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PROSPECT RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Position Summary

The Prospect Research Specialist at The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) plays a crucial role in supporting The Museum’s fundraising efforts. This position is key to the administration of a systematic, quantifiable, data-driven framework through which the Development department can manage donor and prospect relationships and develop strategies for frontline fundraising. The person in this position will provide comprehensive research on donors; identify, analyze, and prioritize prospects; help design donor segments and pipeline; and maintain a system for donor stewardship and cultivation movements management, tracking, and planning. Reporting to the Director of Development (DoD), this role will directly impact The Museum’s ability to secure vital funding for exhibitions, programs, and initiatives.

The successful candidate possesses strong interpersonal and organizational skills, excellent correspondence style and communication skills, and is adept at developing, handling, and synthesizing large amounts of data from multiple sources. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to gather and interpret data effectively into actionable information for others.

For all positions, The Museum expects an interest in programming and commitment to the mission and core values of The CJM, including its beliefs in anti-racism, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

Position: Prospect Research Specialist
Department: Development
Reports To: Director of Development  
Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-exempt
Location: On-site at The CJM and remote
Compensation range: $35–40 per hour

Essential Job Responsibilities

Research

  • Research, analyze, summarize, and integrate professional, biographical, financial, and philanthropic information on CJM prospects and donors
  • Validate results of internal screening and modeling of prospects’ giving capacity or rating
  • Score and prioritize donor segments for different types of outreach; work closely with frontline fundraisers to build donor pipelines and outreach plans
  • Compose and prepare detailed, accurate research profiles, biographical summaries, and briefings on prospects and funders: individuals, foundations, and corporations
  • Prepare screens of groups of donors and prospect pools for special events, appeals, and campaigns
  • Research new institutional funders and prepare lists of corporate and foundations prospects for specific proposals
  • Identify new prospects through ongoing wealth screenings, predictive modeling reports, and other resources
  • Mine internal databases, external publications, and online resources to identify gift prospects
  • Monitor new research trends and techniques, evaluate new research tools and products, and make recommendations on new resources that seem supportive

Fundraising Movement Planning

  • Based on donor/prospect research and scoring, build data-forward approach to designing The CJM’s donor pipelines, priorities, and tactics in close partnership with frontline fundraising staff
  • Work with DoD to develop fund development plans and goals: quarterly, annual, and long-term
  • Provide data insights and recommendations to inform fundraising strategies
  • Recommend solicitation levels and placements in frontline fundraisers’ portfolios
  • Participate in team meetings and strategy sessions; collaborate with the fundraising team to devise tailored strategies for priority prospects
  • Prepare donor/prospect rosters for appeals, campaigns, and events
  • Develop and record individual donor stewardship and cultivation plans and assist frontline fundraising staff with determining next steps, timeframes, and agendas for outreach
  • Utilize CRM and The CJM’s project management software (Asana) to organize and plan donor stewardship and cultivation across the organization
  • Email donors to schedule appointments with frontline fundraising staff, maintain calendars, provide back office support, and undertake other administrative steps to help implement stewardship and cultivation plans

Database and Administration

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor/prospect profiles and outreach activities within The Museum’s database/CRM system. Ensure data integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive information
  • Assist with data integration across different platforms in partnership with the Gift Processing and Data Management Specialist, and manage The CJM’s donor information system; assist with data integration across different platforms and migration to a new CRM system
  • Provide event briefings, spreadsheet reports, system data, and record upkeep
  • Stay informed about industry trends, philanthropic landscapes, and peer museum activities
  • Support Museum exhibition openings, programs, and fundraising events with check-in and administrative support
  • Perform other administrative and back office duties and assist with special projects as needed by Director of Development and Development department
Qualifications and Experience
  • 2+ years experience as a Prospect Researcher, Analyst, or a similar position applying research methods, procedures, and techniques in fundraising, sales, or finance fields within an arts organization, nonprofit, or corporate setting
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form
  • Proficient in the complete suite of Microsoft Office software products and highly competent in Excel
  • Experience using a CRM, such as Blackbaud Altru or similar, and familiarity with donor research platforms, such as iWave, Windfall, or DonorSearch
  • Demonstrated competency with project management tools like Asana preferable; experience using social media platforms to perform research-related queries
  • Experience in infographics and data visualization is a plus
  • Fundraising campaign experience a plus
  • Enthusiasm for Jewish culture and fundraising
Competencies and Attributes
  • Strong planning and organizational skills to effectively coordinate and prioritize workload; proficiency in managing multiple deadlines
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills; experience in drafting well-written routine correspondence
  • Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive team member able to positively and productively support strategic and tactical initiatives
  • Self-motivated and interested in staying abreast of changes in the field of prospect research and making recommendations based upon both best practices and new, innovative ideas for improving the donor/prospect management system
  • Ability to handle confidential information and potential sensitive situations
  • Able to represent The CJM publicly and professionally with colleagues, donors, visitors, and vendors
  • Available to work occasional nights and weekends when required by special events
Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a keyboard and computer
How to Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to:

The Contemporary Jewish Museum
Email: jobs@thecjm.org
Please indicate “Prospect Research Specialist” in the subject line.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, age, marital or domestic partner status, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, The CJM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.