United States of America: Associate Director, Prospect Research and Strategy
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 09 Oct 2013
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, we offer lifesaving relief and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. With a budget of more than $300 million and at work today in over 40 countries and in 22 US cities, the IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.The IRC’s External Relations Department furthers the IRC’s work around the world by raising the IRC’s profile and raising $57 million in annual support from individuals and institutions from the private sector. The department’s efforts are carried out by Leadership Gifts, Strategic Marketing, and Communications & Public Information units, all supported by an Operations & Information unit, which is responsible for gift processing; reporting on revenue and donors; administering and managing the IRC’s constituent databases; conducting donor and prospect research; and providing strategic reports and analysis.
SCOPE OF WORK:The Associate Director of Prospect Research and Strategy is responsible for managing the department’s research and prospect management function and is a key partner in developing strategies for high-level donors and prospects. A senior member of the Operations & Information unit, he/she directs all research staff and workflow, ensures that senior staff, trustees and front-line fundraisers are provided with the highest-quality donor and prospect research, proactively plans and executes special research projects, and handles a variety of related duties. The Associate Director of Prospect Research and Strategy reports to the Sr. Director of Information and Operations, and works closely with colleagues throughout the External Relations department, in the President’s Office, and in other departments.
Essential Job Functions:
Direct departmental prospect research, managing staff and workflow, planning and conducting proactive research projects, analyzing effectiveness and impact of work, and developing goals and strategic plans for research;Conduct advanced biographical and financial research; correlate donor interests and funding opportunities; identify and track key connections; interpret, analyze and synthesize data; and compile confidential research profiles on both individual and institutional donors, including board members and potential board nominees;Formulate major gift cultivation and solicitation strategies in concert with colleagues as part of the prospect review process; rate and prioritize donors and prospects in terms of inclination and capacity in order to guide departmental fundraising efforts and to increase productivity;Direct the work of a full-time researcher, manage interns and oversee outsourcing of research (including hiring, training and evaluating staff, prioritizing projects and tasks, and ensuring consistent high quality and timely delivery of all research products);Develop and implement high-level prospect management strategies to proactively identify and qualify new prospective donors capable of significant financial support utilizing in-house records and a variety of electronic and printed sources;Manage and implement periodic electronic screenings and other data appends; select vendors, determine screening populations, and interpret results;Develop and implement research policies, procedures, standards, templates, methods, and rating formulas;Raise visibility and profile of research team and promote research services to colleagues in External Relations through presentations and reports;Train other IRC staff in basic research skills, including colleagues within the Operations unit as well as front-line fundraisers in External Relations and other IRC offices;Identify and evaluate new research tools and techniques to keep up to date on trends and developments in the research industry; plan and recommend expenditures for research subscriptions or other resources; and manage all associated vendor relationships.Assist the Sr. Director of External Relations Information and Operations in the general management of the unit;Lead and/or participate in special projects as appropriate.Requirements:
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees OR Bachelor’s degree and comparable work experience;Minimum 8-10 years professional work experience, including at least 6-8 years in prospect research for a non-profit or institution of higher education (background in legal/financial research or library science may be a suitable substitute for some experience); experience at international organizations a plus;In-depth knowledge of prospect research techniques and tools (e.g. LexisNexis, Hoovers); demonstrated aptitude for analyzing and interpreting complex data (e.g. SEC filings, business reports, property records);An inquisitive and sharp mind; ability to solve complex and technical problems with creativity;Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to successfully manage external relationships and liaise with senior staff, board members, donors and colleagues at all levels;Exceptional writing skills: the ability to successfully write and edit professional fundraising documents;Effective people management skills and significant supervisory experience: ability to lead staff and to promote productivity and a pleasant work environment;Proven organizational skills: the ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment, willingness to meet unexpected demands, and the ability to plan for and direct a variety of projects and to manage a multi-faceted workload under strict deadlines;Ability to use sound judgment and discretion while working with highly confidential information;Excellent computer skills: internet search engines, fundraising software (e.g. Raiser’s Edge), and MS Office software (including Word, Excel, Outlook).
How to apply:
Please apply online:http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&r...
