Manager of Prospect Development and Research

The Manager of Prospect Development and Research will serve as a strategic partner in shaping and executing the Whitney’s Advancement Operations prospect development and research program. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Operations, the Manager will ensure that fundraising portfolios, pipeline tracking, and prospect research are aligned with institutional priorities. This role combines insightful analysis, systems thinking, and collaboration across teams to support data-informed fundraising strategy.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Advance the Whitney’s prospect development program by partnering across Advancement to implement clear policies, procedures, portfolio frameworks, and data standards including systems for prospect identification, qualification, and portfolio assignment.
• Proactively identify, qualify, and prioritize new prospects across donor constituencies to expand and strengthen the prospect pool.
• Support the Director of Advancement Operations in leading portfolio and pipeline review meetings, providing actionable analysis to guide fundraiser activity and align portfolios with goals.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking proposals, moves management, and portfolio performance, ensuring data accuracy and visibility across teams.
• In partnership with Business Systems, oversee strategy and implementation of wealth screening and analytics projects, ensuring insights are integrated into CRM system and inform portfolio and campaign strategies ensuring data accuracy, visibility, and the consistent tracking of key performance metrics.
• Produce prospect briefings and capacity analyses that support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Conduct board and committee candidate research and share relevant prospect intelligence with Advancement leadership.
• Stay current on best practices, emerging tools, and trends in prospect research and data management, with a particular focus on the use of AI to enhance prospecting, analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 3-5 years’ experience in prospect development, research and/or advancement operations; experience in museums or cultural institutions a plus.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to synthesize biographical, financial, and philanthropic information.
• Experience with fundraising CRMs (Raiser’s Edge preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and work collaboratively across multiple teams.
• Proven discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Self-starter with intellectual curiosity and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary range of $75,000 - $83,000 per annum
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
• Generous PTO benefits
• Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
• Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
• Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
• This position may be covered by UAW Local 2110