Assistant Director, Research & Portfolio Management

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation in Annapolis, Maryland is looking to hire a full-time Assistant Director, Research & Portfolio Management, to join the Donor Experience & Strategy Team.

This team integrates the core functions that shape how donors experience and invest in the institution-including Donor Experience (Engagement, Stewardship, Recognition, and Acknowledgement), Development Communications, Campaign Operations, Research & Portfolio Management, and Proposal, Case, and Gift Agreement Development. Together, these areas ensure that donors are identified, inspired, informed, and recognized through a cohesive, data-driven approach that connects philanthropy to impact and align with institutional priorities.

This exempt position reports to the Director, Research & Portfolio Management.

The salary range for this position is $66,912 - $83,640.

This position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and the opportunity to participate in the organization's annual bonus program, when eligible. Bonus awards are discretionary and not guaranteed. You would also be eligible for a generous benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, an FSA, an HSA, a fully-vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, 22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year, 14 paid holidays per calendar year, group life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, identity theft protection, and annual opportunities for professional development. Although not guaranteed, certain additional benefits may be offered through the Naval Academy, such as use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina and indoor/outdoor pools), as well as category II eligibility for employee children to apply to the Naval Academy Primary School.

ABOUT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation is a mission-driven organization dedicated to connecting and supporting alumni and the U.S. Naval Academy community so that the Brigade of Midshipmen and alumni can serve at their full potential for the good of the nation. Our team offices out of the Fluegel Alumni Center, located at 301 King George Street in Annapolis, Maryland, near the U.S. Naval Academy and historic downtown Annapolis. From this beautiful and welcoming setting, we support alumni engagement, philanthropy, events, communications, operations, and administrative services that strengthen the Naval Academy community.

At the Alumni Association & Foundation, our culture is guided by the values of Integrity, Respect, Service, Teamwork, and Growth. We look for professionals who are energized by meaningful work, committed to excellence, and motivated by the opportunity to serve a community grounded in leadership, service, and tradition. If you are inspired by mission-focused work and want to be part of an organization guided by these values, we encourage you to apply. At the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, you will join dedicated colleagues who take pride in supporting the Naval Academy community, strengthening alumni connections, and contributing to work that has purpose and lasting impact

Position Summary

The Assistant Director, Research & Portfolio Management position plays a critical role in advancing the philanthropic growth of the Naval Academy Foundation by delivering data-driven insights, portfolio strategy, and prospect intelligence to support long-term fundraising effectiveness.

This role serves as a strategic partner in optimizing prospect development efforts and portfolio performance across frontline fundraising teams, including Regional Development, Planned Giving, Corporate & Foundation Relations, and Parent Giving. The Assistant Director contributes to building and sustaining a strong pipeline of prospective donors, ensuring that fundraising resources are aligned to maximize long-term impact and institutional priorities.

While the role collaborates across the Enterprise-including Alumni Engagement and Events and other partner teams-priorities are driven by Foundation fundraising objectives. Broader support is provided on a strategic, prioritized basis.

This position is part of an energized and engaged team, all of whom are driven to advance our mission as well as their own professional and personal growth. The team works collaboratively to think strategically, address opportunities and challenges, and continuously improve both team and individual performance.

This position reports to the Director, Research and Portfolio Management and works closely with the Analyst, Research and Portfolio Management to execute key initiatives. The Assistant Director partners directly with frontline fundraisers and Donor Experience & Strategy colleagues to inform engagement strategies, briefing development, and leadership interactions with prospective donors and volunteers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Portfolio Management:

• Portfolio oversight and reviews: Support strategic oversight of the Foundation's prospective donor tracking system, including quarterly portfolio reviews, prospect assignments, portfolio composition, and pipeline development across giving levels
• Prospect pool development: Build and maintain a robust pool of prospective donors for principal, major, planned, and leadership annual giving portfolios, aligned with institutional priorities
• Portfolio analysis: Monitor and analyze portfolio health indicators-including pipeline development, prospect activity, and stage progression-and recommend ways to improve fundraiser performance and portfolio effectiveness
• Portfolio alignment: Adjust portfolios as needed to prioritize high-priority prospects and align assignments with donor capacity, inclination, and institutional priorities
• Moves management: Partner with frontline fundraisers to support disciplined moves management, identify stalled prospects, and recommend strategy adjustments or prospect reassignments
• Strategy and leadership reviews: Help develop and maintain top prospect lists for regular strategy sessions and leadership reviews
• Tools and systems: Serve as a key resource for portfolio management tools, including the CRM, EverTrue, and any future platforms

Research:

• Prospect identification and assessment: Identify, evaluate, and rate prospective donors through comprehensive research and analysis using data, predictive modeling, and prospecting methodologies
• Research profiles and briefings: Produce high-quality, actionable profiles and briefings for senior leadership, development staff, board members, volunteers, and Naval Academy leadership
• Event and engagement research: Prepare research and strategic briefing materials for campaign operations, priority events and engagements, aligning them with fundraising objectives, donor engagement goals, and institutional priorities
• Donor and board engagement briefings: Support briefing development for senior leadership and lead staff involved in donor conversations, and for Foundation and Alumni Association leadership, including briefings for the Nominating Committee and prospective board member engagement
• Research quality and relevance: Ensure all research outputs are accurate, timely, and aligned with strategic fundraising needs
• Prospect monitoring: Monitor news alerts and SEC filings, including IPO registrations, to identify new prospects and developments involving existing prospects

Data & Strategy:

• Campaign strategy: Analyze regional campaign strategies to support leadership planning and decision-making
• Dashboards and reporting: Develop dashboards and reports to guide portfolio management, leadership decisions, and frontline fundraising strategy
• Analytics and segmentation: Apply data analysis and segmentation techniques to identify trends, uncover opportunities, and inform prospect strategy, including developing Engagement and Affinity scores
• Data quality and CRM use: Support data integrity, consistency, and effective use of CRM systems to enable accurate reporting and informed decision

Leadership:

• Ethics and data integrity: Uphold standards for data integrity, confidentiality, and ethical, compliant research practices, including APRA and CASE guidelines
• Strategic collaboration: Contribute to strategic initiatives and cross-functional analysis under the direction of the Director, Research & Portfolio Management
• Professional development: Participate in leadership training and professional development opportunities

Other:

• Additional responsibilities in support of the Research and Portfolio Management team, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience
• 3 – 5+ years in prospect research, fundraising analytics, or advancement services in nonprofits, higher education, or independent schools
• Proficiency in developing proactive prospecting methods using constituent segmentation, data mining, and electronic and peer screenings
• Ability to manipulate, analyze, and synthesize data with data mining tools
• Strong collaboration, analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word, or similar software; knowledge of Power BI and/or Canva helpful
• Knowledge of prospect research tools: i.e. LexisNexis, Donor Search, iWave, Candid, etc.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and project management skills
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and cross-team collaboration skills
• Ability to balance priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Adherence to prospect research standards and ethics
• Grit, optimism, enthusiasm, intellectual rigor, honesty, and humility
• Commitment to growth and professional development; openness to coaching and mentoring.

Due to the collaborative nature of the role and consistent, in-person interaction with Foundation staff, this position is based in Annapolis and is not eligible for a full-time remote working arrangement.

Apply: Please go to https://usna.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ and apply on our website.

The USNA Alumni Association and Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Veterans encouraged to apply