The Managing Director of Prospect Development, is a senior leader responsible for directing strategy and managing a team that supports the University’s fundraising efforts through comprehensive prospect development. This role oversees prospect research, portfolio and pipeline management, and donor data systems. The director leads efforts to identify and rank potential donors—including alumni, parents, and friends—ensuring strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with a special focus on principal and presidential prospects.

This position oversees a team of research analysts and portfolio managers, coordinates training, delegates tasks, and ensures timely responses to requests. It also ensures compliance with ethical standards and data privacy laws. The director prepares in-depth research briefings for the president and other senior university leaders, manages central donor files, and contributes to campaign projections and strategy. Collaborating closely with the Assistant Vice President for Advancement, the director sets and monitors annual goals and helps shape the overall vision for prospect development, enhancing the University’s fundraising success and long-term donor pipeline.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7-10 years of experience in development research, portfolio management, or prospect development in a higher education, healthcare, or complex non-profit environment.

Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certification may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to higher education values.
• Professional memberships in APRA, CASE, or AASP
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, charts, formulas).
• Experience with fundraising CRMs (preferably Salesforce) and data visualization tools.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial statements.
• Experience leading large, complex projects with multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
• An ability to assist and advise in developing and implementing prospect research guidelines and procedures.
• Experience designing and implementing comprehensive data-mining and proactive prospect identification projects.
• Ability to initiate and lead projects to improve service to development officers and/or units.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and maintaining information on prospective donors using various electronic databases, publications, and online services.