Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Business News, Data Cleaning, Data Collection, Data Quality, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Donor Development, Fundraising, Fundraising Campaign, Internet Research, Leadership, Operations Research, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project Tracking, Record Keeping, Reporting Skills, Research Skills, Sales Prospecting, Stewardship, Strategic Planning, Support Documentation, Team Player, Technical Research, Time Management, User Documentation
Job Description
The ISU Foundation serves as the fundraising and advancement partner of Idaho State University, securing and stewarding private support that strengthens the University's mission and impact. The Foundation is committed to fostering a culture defined by empowerment, appreciation, engagement, and accountability, cornerstones that guide how we work, collaborate, and celebrate success. Our team values trust and shared purpose as we build a strategic and sustainable advancement organization. Together, we cultivate relationships that connect donors, alumni, and partners to the transformative work taking place across the University. Idaho State University and the ISU Foundation are actively preparing to launch a historic and ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign.
The Prospect Research Analyst supports fundraising success through proactive and responsive research, prospect identification, data stewardship, and portfolio support. This role provides timely, accurate, and useful information that helps fundraisers identify, qualify, and engage prospective donors in support of Idaho State University's fundraising priorities.
Working closely with the Senior Prospect Research Analyst, this role helps prepare research, briefing materials, prospect lists, and portfolio information that support fundraiser strategy and decision-making. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is curious, detail-oriented, and interested in growing their skills in prospect research, philanthropy, and advancement operations. The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, comfortable working with information from multiple sources, and able to translate research into clear and practical summaries for fundraiser use.
This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered
Key Responsibilities
Prospect Research and Intelligence
- Conduct proactive and requested research using internal Foundation data, public sources, online research tools, and other vetted resources to identify and evaluate prospective donors and partners.
- Prepare clear, concise, and confidential research profiles, briefing materials, and summaries to support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activity.
- Gather and organize biographical, financial, relational, and philanthropic information to help assess donor interest, affinity, and giving potential.
- Monitor news, business, philanthropic, and institutional developments relevant to assigned projects and share findings that may help inform fundraiser planning and strategy.
Prospect Identification and Fundraiser Support
- Support prospect identification and qualification efforts by developing research lists, reviewing prospect pools, and providing background information for fundraiser action.
- Prepare visit briefings, call sheets, and research updates for development staff and Foundation leadership.
- Respond to fundraiser and team research requests in a timely and professional manner, ensuring clarity, relevance, and confidentiality in all deliverables.
- Support fundraiser portfolio reviews by preparing background research, updating prospect information, and helping maintain accurate and actionable portfolio records.
- Assist with portfolio-related projects by tracking research activity and documenting findings that support fundraising decisions.
Data Quality and Record Support
- Review research and constituent data for completeness, consistency, and accuracy; assist with data cleanup, record maintenance, and database integrity efforts.
- Support the management and maintenance of manual and automated record systems related to prospect research and fundraising operations.
- Assist with data collection, preparation, and reporting to support prospect development activity and institutional goals.
- Document sources and research findings in accordance with Foundation practices, privacy expectations, and professional standards.
Team Collaboration and Support
- Partner with colleagues across the Foundation to support research workflows, prospect development efforts, and shared fundraising goals.
- Contribute to templates, procedures, and documentation that improve consistency and efficiency in research and reporting practices.
- Participate in training, professional development, and learning opportunities to strengthen research methods, technical skills, and knowledge of advancement best practices.
- Support special projects and other related duties as assigned.