Associate Director, Prospect Research

Harvard Medical School (HMS) seeks an Associate Director of Prospect Research to play a key role in advancing our fundraising strategy through high-quality pipeline development, prospect research, due diligence, and data driven insights. Reporting to the Director of Development/Prospect Research, the Associate Director helps to develop proactive prospecting and pipeline development strategies utilizing data mining, predictive modeling, relationship mapping, and assists the team in effectively utilizing data and modern tools—including AI enabled solutions—to work more efficiently and effectively.

The ideal candidate is an experienced research professional who is comfortable working with large datasets; has strong analytical and writing skills; exercises excellent judgment around reputational risk; and is curious about how emerging technologies can responsibly support research and decision making.

Key Responsibilities:

Prospect Management and Pipeline Development

• Partner with the Director of Research to strengthen and expand the prospect pipeline through the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of high-potential donor prospects using evolving research tools, screening resources, and data analytics.
• Develop and implement proactive prospecting and pipeline development strategies utilizing data mining, predictive modeling, relationship mapping, and wealth and affinity analysis to identify new major and principal gift prospects and support data-driven portfolio growth and fundraising strategy.
• Collaborate closely with principal and major gift officers to identify, qualify, and strategically advance prospects through the fundraising pipeline in alignment with institutional priorities and fundraising goals.
• Partner with and participate in prospect strategy discussions with frontline fundraising teams to support portfolio development and prospect strategy by providing actionable research, analysis, and recommendations on donor capacity, inclination, interests, and engagement.

Prospect Research and Strategic Insight

• Conduct in depth research on current and potential donors, including biographical, business, philanthropic, and financial information.
• Prepare clear, concise, and well-organized research products (profiles, briefings, memos, landscape scans) for senior leadership and frontline fundraisers.
• Analyze wealth indicators and philanthropic behavior to estimate giving capacity and identify strategic opportunities for principal and major gift cultivation.
• Monitor news, public filings, and other sources to keep stakeholders informed of developments affecting key prospects and donors.

Due Diligence and Reputational Risk

• Lead or oversee due diligence reviews on high-priority prospects and institutional partners, with attention to litigation, regulatory actions, sanctions and watchlists, corruption and fraud, and other activities that may conflict with HMS’s mission and values.
• Summarize findings in balanced, evidence-based assessments that clearly distinguish fact from allegation, convey levels of risk, and outline any ambiguities or limitations.
• Collaborate with Development leadership and other campus partners on the integration of due diligence into gift acceptance and prospect strategy decisions.

Data, Analytics, and Use of AI Tools

• Work with Development Technology colleagues to extract, clean, and interpret data from the fundraising database and related systems to support prospecting, portfolio analysis, and campaign planning.
• Use Excel and other tools (e.g., SQL, R, Python, or similar) to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and develop reports that inform prospect identification and portfolio management.
• Thoughtfully incorporate AI tools (for example, large language models, GPTs/Gens, and other generative AI applications) to assist with tasks such as summarizing long documents, scanning open-source media, organizing notes, and drafting initial language.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.  
• 5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in prospect research, due diligence, analytics, consulting, financial analysis, journalism, or a closely related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data.
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., formulas, pivot tables, data cleansing). 
• Experience querying, exporting, and interpreting data from a CRM or fundraising database (familiarity with Advance helpful).
• Demonstrated experience conducting comprehensive research using public records, news databases, business and financial filings, and specialized research tools. 
• Proven ability to synthesize complex information into clear, succinct written products tailored to senior audiences. 
• Demonstrated experience handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity. 
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. 
• Experience with SQL and at least one statistical or scripting language (e.g., R or Python) for data analysis and modeling. 
• Experience with data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or similar). 
• Familiarity with AI enabled tools and a track record of using them thoughtfully to enhance, rather than replace, human research and judgment. 
• Prior responsibility for due diligence or reputational risk assessments in a fundraising, legal, compliance, or corporate environment. 
• Experience with advancement databases (e.g., Blackbaud, Salesforce, Ellucian Advance, or similar).

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.