The Development Researcher works closely with Department staff to enhance Lehighs fundraising efforts by: assisting in the identification of new prospects; preparing research reports and profiles; vetting and creating news alerts for major gifts; and provides both proactive and reactive prospect research services for Development and Alumni Relations.

1. Research and analysis
   
   
   
   • Compile and analyze detailed biographical and asset data on individuals to determine gift capacity, Lehigh affinity and philanthropic giving and updating the database accordingly; investigate the prospect's financial status, including stock holdings, salary, real property and community philanthropy; researches history of relationship, contacts and philanthropy with Lehigh University
   
   
   • Identify and access all pertinent reference and library sources, including hard-copy and on-line references, Lehigh University Archives, and local and national libraries; identify and obtain detailed financial disclosures, including: SEC shareholder filings, IRS 990 filings, proxy statements, corporate annual reports, property records, and corporate and biographical references; biographical sources include: reference books, on-line articles and internal confidential files; identify and access a variety of proprietary databases and various Internet sites; using creativity, initiative, and judgment, determine and locate additional sources of prospect information
   
   
   • Review, analyze, and synthesize data as it relates to the fundraising strategy; determine information pertinent to prospects potential, propensity to give and the solicitation process; verify facts; resolve discrepancies between various sources; identify philanthropic patterns, tendencies, and relationships among individuals, and family foundations
   
   
   • Using wealth and data analytic screenings, validate and qualify those with the potential to make major gifts
   
   
   • Provide counsel to Gift Officers regarding the interpretation of prospect research data
   
   
   • Assist in the proactive identification through projects and resource-based identification efforts
   
   
   • Create, vet and maintain news articles on key Major Gift Prospects
   
   
   • Adhere to and keep abreast of current best practices in Development Research, including maintaining the confidentiality of donor data and handling all data in a discrete and ethical manner
   
   
   • Assist on special projects and perform other duties as assigned
   
   
   
   


2. Prospect profile and briefing development
   
   
   
   • Compose and edit written summary and briefing reports on Major Gift Prospects for the Deans of Colleges
   
   
   • Collaborate with the Gift Officer and be a participant in the evolution of the profile writing process
   
   
   • Translate complex corporate and asset-based language into easily comprehensible terms
   
   
   • Use appropriate and standard grammar, style and content tailored to the audience
   
   
   
   


3. Project management for key research initiatives
   
   
   
   • Manage wealth screening project for the incoming parents and analyze and communicate results to appropriate staff
   
   
   • Serve as a Project Manager on projects as assigned by the Associate Director of Research
   
   
   • Collaborate with Gift Officers and Development and Alumni Relations partners on the structure, process and deliverables of these projects; keep key players abreast of project progress and any changes in deliverables
   
   
   
   

1. Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience


2. One to three years related work experience


3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


4. Solid writing ability and organizational skills


5. Solid analytical, decision making and problem solving skills


6. Solid computer skills with experience using word processing and spreadsheet software


7. Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, county and national criminal background checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance. Based upon the requirements of the position Lehigh may also request credit history reports, motor vehicle checks and professional license/certification verification

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