Advancement Research Officer

About ACUACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Title of PositionAdvancement Research OfficerPosting LocationAbilene Christian University - Abilene CampusDepartmentAdvancementEmployee ClassNon-exempt/Full-timeBasic ResponsibilitiesA. Conduct background and prospect research for the Advancement Department using a variety of resources, both online and print, and prepare reports based on research for review.

B. Strategize with fundraising staff regarding prospect identification, and collaborate with them to develop qualification strategies for major gift donors or foundations and corporations.

C. Organize and reach out to prospects identified by research on behalf of Advancement Officers as needed.

D. Provide additional prospect management support as dictated by the Senior Advancement Researcher/ Prospect Manager.Essential DutiesA. Conduct background and prospect research for the Advancement Department using a variety of resources, both online and print, and prepare reports based on research for review.

1. Manage research requests and create both brief and in-depth profiles based on research needs. 

2. Use analytical thinking and data analysis to provide recommendations to other Advancement Staff members based on research.

B. Strategize with fundraising staff regarding prospect identification, and collaborate with them to develop qualification strategies for major gift donors or foundations and corporations 

1. Meet periodically with gift officers and managers to recommend new potential prospects, and provide deeper insight of prospects to help maintain healthy prospect portfolios.

2. Assist officers with in-depth research when needed to cultivate the prospect relationship.

3. Proactively identify potential prospects that could help achieve Advancement Department or university goals.

C. Organize and reach out to prospects identified by research on behalf of Advancement Officers as needed.

1. Prepare specific lists for review by Advancement and Leadership staff.

2. Use feedback to reach out to prospects by phone or email.

3. Record and maintain statistics on prospect responses.

D. Provide additional prospect management support as dictated by the Senior Advancement Researcher/ Prospect Manager.

E. Perform other duties as needed or assigned. This could include assisting with advancement events, including occasional activities outside normal work hours.

Professional Development RequirementsA. Skills required:

1. Maintain a working knowledge of research tools, the university’s system of record, and other fundraising software.

2. Be proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.

3. Effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

4. Ability to think critically and creatively.

5. Ability to gather, analyze, and verify data from multiple sources.

B. Training modules required:

1. Prospect research basics as outlined by APRA skill sets.

2. Prospect research tools

3. Introduction to all fundraising computer programs being used.

4. Introduction to online research sources.

QualificationsA. Professional

1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Academic training in library science/research considered a plus.

2. General fundraising experience is a plus.

3. Experience managing multiple, concurrent tasks.

4. Knowledge of English grammar with advanced technical writing skills.

5. Strong computer skills and communication skills.

6. Background in online research is a plus.

B. Personal

1. Well-developed interpersonal skills.

2. Organizational and detail skills.

3. Flexibility and discretion.

4. An innate sense of curiosity.

Physical Demands1. May need to lift 25-30 pounds.

2. Will need to bend, stoop or kneel on occasion.

3. Must be able to work at a computer for 8 hours a day.

4. Work between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays except for holidays (see also leave time policy in the Human Resources employee handbook online)Additional InformationACU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.