Prospect Researcher

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.

Reporting to the Director of Advancement Operations and Gift Planning, the Prospect Researcher will support Cranbrook Educational Community’s (CEC) Advancement Team by providing detailed research and data that will inform donor outreach and strategic plans to further fundraising goals related to charitable and sponsorship revenues from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. They will also provide assistance with the portfolio assignment and review process with the goal of advising CEC fundraisers on the optimization of their portfolios and the achievement of their fundraising goals.

• →Develop and implement a comprehensive and effective prospect research system, including management of research tools and processes.
• →Train, as needed, on the use of research tools, collection, and recording of information to ensure data integrity, database proficiency, and consistency and support a high level of confidence in resulting profiles, ratings, and reports.
• →Assist with the development of training curriculum and materials for the Advancement Team related to prospect research policies, procedures, systems, and applications.
• →Safeguard the confidentiality of donor information and adhere to the ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both the CEC and APRA.
• →All other responsibilities and tasks assigned by the Director of Advancement Operations and Gift Planning.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a related field, such as Journalism, History, English, Business, or Library Science.
• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in prospect and donor research.
• Comprehensive understanding of the tools utilized, and the fundamentals involved with fundraising research.
• Experience with DonorSearch and Blackbaud products, specifically RENXT and Research Point, preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills, high-level organizational and computer skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of the tools utilized, and the fundamentals involved with fundraising research.
• Ability to produce concise research documents with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage deadlines.
• Experience with web platforms will be favorably considered.

• Experience working in a higher-education or major cultural institution setting.
• Experience working in a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
• Familiarity with financial information, including proxy statements, annual reports, SEC documents and stock holdings.
  
  

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.