Donor Prospect Researcher (Volunteer)

Prospect Researcher  (Volunteer) 

*Note: The following is an opportunity for flexible, part-time, volunteer work, with possible eventual compensation based on results. Please DO NOT APPLY if you are only looking for paid employment.* This is a remote-from-home position.* Minimum 6 months commitment required.

Are you passionate about making a difference? Are you excited about the opportunity to work with smart and talented individuals committed to producing great content in the public interest? Are you able to commit a minimum of 10-15 hours a week, working remotely, on your own schedule, with colleagues around the world? 

WhoWhatWhy is building a donor prospect research team and seeks experienced, savvy team members. Qualified applicants should have a track record of —  and enjoy —  backgrounding individuals, creating an understanding of what makes them tick. You should have a sophisticated knowledge of the world of philanthropy and know how to read between the lines to assess which individuals of means might have an interest in supporting the work of this particular nonprofit organization. We’ll also consider candidates who can persuade us of comparable, relevant experience. This is not a position for a beginner. 

Before you decide to apply, make sure the WhoWhatWhy mission resonates with you.  You’ll quickly see that we’re a credible response to the raging debate over whether the news is “fake” or not, publishing agenda-free research and bracingly fresh analysis. At WhoWhatWhy, we approach each story with an open mind, boundless curiosity, and a willingness to dig deep and ask hard questions. We believe that this is the essence of true journalism. 

Because we’re straight to the point, we make clear that, as a nonprofit with a very limited budget that accepts no advertising, we are staffed principally by volunteers — skilled volunteers. As we grow and our funding improves, we’re open to discussions about modest compensation, particularly as your research produces tangible results.  

Responsibilities

• Identify and conduct research on prospective donors
• Synthesize research into easily understood research briefs
•  Organize and analyze information from a variety of sources to determine the prospect’s capacity, relationships, and philanthropic interests
• Interpret and evaluate research results and communicate analysis with the team

Qualifications 

• 3 years of advanced research experience
• Previous prospect research experience or donor development experience a plus
• Highly skilled in web search and some familiarity with fundraising and advanced search databases. 
• Be highly organized, curious, and able to self-motivate
• Analytical skills and a talent for discovering patterns among data sets
• Have a solid grasp of — and commitment to — our mission

Perks

• Channel your passion in a stimulating environment
• Learn the nuts and bolts of nonprofit operations in an up-and-coming organization
• Develop new skills and gain valuable experience that can enhance your professional trajectory
• Do amazing work on a flexible, part-time basis
• Have fun while you make a difference 

Expectations 

You will work remotely and on your own schedule; we ask for a minimum commitment of 10-15 hours a week, though doing more is certainly not discouraged. Because our staff is spread around the world in many time zones, we rely on asynchronous communication, using tools such as Zoom and Slack, which enable team members to respond to requests and inquiries within hours. 

If you are self-motivated,  enjoy working independently, have strong collaboration skills, would like the opportunity to partner with like-minded individuals, and can commit quality time each week on a regular basis to help achieve team goals, we’d like to hear from you.

To Apply 

We will not review applications that appear to be mass submissions. To apply, send your resume and a customized cover letter explaining why you're a good fit for this position. If there is no option to attach a cover letter, please send a cover letter to hr@whowhatwhy.org. You should confirm your understanding that this will be, at least initially, a volunteer position. Thanks!