Head of Research & Prospect Management
Post Title: Head of Research & Prospect Management
Status: Permanent
Company: Trinity Development & Alumni
Location: Trinity College, Dublin 2
Sigmar Executive is partnering with Trinity Development & Alumni (TDA) who are recruiting a Head of Research & Prospect Management to support the fundraising team in securing donations for the university’s philanthropic priorities by proactively identifying and qualifying new leads, exploring the existing pipeline, and tracking philanthropic opportunities.
Key Responsibilities of the role:
Strategic Management
Lead the strategic process of identifying, qualifying and tracking potential donors to support the fundraising objectives of the College.
Provide advice, guidance and training on prospect research and identification and prospect management matters. Build and maintain a strong sector network and awareness of innovation and best practice across Research & Prospect Management and stay informed about philanthropic trends in the third-level sector.
Research & Prospect Management
Actively qualify, research and build comprehensive profiles for prospects and donors.
Use both standard and novel prospect research techniques and tools.
Oversee production of and produce targeted research briefs, capacity estimates and other research outputs to influence prospect cultivation and solicitation plans.
Undertake research, due diligence and prospect identification work as required, in particular take responsibility for the more complex tasks undertaken by the team. Review national and international news media, keeping abreast of prospect information, local and regional business developments and economic trends.
Collaborative Leadership
Collaborate with major gift fundraisers to identify opportunities and develop their individual portfolios.
Work with the Regular Giving team to identify major gift prospects in regular giving, mid-level and legacy pipeline.
Working with the Business Intelligence and IT Systems Support team, assess current pipeline reporting to enhance insights, implement continuous improvements and inform fundraising strategy.
Collaborate with other colleagues across TDA – e.g., Alumni Relations, Regular Giving, Communications & Events – to ensure that the prospect identification policy is followed.
Operational Leadership
Ensure successful implementation of prospect research and prospect management strategy through development of annual plans, targets and performance standards within the team.
Ensure accurate records are maintained in the CRM database, embed best practice in CRM usage and develop processes to effectively manage the prospect pipeline.
Prepare regular reports for TDA’s senior management team across all programmes.
Undertake other such duties as may be required from time-to-time by the Director of Development and Deputy Director of Development Services.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Degree or professional qualification in a relevant subject plus experience in a research, prospect management or fundraising operations role.
At least eight years’ experience in a research or research-related environment.
Experience with information resources and publications, including fundraising databases, on-line tools and databases.
Experience of leading and motivating a team to successfully achieve their collective and individual targets.
Demonstratable experience of managing workloads and prioritising competing projects using initiative and judgement without recourse to seniors.
Understanding of, and passion for, the role and value of a university in society.
Skills and Knowledge
Ability to interpret, analyse and summarise detailed biographical, business and financial data.
Proficiency in locating and collating material from multiple sources.
Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with others and engage with colleagues and other College groups.
Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information.
An interest in, and understanding of, major gift fundraising, philanthropic trends, and researching major gift prospects.
Professional knowledge of standard software packages.
What we can offer you
You will be offered an attractive benefits package which includes 28 days annual leave, annual salary increments, hybrid working, and a generous contribution to TDA’s pension scheme (providing for pension, life assurance and prolonged disability pension), in a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
For more information click here.
Application and Appointment Process
To apply submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) along with a covering letter (maximum one page) outlining how your experience and skills fit the role to Roger Duffy, Sigmar Executive Search Consultant to rduffy@sigmar.ie
For further Information please contact Roger Duffy, Mobile: + 353 87 952 6489; Email: rduffy@sigmar.ie
Closing Date
5pm (GMT), Wednesday 7th Feb 2024
Trinity is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from talented people of all backgrounds.