What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate/Assistant Director of Prospect Rese position at Chestnut Hill College?
Position: Associate/Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Development Liaison
Department: Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA)
Reports to: Vice President for Strategic Innovation
Classification: Exempt
The Associate/Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Data Management oversees the College’s prospect and donor pipeline within the institutional database. This role provides data, analysis, and reporting to inform strategic decisions related to donor cultivation, engagement, and fundraising. The position manages prospect pipelines, produces donor tracking reports, and supports the advancement team by facilitating donor strategy meetings and delivering insights that guide effective donor outreach and stewardship. This role provides opportunities to build and expand fundraising expertise while advancing the mission and philanthropic priorities of Chestnut Hill College.
About Chestnut Hill College
Founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1924, Chestnut Hill College is an independent, Catholic institution rooted in a strong liberal arts tradition that fosters equality through holistic education. Distinguished by its strong mission, collegial environment, and dedication to personalized instruction through a small faculty-to-student ratio, the College promotes the spiritual, academic, social, ethical, and moral development of the whole person. Located in the charming Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, it serves a culturally diverse student body.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the Manager of Constituent Records staff and Raiser’s Edge.
- Define the scope of all donors and prospects in the pipeline; prepare reports and document pipeline progress.
- Ensure timely submission of all contact reports after contacts/visits, and activities related to identifying, cultivating, soliciting, gift acceptance and stewardship of givers.
- Work with OIA staff to ensure data is accurate, and reports are provided in accordance with tasks of donor relations management.
- Serve as principal researcher for all donor queries and provide the Vice President for Strategic Innovation and College President with profiles.
- Prepare briefing for Vice President for Strategic Innovation and College President on attendees of events where College President will be in attendance.
- Participate in weekly meetings with the OIA team to discuss strategy and increase accountability for major gifts donors and prospects.
- Assist with research for the Membership Committee for prospective Board members, Commencement speakers, and Honorary Degree recipients.
- Support OIA events such as Reunion Weekend, Galas, Golf Outings, etc.; this may include some nights and weekends.
- Manage contracts with partners including Raiser’s Edge, Double the Donation, and Almabase.
- Manage a small, diverse portfolio of giving prospects, including for annual giving, endowed scholarships, and potential restricted gifts.
- Support special initiatives such as campaigns, feasibility studies, and targeted fundraising events.
- Conduct outreach (email, phone, virtual and in‑person meetings) to qualify prospects and build donor relationships.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Understanding of and commitment to the College’s Mission and Core Values, including a shared dedication to inclusive, mission-driven education that supports the development of the whole person.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum two years of proven donor relations management experience at an independent school or college or university.
- Extensive knowledge of, and experience with, Raiser’s Edge or related donor management software or database.
Interested candidates should submit application materials via ADP Workforce Now HERE. No phone calls, please.
Chestnut Hill College is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value. To foster an inclusive community and support our diverse student body, we embrace equal access. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. We are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum.