Description

The Director of Prospect Research and Management

 

Mission:

The Director of Prospect Research and Management will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a state-of-the-art prospect research function at IDEA Public Schools. This leader will design and implement a prospect and donor management system that leverages prospect research tools and IDEA’s CRM (Salesforce) to provide frontline fundraisers, the grants team, and executive leadership with strategic insights around funding priorities while keeping them attuned to donor interests, aware of key cultivation and stewardship touchpoints, and strategically prepared for constituent engagement.
This position reports to the Managing Director of Advancement and Grant Services and will play a key role in maximizing IDEA Public Schools’ philanthropic potential through data-driven donor identification, engagement strategies, and portfolio management best practices.
 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Director of Prospect Research and Management will directly manage:

Assistant Director of Gift ProcessingDatabase Engagement ManagerData Manager

This individual will provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic oversight to ensure effective prospecting, donor pipeline management, and CRM optimization.
 

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:    

Minimal travel may be required for in-person meetings or collaboration with internal stakeholders, estimated at less than 10% annually. 

 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

 

Essential Duties:

Prospect Research & Donor Management Strategy

Develop and implement a best-in-class prospect research program, identifying and qualifying individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.Oversee the creation and dissemination of detailed donor research reports, wealth screenings, and profiles to support frontline fundraising efforts.Utilize Salesforce to design a comprehensive donor management system that tracks relationships, engagements, and giving capacity.Establish a moves management framework to track the donor pipeline, ensuring fundraisers are strategically engaging prospects at the right time.Analyze giving trends, philanthropic interests, and capacity indicators to inform fundraising strategies.Stay up to date with industry best practices in prospect research, data analysis, and donor management technology.
 

Portfolio & Pipeline Management

Oversee the assignment and management of donor portfolios, ensuring equitable and strategic distribution among fundraisers.Collaborate with the major gifts team and grants team to provide insight into top prospects and alignment with IDEA’s funding priorities.Develop and maintain customized dashboards and reports within Salesforce to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to donor engagement and solicitation outcomes.Regularly assess and recalibrate portfolios to ensure an active pipeline of high-potential donors.

 

Collaboration & Compliance

Work closely with Finance, Compliance, and Research & Analysis (R&A) teams to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of donor contributions.Partner with leadership to prepare briefings and intelligence reports ahead of donor meetings.Coordinate and perform portfolio reviews and revisions with all portfolio holders on an annual basis.Develop and enforce policies and procedures related to prospect research, donor confidentiality, and data security.
 

Process Optimization & Knowledge Management

Optimize Salesforce CRM to ensure accurate donor records, tracking, and reporting capabilities.Provide ongoing training and support to fundraising teams on best practices in donor engagement and relationship management.Monitor industry trends and recommend improvements to enhance IDEA’s prospect development efforts.
 

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

 

Make Strategic Decisions: This leader is responsible for guiding the decision-making process within the team. They foster a collaborative environment where team members contribute to decision-making, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and team consensus is built when appropriate. Manage Work and Teams: This leader is responsible for the overall performance and cohesion of their team. They build operating mechanisms, establish strategic plans, and implement project management systems that ensure that their team operates smoothly and achieves its targets. Grow Self and Others: This leader is responsible for fostering a culture of growth within the team. They create opportunities for team learning, facilitate team development sessions, and ensure that team members have the resources and support they need to grow professionally. Build a Culture of Trust:  This leader is responsible for ensuring team members feel safe to express their ideas and concerns. They proactively address conflicts and facilitate open communication, setting the standard for trust and safety within the team. Communicate Deliberately: This leader prioritizes open channels of communication on their team. They facilitate team meetings, ensure clear dissemination of information, and encourage feedback loops within their teams to promote understanding and cohesion. 

 

Additional Skills:

Expertise in prospect research methodologies, wealth screening tools, and donor analytics.Strong proficiency in Salesforce (or equivalent CRM), data visualization tools, and research platforms (e.g., iWave, LexisNexis, DonorSearch, ResearchPoint).Advanced knowledge of moves management strategies and donor cultivation best practices.Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience coaching and developing professionals in donor research and database management.Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into actionable fundraising strategies.Exceptional organizational and project management skills, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate research insights effectively.Knowledge of philanthropic trends, donor motivations, and nonprofit fundraising strategies.
 

Required experience:

Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, data analytics, or a related field is a plus.Minimum of 7 years of experience in prospect research, donor relations, or advancement services.Proven experience in database management, CRM optimization, and predictive modeling for fundraising.Strong track record in designing and implementing a prospect management system within a nonprofit or education setting.Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with fundraising professionals.
 

 

Physical Requirements:

This is a mostly sedentary position.The ability to move in construction sites for events and tours.The ability to help set up for events (e.g., fundraising, organization-wide, team events, etc.). 

 

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $98,200 and $115,900, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

  

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

 

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

 

 

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

 

 

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values

 

 

 

 

 

 

IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at (956) 377-8000.