What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prospect Research Analyst position at Inside Higher Ed?
Logo:
Posting Number:
STA00982PO25
Job Family:
Alumni Relations and Development
Job Function:
Development
USC Market Title:
Prospect Analyst
Link To USC Market Title:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/175067
Job Level:
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title):
Prospect Research Analyst
Campus:
Columbia
Work County:
Richland
College/Division:
Division of Development
Department:
DEV Advancement Services
State Pay Band:
6
Approved Starting Salary:
$54,165
Advertised Salary Range:
$54,165 - commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy:
Columbia, SC **On-site**
Part/Full Time:
Full Time
Hours Per Week:
37.5
Work Schedule:
12 months
Job Search Category:
Alumni Development
About University Of South Carolina:
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement:
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Advertised Job Summary:
Under limited supervision, reporting to the Director of Prospect Research (Director), the Prospect Research Analyst (Analyst) provides prospect identification, analytics support, and research support for the University’s fundraising efforts. The Analyst creates concise, accurate wealth capacity ratings, strategy briefings, and prospect profiles using biographical information, financial data, news, philanthropic history, and other publicly available resources to support frontline fundraising efforts. The Analyst coordinates with Prospect Strategy staff to ensure that the best prospects are assigned to development officers and plays a critical role in developing and cultivating relationships with Development staff. This position participates in various fundraising initiatives, prioritizing research needs to advance the University’s fundraising mission. The Analyst proactively and independently plans and executes creative strategies to identify sources of major gift support using innovative research techniques and electronic searching methodologies to ensure that campus-wide fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals. This position utilizes research methodologies to ensure that newly identified prospects are presented and assigned to appropriate campus fundraisers in a timely manner.
Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience:
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of related experience with online database search techniques for products such as Lexis/Nexis, D&B, Research Point, Relationship Science, iWave, WealthX, LiveAlumni, and other personal wealth and financial databases. Experience working in a higher education (or comparably complex organization) setting, law, in a non-profit, or healthcare industry. Direct experience in relationship management, prospect research, development, sales, marketing, business administration, or project management. Blackbaud CRM, Qlik, Tableau, and other fundraising software experience desirable.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Knowledge of Prospect Management, Research, and Prospect Tracking principles and methods. Knowledge of process, ethics, and policies of professional fundraising. Adherence to CASE and APRA standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals internally and externally to the University. High-level customer service skills and customer service ethic; sets high standards and seeks ways to improve service. Adept at problem-solving and using judgment in situations requiring initiative and tact. Must be able to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities and meeting frequent deadlines, demonstrating strong project management skills. Ability to implement and train others in new technology tools. Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion. Ability to keep accurate records and complete timely reports. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to learn and increase knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures. Ability to analyze and synthesize information, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Respond to a broad spectrum of high-priority assignments, as requested. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Solid knowledge of database management and spreadsheet software: experience with Excel, Access, and other information management databases (to be used to join and analyze data from multiple tables) and able to adapt to and use future technologies. Ability to prioritize duties and achieve planned goals for a complex program. Ability to travel overnight to conferences, and work evenings, and weekends, as needed. Must have reliable means of transportation. Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both the University and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
Job Duty:
Conduct research on individuals, corporations, and foundations using various biographical, organizational, and financial sources, including state-of-the-art online database services, Internet websites, library and government sources, and other external public information repositories. Analyze and synthesize accumulated information to assess financial capacity, philanthropic tendencies, giving propensity, and linkages to campus. Evaluate research results to develop and implement further research strategies utilizing ethical intelligence-gathering techniques of the information profession.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage Of Time:
20%
Job Duty:
Compose documents (profiles, biographies, project summaries) using style, grammar, and content appropriate to specific audiences. Interpret and translate complex financial, legal, and corporate language into easily comprehensible terms while adhering to university standards of discretion and confidentiality. Extract and communicate essential information that directs cultivation and solicitation strategies. Prospect knowledge, including ratings, interests, and linkages acquired through research, is preserved, and maintained in a complex database system accessible to campus-wide fundraising staff and used to develop future cultivation strategies. Summarize key findings and create actionable recommendations to appear prominently in profiles, prospect lists, and other products.
Job Duty:
Proactively and independently plan and execute creative strategies to identify sources of major gift private support using innovative research techniques and electronic searching methodologies to ensure that campus-wide fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals. Develop and execute strategies to ensure that newly identified prospects are presented and assigned to appropriate campus fundraisers in a timely manner. Query CRM on wealth and affinity to identify proactive prospect leads.
Job Duty:
Make recommendations on prospect referrals to development officers and be responsible for maintaining the research flow of data and information from identification to gift by providing research information, updating, and tracking changes in the database, and making recommendations related to the assignment of prospects as well as post-assignment research and detailed financial analysis.
Job Duty:
Stay abreast of trends in prospect research, online searching, and analytics, monitor national, statewide, and regional news alerts for prospect activity, and identify new major gift prospects.
Percentage Of Time:
15%
Job Duty:
Providing expertise and program support to others outside of the unit and other duties as assigned.
Essential Function:
No
Percentage Of Time:
5%
Safety Sensitive Or Security Sensitive:
No
Hazardous Weather Category:
Non-Essential
Number Of Vacancies:
1
Desired Start Date:
02/02/2026
Job Open Date:
12/18/2025
Job Close Date:
01/20/2026
Open Until Filled:
No
Special Instructions To Applicant:
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by January 20, 2026.
Quicklink For Posting:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/200083
EEO Statement:
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Posting Number:
STA00982PO25
Job Family:
Alumni Relations and Development
Job Function:
Development
USC Market Title:
Prospect Analyst
Link To USC Market Title:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/175067
Job Level:
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title):
Prospect Research Analyst
Campus:
Columbia
Work County:
Richland
College/Division:
Division of Development
Department:
DEV Advancement Services
State Pay Band:
6
Approved Starting Salary:
$54,165
Advertised Salary Range:
$54,165 - commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy:
Columbia, SC **On-site**
Part/Full Time:
Full Time
Hours Per Week:
37.5
Work Schedule:
- Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
12 months
Job Search Category:
Alumni Development
About University Of South Carolina:
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement:
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Advertised Job Summary:
Under limited supervision, reporting to the Director of Prospect Research (Director), the Prospect Research Analyst (Analyst) provides prospect identification, analytics support, and research support for the University’s fundraising efforts. The Analyst creates concise, accurate wealth capacity ratings, strategy briefings, and prospect profiles using biographical information, financial data, news, philanthropic history, and other publicly available resources to support frontline fundraising efforts. The Analyst coordinates with Prospect Strategy staff to ensure that the best prospects are assigned to development officers and plays a critical role in developing and cultivating relationships with Development staff. This position participates in various fundraising initiatives, prioritizing research needs to advance the University’s fundraising mission. The Analyst proactively and independently plans and executes creative strategies to identify sources of major gift support using innovative research techniques and electronic searching methodologies to ensure that campus-wide fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals. This position utilizes research methodologies to ensure that newly identified prospects are presented and assigned to appropriate campus fundraisers in a timely manner.
Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience:
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of related experience with online database search techniques for products such as Lexis/Nexis, D&B, Research Point, Relationship Science, iWave, WealthX, LiveAlumni, and other personal wealth and financial databases. Experience working in a higher education (or comparably complex organization) setting, law, in a non-profit, or healthcare industry. Direct experience in relationship management, prospect research, development, sales, marketing, business administration, or project management. Blackbaud CRM, Qlik, Tableau, and other fundraising software experience desirable.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Knowledge of Prospect Management, Research, and Prospect Tracking principles and methods. Knowledge of process, ethics, and policies of professional fundraising. Adherence to CASE and APRA standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals internally and externally to the University. High-level customer service skills and customer service ethic; sets high standards and seeks ways to improve service. Adept at problem-solving and using judgment in situations requiring initiative and tact. Must be able to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities and meeting frequent deadlines, demonstrating strong project management skills. Ability to implement and train others in new technology tools. Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion. Ability to keep accurate records and complete timely reports. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to learn and increase knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures. Ability to analyze and synthesize information, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Respond to a broad spectrum of high-priority assignments, as requested. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Solid knowledge of database management and spreadsheet software: experience with Excel, Access, and other information management databases (to be used to join and analyze data from multiple tables) and able to adapt to and use future technologies. Ability to prioritize duties and achieve planned goals for a complex program. Ability to travel overnight to conferences, and work evenings, and weekends, as needed. Must have reliable means of transportation. Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both the University and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
Job Duty:
Conduct research on individuals, corporations, and foundations using various biographical, organizational, and financial sources, including state-of-the-art online database services, Internet websites, library and government sources, and other external public information repositories. Analyze and synthesize accumulated information to assess financial capacity, philanthropic tendencies, giving propensity, and linkages to campus. Evaluate research results to develop and implement further research strategies utilizing ethical intelligence-gathering techniques of the information profession.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage Of Time:
20%
Job Duty:
Compose documents (profiles, biographies, project summaries) using style, grammar, and content appropriate to specific audiences. Interpret and translate complex financial, legal, and corporate language into easily comprehensible terms while adhering to university standards of discretion and confidentiality. Extract and communicate essential information that directs cultivation and solicitation strategies. Prospect knowledge, including ratings, interests, and linkages acquired through research, is preserved, and maintained in a complex database system accessible to campus-wide fundraising staff and used to develop future cultivation strategies. Summarize key findings and create actionable recommendations to appear prominently in profiles, prospect lists, and other products.
Job Duty:
Proactively and independently plan and execute creative strategies to identify sources of major gift private support using innovative research techniques and electronic searching methodologies to ensure that campus-wide fundraising initiatives have sufficient prospects to meet fundraising goals. Develop and execute strategies to ensure that newly identified prospects are presented and assigned to appropriate campus fundraisers in a timely manner. Query CRM on wealth and affinity to identify proactive prospect leads.
Job Duty:
Make recommendations on prospect referrals to development officers and be responsible for maintaining the research flow of data and information from identification to gift by providing research information, updating, and tracking changes in the database, and making recommendations related to the assignment of prospects as well as post-assignment research and detailed financial analysis.
Job Duty:
Stay abreast of trends in prospect research, online searching, and analytics, monitor national, statewide, and regional news alerts for prospect activity, and identify new major gift prospects.
Percentage Of Time:
15%
Job Duty:
Providing expertise and program support to others outside of the unit and other duties as assigned.
Essential Function:
No
Percentage Of Time:
5%
Safety Sensitive Or Security Sensitive:
No
Hazardous Weather Category:
Non-Essential
Number Of Vacancies:
1
Desired Start Date:
02/02/2026
Job Open Date:
12/18/2025
Job Close Date:
01/20/2026
Open Until Filled:
No
Special Instructions To Applicant:
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by January 20, 2026.
Quicklink For Posting:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/200083
EEO Statement:
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $54,165