DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS (DAR)
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:  Research Analyst 
Classification:  Development Analyst II
	
Primary Function
•  Identify and profile potential major gift donors to Vanderbilt University to 
enhance the university’s fundraising efforts, for the University’s medical center.
•  Collaborate and strategize with colleagues, clients and key administrators 
regarding prospect identification.
•  Provide clients with written reports containing analysis of information 
gathered from public sources and recommended courses of action for specific 
donors.
•  Report to the Director of Research and Prospect Development (RPD).

Primary Responsibilities
•  Provide prospect identification and research needs for an assigned group of 
development officers (clients) enabling them to meet and exceed fundraising 
goals.
•  Collaborate routinely with clients to develop prospect identification, 
cultivation, solicitation and overall fundraising strategies.
•  Consult with clients to determine feasibility of research requests and special 
projects.  Negotiate project scopes and deadlines directly with clients.
•  Advise development officers of database segmentation opportunities.  
Design and implement segmentation strategies to uncover new prospects.
•  Identify new prospects using traditional and novel prospect research 
techniques and tools including periodical and electronic resource screening 
and/or information provided by the prospect, his/her organization and or 
peers.  Notify clients of new potential prospects consistent with established 
DAR policies.
•  As requested by clients, provide briefing materials to the chancellor, deans, 
Board of Trust members, and other key university administrators regarding 
major donors/prospects.
•  Possess high-level of knowledge and understanding of the donor database.
•  Review local and national news data from internet-based and published 
periodicals.  Send articles/alerts to clients as appropriate.  
•  Notify data maintenance staff and clients (as appropriate) to new 
prospect/donor information so that it can be appropriately updated in 
Advance.  
•  Safeguard the confidentiality of donor information at all times.  Uphold DAR 
policies regarding confidential information.
•  Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines as indicated by the 
Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) as well as 
university guidelines.
•  Manage special projects as assigned.
•  Produce and deliver service to clients based on departmental product 
standards within agreed upon timelines.
•  Maintain professional working relationships with clients and colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications
•  Experience in university advancement/development operations; specific 
experience in support of an academic medical center or health-related 
organization preferred.
•  Ability to analyze, interpret, synthesize and present complex information 
effectively.
•  Ability to design and implement data-mining initiatives to identify and/or 
stratify potential major gift prospects.
•  Solid judgment, sensitivity, and discretion in handling confidential 
information and situations.
•  Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and staff, particularly in 
support of medical center goals and initiatives.
•  Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, set priorities and meet 
multiple deadlines. 
•  Demonstrated proficiency in usage of electronic research tools and 
techniques, including use of push technology for news alerts.
•  Demonstrated proficiency in efficient and effective internet search 
methodologies.  
•  Demonstrated proficiency in use of computer applications and databases.
•  Knowledge of SunGard Advance database.
•  Exemplary communication, organizational and customer service skills a must.
•  Understanding of HIPAA requirements preferred.

Vanderbilt University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and 
affirmative action.

To apply for this position, go to the following link: http://vanderbilt.jobs/.  
Under “Job Category” select “Professional Non-licensed.”  The position is listed 
as a Development Analyst II, Requisition Number SC20397.  

This position will be posted on the Vanderbilt Human Resources website until 
April 25, 2010.