Job Summary:

The Director of Advancement Research is responsible for providing leadership, strategic vision and planning for the University’s prospect research efforts. The Director manages every facet of research operations in terms of productivity, goal setting, efficiency and value. This position is responsible for identifying industry best practices and ensures that all research is consistently produced and of the highest quality. The Director will establish work procedures, standards and schedules; prioritize and coordinate work requests; and recruit, develop and evaluate performance of team members. Additional responsibilities include introducing, implementing, and maximizing tools/methods to ensure effective prospect identification.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Develops team plans/goals/Key Performance Indicators based on industry standards and internal performance expectations.
2. Fosters an environment of collaboration, cooperation and excellence, including establishing equitable and consistent metrics for team accountability.
3. Oversees a strategic portfolio of research resources, publications and services. Provides ongoing assessment of research methods, goals, and strategies. Keeps abreast of new practices in prospect research, analytics, data mining, and higher education philanthropy.
4. Prioritizes prospect research services in the context of organizational need and availability of resources.
5. Collaborates with Senior Director of Prospect Development and the Prospect Research team to create and implement an annual operational plan and budget that aligns with the department’s overall strategy.
6. Identifies, evaluates and recommends major gift prospects, using quantitative analysis, qualitative review, relationship mapping and other best-practice approaches that maximize portfolio potential and support the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors.
7. Assists with maintaining and entering updated constituent data into University Advancement’s CRM system.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, research, library sciences, data analytics, IT or related
• 5 years’ prospect research experience or similar experience with transferrable skills
• Two years’ supervisory experience

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Master's degree in business, finance, research, library sciences, data analytics, IT or related
• Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• Proficiency in prospect research and extensive experience with information resources including Lexis-Nexis and other research tools.

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of fundraising research techniques and methodology.
• Knowledge Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel).
• Knowledge of wealth indicators.
• Knowledge of digital research tools, database maintenance and retrieval.
• Skill in analytical and organizational techniques.
• Skill in problem solving, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Skill in developing a collaborative and inspiring team approach that is supported by data-centered rigor and a strong emphasis on accountability.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial disclosures for the purpose of wealth assessment.
• Ability to use print and online reference tools.
• Ability to work as a team-oriented strategist.
• Ability to lead and exercise sound judgment, particularly in working with sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work within a CRM (Blackbaud CRM).
• Ability to effectively manage multiple, large, complex projects through to completion.
• Ability to identify trends and patterns in constituent data to drive decision-making.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This is an on-campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.