Prospect Research & Strategic Cultivation Manager

Are you data-driven with an interest in qualitative donor research?

Do you have strong project management skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities?

Do you want to join a friendly team that is encouraged to have an innovative, passionate, and entrepreneurial spirit driving their work?

If you answered yes to all these questions, check out the Prospect Research & Strategic Cultivation Manager opening at ArtsWave.

The arts make our region an amazing place to live. To ensure the arts were supported in perpetuity, Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. and Anna Sinton Taft founded the organization now known as ArtsWave in 1927. The Tafts believed that Cincinnati could truly distinguish itself through its arts and cultural assets. They offered a $1 million endowment if the community could match it with $2.5 million. Nearly 3,500 community members responded to the challenge, and the endowment was created.

Now, ArtsWave is the primary source of funding for the region’s arts, as well as the nation’s largest community campaign for arts funding. As ArtsWave prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2027, we are inviting our loyal donors and families connected to the original 3,500 donors to make a current or planned gift to ArtsWave’s endowment to fuel the next 100 years of arts.

We are looking for candidates who want to work in a fun, results-driven, dynamic nonprofit organization that is committed to drive a more vibrant economy and connected community through the power of the arts.

To be successful in this role, you will be an excellent communicator who is proactive and invigorated by learning and problem-solving. You will be responsible for researching and building prospect portfolios for ArtsWave’s 100th anniversary endowment fundraising appeal and tracking success.

The essential functions of the Prospect Research & Strategic Cultivation Manager are:

Support the ArtsWave 100 Endowment Appeal

• Research the connection between our founding/initial donors and our living donors/prospects, with a focus on identifying and qualifying prospects for the ArtsWave 100 endowment effort
• Collaborate with the Gift Planning Director to organize and prioritize prospects for campaign volunteers and staff
• Working with the Gift Planning Director and Marketing team, research and write interview questions and narratives to develop compelling ArtsWave donor legacy stories for an ArtsWave anniversary microsite
• Support related ArtsWave 100 events to ensure well executed and meaningful engagement opportunities for donors and prospects

Moves Management

• Oversee donor progression from initial contact to qualified prospect for major and planned giving asks
• Track ArtsWave 100 and related activity and events and manage follow up and stewardship next steps in ArtsWave’s CRM system
• Work with IT Director on creating and updating CRM queries and reports that inform action
• Maintain awareness of ArtsWave’s key events and initiatives to ensure touchpoints are meaningful and aligned with ArtsWave strategic priorities
• Develop and maintain reports to track progress and communicate prospect status

The skills and experience required for this role include:

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and reasonably adapt in a results-driven, dynamic environment
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office 365 applications and proven success managing donor/customer database platforms to manage prospects
• Experience with data analysis and reporting, using metrics to drive decision-making and measure campaign impact
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently with minimal supervision
• Passion for the arts and a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment where all individuals can access and engage with our organization's programs and services
• Ability to listen to and appropriately respond to feedback with a commitment to continuous improvement
• High level of integrity, discretion, and a passion for the organization’s mission and vision
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, data analytics, nonprofit management, or a related field or commensurate hands-on experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or sales

ArtsWave values both formal education and hands-on experience and skills. We understand that formal education offers a foundational knowledge base and theoretical understanding, while experience brings this knowledge to life. Skills and competencies gained through direct experience can significantly complement and, in some cases, surpass academic credentials. Therefore, we list educational thresholds and years of experience, while making demonstrated ability and proficiency in acquiring new skills our primary focus. 

This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the Gift Planning Director. ArtsWave has a hybrid policy in place with a work schedule that will normally be Monday through Friday and includes occasional weekend or evening events/meetings. Per the hybrid policy, employees are eligible for remote work after successful completion of their first 90 days. This role may require occasional travel to other locations and attendance at events and meetings.

ArtsWave offers competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 7% employer match, paid time off, and paid parking.

The starting salary range for the position is $56,000 - $67,200 annually, commensurate with experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

To Apply

Send resume and cover letter in one document to hroffice@artswave.org. Please use the words "Prospect Research" in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. No calls, please.

This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the Gift Planning Director. ArtsWave has a hybrid policy in place with a work schedule that will normally be Monday through Friday and includes occasional weekend or evening events/meetings. Per the hybrid policy, employees are eligible for remote work after successful completion of their first 90 days. This role may require occasional travel to other locations and attendance at events and meetings.

ArtsWave offers competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 7% employer match, paid time off, and paid parking.