Coordinator of Advancement Research

High Point University’s Coordinator of Advancement in the Office of Institutional Advancement works closely with the Advancement staff and strategizes to provide relevant research on prospective benefactors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, for major and endowed gifts, special project funding, and annual/sustaining support. The role also involves preparing written reports on benefactors that analyze the information gathered and requires the use of initiative, sound judgment, and discretion in carrying out responsibilities within the framework of Advancement policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience and Training

• Minimum three years experience with database management and/or institutional research.
• Experience using relational database programs.
• Strong background in creating and managing data in Excel spreadsheets.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Knowledge of research resources and skills for seeking information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and utilize discretion and good judgment, as well as a commitment to professional ethics.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• An aptitude for logical thinking.
• Ability to work with Advancement staff in a non-profit sector with sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office software, and searching on-line databases and the Internet.
• Raiser’s Edge or comparable fundraising system and Power BI/Automate knowledge is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and meet goals in a timely manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Assumes primary responsibility for meeting the benefactor identification and research needs of the Advancement staff, enabling them to meet fundraising goals. Meet regularly with Advancement staff, keeping abreast of their activities and the initiatives and programs underway within their departments.
• Reviews local/national news, business publications, local/regional business developments and economic trends to keep abreast of benefactor information. Send articles to Advancement staff as appropriate.
• Advises Advancement staff about new benefactor possibilities as appropriate or requested.
• Serves as a resource to provide Advancement staff with information relative to constituents as needed, within confidentiality guidelines.
• Maintains existing dashboards and provide routine reports to the Major Gift Team utilizing Raiser’s Edge and Power BI/Automate.
• Monitor Moves Management processes and provides reporting to inform leadership of statuses.
• Manages Target Analytics data update process, educate appropriate IA staff on any changes, and provide reporting to support major initiatives based on the updated indicators.
• Creates specific prospecting segmentations for upcoming major capital projects with goal of a pool of prospective major donors.
• Routinely assess actions in Raiser’s Edge NXT to proactively determine any additional research needs, as well as to ensure that ‘Prospect Pool’ prospects are sent to Advancement Officer team get touched.
• Serves as a key resource for managing data relative to prospective donors for other departments, such as Admissions, Institutional Assessment & Research, etc.
• Use both standard and novel research techniques and tools to identify new, potential benefactors. Complete benefactor background requests, including periodical and electronic screening and/or information provided by the benefactor or his/her organization.
• Attains proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT software to interpret and provide reporting, assist Gift Officers in pulling reports, and provide routine training and support.
• Maintains policies and procedures for the benefactor research program; manage research information services and assist in negotiating annual contracts; utilize the Raiser’s Edge and other appropriate database products to track/store profile data; assess current and future software tools to support and enhance research and prospect management.
• Safeguards the confidentiality of benefactor information at all times. Must adhere to ethical and confidential guidelines and standards.
• Maintains the professional and ethical standards set forth for the field by the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
• Performs other responsibilities as required.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Ensures timely and accurate development/updating of benefactor profiles.
• Ensures timely and accurate reports to be utilized by the President and other University leadership as required for successful fundraising activities.

For more information about this position, please contact Rita Williams, Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services at rwillia0@highpoint.edu or Harry Stillwell, Director of Advancement Data Analysis and Research at hstillwe@highpoint.edu