DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS (DAR)
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Research Specialist
Classification: Development Analyst II
Primary Function
• Identify and profile potential major gift donors to Vanderbilt
University to enhance the university’s fundraising efforts.
• 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.
• Provide guidance and leadership to research analysts and new staff
through formal and informal mentoring activities.
• Provide leadership on an RPD Team or serve as resident specialist on
a research-related subject, such as data-mining, finance, corporate research,
genealogy, library science, etc.
• Achieve proficiency and mastery of APRA Advanced Skills Set.
• Possess high-level of knowledge and understanding of the donor
database.
• Utilize news alerts and push technology to review local and national
news from internet-based sources. Review published periodicals, annual
reports and ranking lists to glean relevant information. Forward relevant
articles/news 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 tasks and 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
• 3 or more years experience in prospect research, university
advancement/development operations, or other relevant experience.
• 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.
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 SC22903.
This position will be posted on the Vanderbilt Human Resources website until
July 30, 2010.
