Director of Research and Prospect Management

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 04/20/2026.

Position Summary:

The Director of Research and Prospect Management is a key fundraising strategist responsible for developing and implementing proactive prospect development strategies to build and sustain a strong pipeline of leadership annual giving, major gift, and planned gift prospects for the development team at the University of Northern Colorado. Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Services, this position leads prospect identification, research, analytics, and portfolio strategy to support the successful identification and movement of prospects through the major gift pipeline.

Working closely with the AVP for Development and the VP for Advancement, the Director partners with development staff to plan and support research-driven strategies that strengthen the university’s major gift program and advance fundraising priorities.

The Director serves as a strategic advisor to advancement leadership, providing data-informed insights that guide the evolution of prospect strategy, portfolio management, and fundraising priorities. The role operates with a high degree of independence while maintaining regular communication and alignment with advancement leadership.

Job Duties:

Portfolio Strategy and Prospect Management (37.5%)
Support the frontline fundraising team in building and managing strategic and productive portfolios.

Assign and manage prospect portfolios to maintain balance and maximize fundraising effectiveness.

Lead regular portfolio review sessions to support appropriate prospect movement and engagement, providing analysis and insights to inform development team decision-making.

Recommend and implement improvements to prospect management processes and moves management practices.

Leverage prospect research and data tools (e.g., mapping and geographic analysis) to support travel planning, prospect identification, and efficient portfolio management.

Train development staff on prospect tracking, proposal management, and data standards within the Raiser’s Edge NXT.

Develop, refine, and evolve best practice research policies and procedures that support consistent and effective prospect development practices.

Maintain proactive communication with development staff regarding prospect movement, assignments, and research outcomes.

Prospect Identification and Research (37.5%)
Identify and qualify new major gift, corporate and foundation, leadership annual giving, and planned giving prospects to maintain a strong pipeline aligned with institutional priorities.

Conduct research and analyze wealth indicators, philanthropic activity, and engagement data using internal and external resources.

Synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights for development staff and university leadership.

Produce research briefings, prospect profiles, and strategic reports that support cultivation and solicitation efforts.

Ensure accuracy, consistency, and appropriate documentation of prospect data and research findings within advancement systems.

In partnership with Advancement Services, maintain and enhance the quality and accuracy of prospect information within the advancement database.

Lead data analysis initiatives to proactively identify emerging prospects aligned with current and future fundraising goals

Strategy, Data, and Process Improvement (25%)
Partner with Advancement Services and leadership to refine prospect tracking systems, data practices, and reporting tools that support development team strategy and fundraising outcomes.

Continuously evaluate and recommend research methodologies, tools, and emerging technologies (including AI-assisted research and predictive analytics) to strengthen prospect development efforts.

Monitor and evaluate emerging technologies and data tools that enhance prospect identification, research synthesis, and strategic insight.

Professional Standards and Collaboration
Maintain knowledge of the national best practices in prospect research and prospect management.

Safeguard confidential constituent information and adhere to UNC Foundation policies and APRA ethical standards.

Model collaboration, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented approach that supports the university’s advancement goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Experience
Five or more years of experience in prospect research, prospect management, advancement analytics, or a related field. Experience working in higher education advancement and with frontline fundraising staff preferred.

Knowledge and Skills
-Prospect research methodologies and best practices
-Wealth indicators and philanthropic capacity analysis
-Portfolio strategy and moves management
-Data analysis and reporting tools
-Advancement CRM systems, such as The Raiser’s Edge NXT
-Awareness of emerging technologies that support research and analytics

Abilities
-Analyze and synthesize complex information
-Communicate research findings clearly and strategically
-Manage multiple projects and priorities
-Work independently and collaboratively
-Exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality
-Build strong working relationships with internal and external partners
-Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest professional and ethical standards.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44%  of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college.  UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub, to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu. 

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.