Job Description

Prospect Research Specialist

We are seeking a Prospect Research Specialist to strengthen Buckner International's fundraising strategy by leading data driven prospect identification and evaluation. The role conducts advanced research, analyzes donor capacity and philanthropic behavior, and develops actionable insights that guide portfolio strategy, campaign planning and relationship management. The Specialist oversees the integrity of prospect data, produces strategic research products, and partners with development leaders to inform decision making and drive revenue growth. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others!

What you'll do:

• Lead data mining, wealth analysis, and segmentation strategies to identify high value donor opportunities. Develop targeted queries and analytical models that surface prospects with strong capacity and strategic alignment.
• Conduct comprehensive landscape scans using advanced research tools, industry databases, and public sources to build a robust pipeline of individual, foundation, and corporate prospects aligned with organizational priorities.
• Use online and print resources to research identified prospects and analyze findings.
• Update and manage information in donor information system with research findings, biographical, and financial information.
• Develop high level prospect profiles, briefing materials, and strategic insights that equip fundraisers with actionable intelligence for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship planning.
• Partner with fundraisers, development leadership, and data teams to shape prospect strategy, support portfolio development, and anticipate research needs tied to organizational priorities.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging philanthropic activity, and market shifts. Proactively surface insights that influence strategic planning and portfolio opportunities.
• Adhere to coding standards to track research activity in donor information system to facilitate reporting. Enter research information as needed. Produce reports related to research activity.
• Lead the design and execution of prospect screening initiatives to support campaign planning, board engagement, and long term revenue forecasting.
• Produce prospect screening lists for campaign and development councils as needed. Review information with appropriate development staff. Receive feedback from screening and enter information into donor information system adhering to data standards and reporting needs.
• Review daily, weekly and monthly publications to uncover timely information about prospects, donors, trustees, board members and others to facilitate the cultivation of prospects. Provide information to appropriate development staff.
• Work as a productive and cooperating member of the Buckner Impact Advancement Team to attain established goals and objectives of Buckner International.

What you'll bring:

• Requires in-depth understanding of fundraising philosophies and strategies. Requires ability to define problems, draw conclusions, and make decisions dealing with abstract variables. Knowledge normally associated with attainment of a Bachelor's degree in a related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 35 years of experience in a development or international department that included a comprehensive fundraising program required. Prior related prospect research experience required.
• Requires successful experience working with donor-related information and proficient working knowledge of data management, queries, exports, reporting, and prospect research.
• Requires working knowledge of fundraising and public relations regulations governing individuals, institutions, and employees.
• Knowledge of constituent data management systems; two years' experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success in building strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues and external partners.
• Strong diplomacy, interpersonal, and communication skills with ability to engage effectively across diverse groups.
• Excellent analytical and research skills; able to synthesize complex information and produce actionable results.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in strategic and logistical planning; capable of leading meetings, presentations, and donor engagements.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

About Buckner International: Since 1879 Buckner has been transforming lives through hands-on ministry, serving the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life. Buckner is one of the oldest and most unique faith-based social service organizations of its kind, serving hundreds of thousands of people each year in the United States and around the world. Learn more about our programs and ministry at buckner.org. Buckner is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The same way we treat our employees is how we treat all applicants with respect. Buckner is an equal opportunity employer (EEO is the law). You will be treated fairly throughout our recruiting process and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status in consideration for a career at Buckner.

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