 

$33,000 - $36,000

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

This is a full-time, term position ending June 30, 2012 and eligible for benefits.

Position Description

The Development Research Associate gathers and assesses prospect information to validate and/or verify wealth screening results. The associate records ancillary prospect information gathered in the course of validation. The associate participates in project coordination meetings and brings newly identified prospects to the attention of the research analysts. The associate assists with auditing record changes and preparing data to be uploaded to the central database. All work for this position will be conducted onsite.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Screening Support (90%)
* Provide accurate, efficient on-site verification and validation of wealth screening results.
* Conduct preliminary prospect research using a variety of online and print resources including corporate and government documents, business and biographical directories, periodicals, and standard information aggregators.
* Estimate donor gift capacity and propensity through the analysis and clarification of complex individual, corporate, and foundation financial and philanthropic information, paying particular attention to the analysis of income statements, common forms of securities and other wealth indicator instruments as well as areas of philanthropic interest and level of attachment to the University.
* Independently manage workload to meet project timelines. Plan, organize, coordinate, and handle multiple tasks and responsibilities, prioritizing and organizing work to accomplish project goals.
* Participate in project coordination meetings, sharing solutions and lessons learned with project team. Collaborate on refining processes to ensure quality and progress.
* Coordinate with research analysts for efficient troubleshooting and follow-up communication.
* Maintain professional standards.
* Safeguard the confidentiality of donor information at all times. Uphold departmental policies regarding confidential information. Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both UM and Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement.
* Perform other duties as assigned.

Data Maintenance (10%)
* Assists with regular auditing of changes to ResearchPoint records.
* As needed, assists with preparing data to be uploaded to central development database.
* Submit completed research for data entry into the development central database and for electronic storage in research optical imaging system.

Required Qualifications

* A Bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is desirable.
* At least three years of work experience in prospect research or a related field.
* Solid knowledge of basic principles and practices in prospect research, including ability to efficiently gather, analyze, and interpret data from a variety of sources (Lexis-Nexis for Development Professionals, 10-K Wizard or comparable SEC aggregator, IRS Form 990, etc.).
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated aptitude for critical thinking and troubleshooting; ability to work well under pressure and maintain flexibility.
* Strong ability to read, synthesize and analyze large amounts of complex data.
* Independence to carry out duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision.
* Strong computing and online research skills, including proficiency with all Microsoft Office software, relational database software, online databases and the Internet.
* Commitment to professional ethics and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

* Familiarity with wealth screening services/software preferred.
* Knowledge of fundraising or nonprofit organizations helpful.

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.