Research Analyst & Writer

Description

Position Summary

The Research Analyst and Writer reports to the Development Project Manager and assists with the identification, qualification, and research of individual, corporate, and foundation major gift donors and prospects. Responsibilities will also include writing event bios for engagement events sponsored by the museum, proposals, impact reports, case statements and other general writing of the department as needed.

The Research Analyst and Writer investigates individual, foundation, and corporate prospects using a range of free and subscription-based online database resources, museum files and records, and library resources. The Research Analyst and Writer reviews and interprets complex business, financial, and biographical information and compiles it into concise written prospect reports, profiles, and briefing materials to be used by fundraisers and museum leaders.

The job duties focus on the preparation of written reports and data analysis. The Research Analyst and Writer is expected to maintain ethical standards and must work with a high degree of confidentiality, accuracy, timeliness, and attention to detail. Reporting directly to the Development Project Manager, the Research Analyst and Writer embodies the competencies and values of Development Integrity, Service, Leadership, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Principal Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify major donor prospects (40%).

• Identify and qualify major donor prospects to enable the communicate of appropriate prospect information to our development officers and partners

• Prepare in-depth written reports, biographical summaries, event bios, and briefing materials

• Maintain current knowledge of trends and tools in Development Research

• Work independently and in collaboration with others in Development to analyze information, historical trends, and peer information to identify issues and recommend appropriate methods to resolve

• Craft informative communication to increase the reach of the organization's efforts and solicit increased donations (40%). This will include:

• Creating impact reports communicating the impact of donor gifts on a particular program

• Creating case statements, and other general writing needs of the department

• Draft written materials to help stakeholders understand the mission and goals of Crystal Bridges

• Draft written materials and funding proposals that help facilitate relationships with new donors, grants and corporations

Additional Responsibilities

• Serves as a member and strategic partner of the Development Team (10%)

• Embraces and embodies the ideals of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): committee was founded by staff members from various departments to foster diversity, inclusion, and tolerance within the museum and to assist in developing policies.

• Represents, models and leads with the values and competencies of Development

• Commits to develop leadership and professional skills, with a specific focus on executive presence, to guide and motivate the team to achieve Development goals

• Understands, proactively supports, and empowers cross-functional relationships and the importance of collaborative work that capitalizes on opportunities for teamwork, drives continuous improvement, focuses on expert knowledge and unique skill sets of team members, and enables agility and broad-minded solutions in partnership with others

• Works with Development to align and achieve successful completion of the Head of Philanthropic Strategies expectations, directives, and deliverables in commitment to the goals of Development

• Other duties as assigned (10%)

• Proactive review of newspapers, electronic alerts, and media sources for the purpose of identifying potential donor prospects and capturing relevant articles for scanning and/or database updates

• Prospect Research manages special projects, including those focused on expanding the donor pool, relationship mapping, and identifying prospective donors for specific programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of one year of experience in advanced research using electronic database research and Internet resources

• A minimum of three years of experience conducting investigative research, preferably prospect research

• Proven experience in writing proposals, case statements, and/or reports for the purpose of storytelling and/or persuasion

• Willingness to learn the mission and goals of Crystal Bridges

Education, Training, and Traits

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience in development, research, sales, client management, grant writing, foundations, or other related field

• Ability to apply an ethical code and good judgment, and to handle confidential materials and situations with sensitivity and discretion

• Must excel at working in cross-functional collaborations, working with teams to support Developments strategic objectives and goals

• Requires understanding and ability to interact with museum constituents, specifically, major gift officers, on a proactive and ongoing basis

• Requires problem-solving skills to identify gaps, prioritize opportunities and challenges and guide good decision-making

• Works with and builds collaborative relationships with museum constituents by working in the Development cross-functional team model

• Promotes sharing of information and transparent communication with team members

• Strong organizational and analytical skills

• Inquisitive, proactive, and have impeccable attention to detail

• Grasp of the English language and ability to effectively write and proof content

• Requires strong analytical and critical thinking skills in data analysis to translate data into actionable information

• Outstanding writing skills and adept at understanding and conveying complexity, nuance, and enthusiasm

Work Experience

• Familiarity/knowledge with Microsoft Word, Excel, and related databases

• Familiarity/knowledge of AP Style of writing

• Experience with relationship tracking/customer relations databases

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

• Experience with analyzing and succinctly communicating large data sets to those with less technical knowledge

• Knowledge of advanced research techniques using electronic database research and Internet resources

• Displays exceptionally strong written and oral communications skills and the ability to describe complex technical information clearly, consistently, and effectively

• Experience in building relationships, conveying impact through your writing, and making the case for investment and partnership

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job. While performing the duties of this job, employee is occasionally required to independently travel in the local area.

• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, and in communities served. The physical arrangement of the office may require the position to work in an open environment within close proximity to other colleagues. Work space must be organized and reflect efficiency. The noise level in the museum work environment is usually low to moderate. Occasional evening and weekend work hours are required.

About Crystal Bridges

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding American art. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a non-profit charitable organization by arts patron and chair of the museums board of directors, Alice Walton. Since opening to the public on 11-11-11, the museum has welcomed more than 5 million visitors and garnered 15,000 membership households. Some 280,000 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost.

Crystal Bridges takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A series of pavilions nestled around two spring-fed ponds house the galleries and amenities such as a restaurant, museum store designed by architect Marlon Blackwell, and a library featuring more than 50,000 volumes of art reference material. In addition to the museums architecture, a Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright was preserved, acquired, and moved to the museum grounds in 2015, and a rare Buckminster Fullers Flys Eye Dome was installed in 2017, both providing access to American architectural masterworks in a natural setting.

Sculpture and walking trails link the museum's 120-acre park to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A new entrance, elevator tower, and pedestrian bridge was added to the north side of the building in 2017, increasing access to the museums north lawn and newly enhanced North Forest Trail. More than 600,000 visitors a year utilize the museums five miles of walking trails.

Crystal Bridges permanent collection spans five centuries of American artworks from early American to the present, and is always free to view. Crystal Bridges is committed to telling broad and inclusive stories by acquiring and showcasing the highest quality works by artists underrepresented in art history and conventional museum frameworks. Works such as Asher B. Durands Kindred Spirits, Gilbert Stuarts George Washington, and Georgia OKeeffes Jimson Weed are displayed alongside contemporary artists such as Kerry James Marshall, Maya Lin, Fritz Scholder, Jaune Quick-To-See-Smith, Felix Gonzales-Torres, and Amy Sherald represent some of the finest achievements in American art. The collection continues to grow, while the museum also offers temporary exhibitions that complement the collection and can also reveal arts connections to equality and justice.

Crystal Bridges provides year-round programming for all ages. In 2019, more than 800 public programs and events were offered, including lectures, performances, classes, and continuing education for K-12 teachers. Crystal Bridges stays connected online with the full collection available via eMuseum, an award-winning app, a podcast called Museum Way, all available for free, and many of the museums lectures such as the Distinguished Speaker Series are on Crystal Bridges YouTube channel. An online-learning initiative provides opportunities for students and teachers with arts-based courses, as well as SmartHistory with arts history videos and essays. Crystal Bridges also offers two research fellowship programs. The Tyson Scholars in American Art program encourages and supports full-time scholarship that seeks to expand boundaries and traditional categories of investigation into American art and visual culture. The Reese Teacher Fellowship provides for research into the development of interdisciplinary connections between American art and core curriculum subjects of language arts, history, social studies, and the sciences. In addition, Crystal Bridges administers the awarding of the Don Tyson Prize, an unprecedented award recognizing significant achievements in the field of American art. Additional information about Crystal Bridges is available online at CrystalBridges.org.

About the Momentary

The Momentary is a new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary arts role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. The Walton Family Foundation is supporting this project as a way to enhance the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Additional offerings include an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences including an Onyx Coffee Lab, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a gift store. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.