Job Description

Prospect Research Specialist

Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change! Why work at Villanova? Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others. Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University's philanthropic supporters as we "keep moving" in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova's comprehensive capital campaign: Espiritus Nova.

The Prospect Research Specialist serves as a key member of the Prospect Development team within the Office of University Advancement (UA). Reporting to the Associate Director of Prospect Research, the Prospect Research Specialist is responsible for providing dedicated project management support for priority research initiatives, including, but not limited to, vetting research (due diligence), key research collaterals prepared for leadership, and the coordination and execution of projects directly related to the identification and qualification of major gift prospects. This position will also be responsible for the completion of various research requests. This position will facilitate multiple research data audits, while exploring opportunities to create new processes by analyzing department needs, in collaboration with the Associate Director and other team members. The Research Specialist will use a variety of internal and external research resources to update information in the UA database and identify new quality major gift prospects. The Specialist will ensure that prospects identified via proactive research and portfolio projects have accurate records. The Specialist will also assist in completing high-volume fundraiser requests, including capacity rating analysis and updated biographical and contact information. Additionally, this position will communicate news alerts to the frontline team, assist with wealth-screening projects and processes, and leverage internal reports in support of research projects while also acting as a liaison between Prospect Research and Advancement Services as it relates to data and records.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values. Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum. Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the vetting process that is a part of the University's policy on naming a University Asset. Work closely with the UA Stewardship team to manage incoming requests and the timely distribution of results, while also monitoring project workflow.
• Manage data integrity audits involving contact information, employment, industry, giving, and biographical updates.
• Ensure that prospects identified through large proactive projects have up-to-date records as they cycle into pipelines and portfolios.
• Assist with record updates and capacity ratings related to portfolio review meetings and new portfolio assignments.
• Act as a liaison between Prospect Research and Advancement Services, particularly as it relates to data, records, and Request For Information (RFI) form submissions.
• Use departmental, University, and external resources, including online tools, to identify updates for constituent records and identify prospective major gift donors.
• Monitor and disseminate regional news alerts to the Frontline Fundraising and Prospect Research teams in an accurate and timely manner.
• Compile, audit, and synthesize data from internal and external reports to assist with wealth screenings and proactive research projects.
• Work in connection with the larger Prospect Research team to analyze and prioritize wealth screening results.
• Provide support for the completion of research requests submitted by the Frontline Fundraising team.
• Assist with research materials, including biographical summaries, that will be prepared for leadership briefings in support of high level events and other campaign activities requiring research.
• Stay current on prospect research industry trends.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned by supervisor, or by Prospect Development and/or Development Operations leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least two years of experience working in an office or administrative setting.
• A general understanding of Development industry standards in the area of prospect research, as well as University structure, policies and practices.
• Some knowledge of Villanova's Augustinian community and mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous prospect research, higher education or nonprofit experience preferred.
• Experience with the integrated software suite, Banner, and Salesforce CRM is a plus.
• Knowledge and understanding of Development industry system applications a plus.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Teams a plus.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Requires the ability to travel (sometimes by foot) to other campus departments as needed, and willingness to travel outside of campus when required. Requires willingness to attend and provide staff support at select special events which oftentimes will take place during evenings and/or weekends.

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