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Assistant Director of Prospect Research Category:

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Westminster, MD Posted:

Aug 24, 2026

Closes:

Open Until Filled Type:

Full-time Salary Type:

Annually Salary Range:

$53,000.00 - $53,000.00

Position ID:

204076

Share About McDaniel College:

McDaniel College is a four-year, independent college of the liberal arts and sciences offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the original "Colleges That Change Lives," McDaniel emphasizes experiential learning and student-faculty collaboration to develop the unique potential in every student. Represented by the Green Terror, over 20 athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. A student-centered community of 1,600 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students offers access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., plus a European campus in Budapest, Hungary. This position has a budgeted hiring rate of $53,000. The position is classified as an A3. The A3 salary band for all full-time, 12-month positions at the college with this classification have a minimum rate of $45,000 and a maximum rate of $70,312.50. The actual schedule for exempt positions may vary based on the workload and responsibilities assigned. At McDaniel College we value our employees by offering our full-time employees tuition remission, 403B retirement accounts, paid time off, medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and paid maternity and parental leave. For more information about the college's benefits, please click here to review the 2026 benefits guidebook and click here to view 2026 premium rates . Click here to see how McDaniel College employees impact the lives of students.

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Prospect Research and Pipeline Development This position develops and executes proactive prospect identification and qualification strategies to strengthen the donor pipeline and advance fundraising goals. Utilizing prospect research best practices, wealth screening tools, predictive modeling, and data analysis, the role identifies individuals, corporations, foundations, and parent prospects with significant philanthropic potential. The role produces high-quality research materials, including donor profiles, briefing documents, event biographies, and corporate and foundation analyses, while completing a high volume of research requests annually. Working closely with gift officers and advancement leadership, the position supports portfolio development, moves management strategies, leadership volunteer identification, and donor engagement efforts through expert analysis, strategic reporting, and effective use of Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and other research resources. Prospect Intelligence, Analysis, and Data Integrity This role gathers, analyzes, and disseminates prospect intelligence from a variety of internal and external sources to inform fundraising strategy, prospect engagement, and portfolio management. Using multiple research platforms and analytical tools, the position evaluates and validates constituent information, transforming data into actionable insights that support major gift officers and Advancement leadership. The role also ensures the accuracy and strategic value of prospect information, contributes data and analysis for performance reporting and continuous improvement initiatives, and serves as a trusted steward of confidential constituent data, maintaining strict adherence to institutional privacy policies and professional ethical standards. Moves Management Strategy and Portfolio Optimization This position supports the strategic management of the major gift pipeline by analyzing prospect capacity, affinity, and engagement data to recommend portfolio assignments and identify high-value fundraising opportunities. The role helps develop, implement, and track moves management strategies, contributes research-driven insights during prospect strategy meetings, and ensures the accurate maintenance of prospect records and data within Blackbaud Raiser's Edge. Leveraging expertise in prospect management systems, fundraising principles, and industry best practices, the role supports effective portfolio tracking, donor cultivation, and the management of prospects with the capacity to make significant philanthropic investments in the institution. Professional Leadership, Knowledge Sharing, and Continuous Innovation This role leverages emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance prospect identification, research, and analysis while ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and integrity of information. The position provides guidance and training support for prospect research student workers, reinforcing best practices in data quality, ethics, and confidentiality. Additionally, the role actively engages in professional associations and ongoing professional development to stay current on industry trends, research methodologies, data management practices, and technological advancements, applying this knowledge to strengthen Advancement Services operations and drive continuous improvement. Other Responsibilities This position supports the Advancement team's mission by contributing to constituent engagement communications and activities, assisting with institutional priorities as needed, and performing additional responsibilities that advance departmental and college goals. The role participates in major college-wide and constituent engagement events, including Alumni Weekend, Parent and Family Weekend, the Scholarship Luncheon, and the Founders Society Celebration, requiring occasional evening and weekend availability during peak periods when full team support is essential.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible professional experience in prospect research, advancement services, data analysis, or a related area. Experience with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems, including Blackbaud Raiser's Edge. Slate for Advancement experience preferred but not required. Demonstrated expertise with relational databases, CRM systems, reporting tools, and data analysis platforms, including advanced proficiency in spreadsheets and document creation. Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, strategic, and audience-appropriate research materials. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to evaluate data for accuracy, relevance, and strategic value. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Proven ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, in accordance with institutional policies and ethical standards. Working knowledge of government and legal documents; strong understanding of wealth indicators, philanthropic capacity, and outright and deferred giving vehicles strongly preferred. Knowledge of current and emerging trends in prospect research, philanthropy, data analytics, advancement technology, and the use of artificial intelligence tools in prospect research and information gathering. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment that values consensus building, collegial decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Additional Information:

McDaniel College, in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, and employment of students, faculty, and staff in the operation of any of its educational programs and activities. McDaniel College will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of any protected status including protective hairstyle, race, religion, color, ancestry or national origin, disability, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military status, genetic information, marital status, veteran's status, or any other actual or perceived legally protected characteristics.

Application Instructions:

To apply For a complete job description including essential responsibilities and to apply, please visit the college's employment webpage. Completed applications must include a cover letter addressing position qualifications and related experience, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will be open until filled. Please click the Apply Now button below to begin your application. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by