Researcher

The Researcher is an integral part of the Foundation’s overall success and is a strategic advisor to guide and shape development efforts. This data-driven individual prepares profiles, verifies research data, and provides proactive research to leverage insights and collaborative relationships that optimize development efforts. Through analyzing and evaluating biographical, business, and financial resources, this individual will be able to provide advice about prioritizing giving capacities and inclinations of prospects. The Researcher contributes to a business mindset and solutions-focused perspective to convert research and insights into opportunities to maximize fundraising performance and operational effectiveness.

General Responsibilities

• Using a spectrum of sources, develop, implement, and maintain sophisticated and comprehensive research profiles on individual donors, corporations, and foundations whose financial capabilities and estimated inclinations to give to Texas A&M or Texas A&M Foundation qualify them as major donors and donor prospects.
• Produce in-depth, well-written reports on potential prospects based on a combination of data from a set of research tools.
• Meet regularly with and write prospect briefings for portfolio strategists, the development team, and executive team.
• Implement new research techniques as they arise.
• Meet regularly with the prospect research team and Manager of Prospect Research and Analysis and to report on research initiatives and potential prospects.
• Review news and business publications to keep informed of prospect information, and local, regional, and national business developments and economic trends.
• Develop reports using Salesforce/ascend and Argos to assist with analysis of data as it relates to the identification of potential prospects.
• Maintain and track various research needs that precede major events, campaigns, and development priorities.
• Keep abreast of prospect development methods and resources along with staying current with giving trends and patterns.
• Generate and analyze broad data sets, search for explanations and underlying causes, draw conclusions, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, prioritize work, and manage multiple, diverse, and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Contribute to team effectiveness through knowledge-sharing and proactively identifying process improvements.
• Adhere to the Fundraising Code of Ethics and Donor Bill of Rights.
• Participate in the establishment and attainment of personal, departmental, divisional, and organizational goals and objectives in support of the mission, vision, and goals of the Foundation.
• Perform special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Highly proficient in using computer business applications including Microsoft suite of products and complex database systems.
• Demonstrated professional work experience in positions requiring problem-solving, business judgement, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to develop rapport quickly, communicate effectively, and build consensus with a diverse constituency.
• Excellent social, written, and oral communication, and presentation skills to clearly explain and translate complex information to a range of audiences.
• Strong organizational skills: ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously and to work calmly under pressure of goals and deadlines.
• Strong commitment to the mission and vision of Texas A&M Foundations with the ability and desire to serve as a compelling ambassador for the organization and Texas A&M University.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of related experience in lead generation and data preparation.
• Knowledge of and experience using fundraising CRM platforms.
• Familiarity with industry specific research resources.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across disciplines/units and build cross-functional, interdisciplinary partnerships.
• Experience working effectively and respectfully with high-level administration and members of the senior leadership team, board members and other high-level stakeholders.

About The Texas A&M Foundation

As a nonprofit organization, the Foundation is the primary academic fundraising institution for Texas A&M charged with raising and managing gifts of all types and sizes, with a focus on major gift endowments. We invest these gifts and disburse part of the investment earnings for the purposes designated by donors. In this way, endowments remain forever and continually benefit Texas A&M University.

Our team of passionate professionals partners with former students, corporations and other supporters who want to lead by example and match their charitable passions with opportunities for purposeful philanthropy at Texas A&M. Gifts create scholarships, advance faculty endeavors, enhance student programs, and fund college programs and campus construction. Collectively, these investments greatly enhance Texas A&M’s mission to provide the highest quality undergraduate and graduate programs and develop new understandings through research and creativity. We live by the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Loyalty, Leadership, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Mission The Texas A&M Foundation builds a brighter future for Texas A&M University, one relationship at a time.

Vision The Texas A&M Foundation vision is to be among the most trusted philanthropies in higher education.

Guiding Principles

• We believe in the cause.
• We believe that people matter.
• We believe in selfless service.
• We believe in the future.

To apply for this position, please apply online at: https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6194728.careers?ApplyToJob=554102226

If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact careers@txamfoundation.com.

Special instructions for applicants: Please include a letter of interest, a resume, and contact details for three professional references.

Texas AM Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.