Reporting to the Director, Institutional Gifts and Stewardship, the Prospect and Research Associate will be responsible for conducting online and print research for the identification and subsequent qualification of prospective donors (individuals, corporations, foundations and government agencies), with a view to maximizing their support for the Gallery.
The Prospect and Research Associate will provide written reports about specific donors and prospects, containing an analysis of information gathered from public sources as well as the Vancouver Art Gallery’s database. The incumbent is expected to use initiative and sound judgment in carrying-out related responsibilities within the framework of Development policies and procedures. He/she will strategize with development staff regarding prospect identification, and collaborate to develop donor prospect reports appropriate to departmental needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assume primary responsibility for meeting the prospect identification and research needs of the Gallery’s development staff, enabling them to meet fundraising goals. Meet regularly with these individuals, keeping abreast of their activities and the initiatives and programs underway within their areas of responsibility.
- Regularly collaborate with development staff to identify prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation processes, and overall fundraising strategies.
- Utilize central development database to track/store profile data.
- Provide support to major gift fundraising staff using the Prospect Management system, which will involve training, user documentation, and adherence to guidelines and policies. Ensuring that accurate and thorough information is maintained about relationships with potential major gift prospects.
- Coordinate clearance requests, implement/maintain procedures for review and ensure advancement of requests. Create, maintain and search databases and manipulate data to produce lists, mailing labels and merged letters, and advise staff about new prospect possibilities as appropriate.
- Use both standard and novel prospect research techniques and tools to identify new prospects and complete donor background requests, including electronic screening and/or information provided by the prospect or his/her organization.
- Create profile reports tailored to the needs of individual development programs.
- Review local and national news and business publications, keeping abreast of prospect information and local and regional business developments and economic trends. Send relevant articles to development staff as appropriate.
- Maintain and develop professional relationships with local prospect researchers, as well as national and local associations.
- Manage online research information services and negotiate annual contracts.
- Safeguard the confidentiality of donor information at all times.
- Perform other responsibilities as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience in prospect research in the not-for-profit sector, with a demonstrated proficiency in prospect management and data analysis, and an understanding of the cultivation cycle and the role of prospect research at each stage of cultivation.
- Demonstrated ability and persistence to identify unknown sources.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong investigative and analytical abilities.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy, an aptitude for logical thinking, a commitment to professional ethics, and the ability to interact constructively with development staff.
- Extensive computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft office software, database software, Internet research, etc.
- Strong organizational, problem solving and time management skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a positive, helpful attitude.
- Team oriented with the ability to work independently; ability to take initiative and exercise good judgment while meeting numerous deadlines.
- Proven ability to prioritize a large volume of work in a fast-paced, high performance team environment.
- Flexible, able to work under pressure and to respond swiftly to changing priorities.
SALARY: Pay Grade 25 $29.31 per hour
HOURS: 35
Please submit your resume by October 10, 2014 to Debra Nesbitt, Director of Human Resources, Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Fax: 604-682-1086 or email hr@vanartgallery.bc.ca.