Prospect Research Manager

The Franklin Institute (TFI), the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, strives to be the world leader in promoting science and technology education and literacy through inspiring and engaging experiences that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and an understanding of the crucial role science plays in our lives.

At TFI, we provide an environment that is as nurturing as it is dynamic. Our team-oriented approach allows for ample learning and career growth opportunities. We think you will find the Institute offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents. We are eager for your input, ideas, and inspiration.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Director of External Affairs Operations and Strategy, the Prospect Research Manager provides strategic research, analysis, and reporting to support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The Manager compiles and reports on fundraiser activity, proposal progress, and overall pipeline health, delivering data-driven insights that align with fundraising goals. The position conducts proactive prospect identification and recommends new prospective donors based on demonstrated capacity and affinity for the Franklin Institute. Through collaboration with External Affairs colleagues, adherence to ethical research standards, and active participation in team-wide initiatives, this role contributes to the overall effectiveness and strategic impact of TFI’s fundraising efforts. The Prospect Research Manager will:

• Create comprehensive donor and prospect profiles and meeting briefs that provide fundraisers with insight and analysis for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities
• Synthesize and interpret financial and philanthropic data from multiple sources to evaluate donor capacity and affinity
• Identify and report on business and civic affiliations, wealth indicators, philanthropic giving, interests, contact information, and networks
• Proactively identify and present new leads during collaborative fundraiser meetings to help build the donor pipelines
• Map relationships and networks to uncover connections between organizations and individuals known to TFI, leveraging strategic introductions to new potential prospects
• Maintain and enhance the accuracy and strategic value of donor information within Raiser’s Edge, ensuring data integrity and continuity across fundraising operations
• Support training and knowledge-sharing efforts by orienting fundraising staff to research tools, data protocols, and best practices in prospect development
• Contribute to the continued evolution of the Franklin Institute’s prospect research function by recommending process improvements, new tools, and methods to increase efficiency and insight generation
• Support operational and administrative tasks as needed

Qualifications:

• Experience: Bachelor's degree or 3–5 years of experience in prospect research, prospect management, fundraising operations, or related fields.
• Analytical Skillset: Demonstrated ability to synthesize data into actionable fundraising insights and present findings clearly and concisely.
• Operational Execution: Proven self-starter capable of managing multiple diverse, deadline-driven projects simultaneously with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong writing and verbal skills with the ability to work independently and effectively across multiple teams.

Language Skills: Ability to effectively present information verbally and to respond to questions from key leaders, donors, and the general public is required. Excellent listening and writing skills are also necessary.

Competencies:

1. Relationship Building: Listens actively and empathizes with donors and the public; invites ideas and involvement from colleagues; seeks and accepts feedback from senior staff, managers, and leaders at TFI.
2. Diversity, Inclusion and Cultural Competency: Values all dimensions of diversity when working with internal and external constituents, and can communicate why TFI values diversity to donors and senior leaders.

Status: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week 

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

Benefits Information: The Franklin Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision, 401K, life insurance and disability coverage. We also offer generous Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and numerous wellness program benefits.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role. 

The Franklin Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or protected veteran status.