Director, Development Operations and Prospect Research

Title: Director, Development Operations and Prospect Research

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Salary Range: $95,000-$115,000

EMBARC BACKGROUND

Embarc’s mission is to cultivate post-secondary success by inspiring students to build their social capital, stretch the boundaries of their neighborhood, alter their world view, and seize opportunities in school and life. Embarc is regarded as one of the most exciting nonprofits in Chicago that specializes in combining a robust 3-year curriculum with immersive, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to multiple sectors of the Chicago community to drive academic skills and close the opportunity gap.

Since inception in 2010, Embarc has served nearly 10,000 students who have achieved an average 95% graduation rate and 90% overall postsecondary success. Embarc has grown from serving 25 students in 2010 to nearly 4,000 students in the 2022-2023 school year in 17 high schools across Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

POSITION OVERVIEW

Embarc is looking for a dynamic leader to join its team.

The Director, Development Operations and Prospect Development is a critical role at Embarc, focused on supporting fundraising efforts through strategic donor research, prospect identification, and operational efficiency. They ensure the development team has the data, tools, and insights necessary to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors effectively.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Prospect Research and Analysis

• Lead efforts to Identify and Qualify Prospects: Conduct research to identify potential major donors, foundations, corporations, and other funding sources.
• Wealth Screening: Utilize wealth screening tools and databases to assess donor capacity, interests, and giving potential.
• Data Analysis: Analyze data to segment donors and prospects by giving history, interests, and capacity to inform cultivation strategies.
• Prospect Profiles: Create prospect profiles, including biographical data, philanthropic history, and financial capacity.
• Market Research: Stay informed on fundraising trends, donor behavior, and philanthropic giving patterns.

II. Donor Pipeline Management

• Moves Management: Lead the Development Team's moves management process for donor interactions, and provide strategic research to build a strong major gift prospect pipeline.
• Pipeline Tracking: Maintain a comprehensive system to track prospects through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process.
• Portfolio Management: Collaborate with fundraisers to ensure balanced and optimized prospect portfolios.

III. Data Management and Reporting

• Database Oversight: Manage and maintain all fundraising revenue and activities in the donor database (e.g. Raiser’s Edge) to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Data Hygiene: Regularly clean and update donor records to reflect accurate contact information, giving history, and engagement data.
• Reporting and Analytics: Lead the analysis of fundraising metrics, donor engagement trends, and campaign performance by generating and reviewing reports and dashboards.
• Impact Reporting: Collaborate with appropriate team members to provide donors with updates on how their contributions support the organization’s mission, through newsletters, emails, or reports.
• Reconciliation: Collaborate with the Finance team to conduct monthly reconciliations and update the annual fundraising projections forecast.

IV. Systems and Tool Optimization

• CRM Management: Serve as the primary administrator for the organization’s CRM, ensuring staff can effectively use the system.
• Technology Integration: Oversee the integration of donor management systems with other tools, such as email marketing platforms, wealth screening services, and event software.
• Process Improvement: Develop and refine workflows to enhance the efficiency of prospect research and fundraising operations.

V.Collaboration Within and Across Departments

• Strategic Partnering: Work closely with fundraisers to align research efforts with campaign priorities and individual donor strategies.
• Training and Support: Provide training to staff on donor research tools, CRM usage, and data management best practices.
• Campaign Support: Contribute to campaign planning by identifying high-potential prospects and facilitating advising sessions on data-driven strategies.
• Internal Communications: Develop and foster clear and efficient communication streams with other departments (e.g. Finance and Data) to ensure accuracy on reporting and in order to conduct prospect research through an informed lens.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, COMPETENCIES

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (Business, Nonprofit Administration, Public Administration, Communications)
• Experience: 5-7 years of relevant experience in Development Operations and Prospect Research
• Research Expertise: Proficiency in prospect research tools (e.g., iWave, WealthEngine, DonorSearch) and techniques.
• Data Analytics: Strong ability to interpret data and create actionable insights to support fundraising goals.
• CRM Management: Experience with donor management systems like Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar platforms.
• Detail-Oriented: High attention to detail in managing data accuracy and creating prospect profiles.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Excel, data visualization tools, and database querying.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to prioritize research efforts and align them with organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with fundraisers, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Discretion: Commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of donor information.
• Mission Alignment: Passion for education and the organization’s mission.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter as a single .pdf to careers@embarcchicago.org to be considered. Only candidates who are being moved forward to consideration should expect a personal reply from Embarc.

Embarc is an equal opportunity employer. Embarc evaluates applicants for employment on the basis of qualifications, merit, and work related criteria without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth, medical condition, marital or familial status, family responsibilities, veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, matriculation, or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of such status.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

APPLICATION PROCESS

When applying for employment at Embarc, candidates should expect to participate the following process:

• Phone interview - 30 minutes
• Work sample request with 5 business day turnaround time
• In person interview - 60 minutes
• Field experience or collaborative team activity - 60 or 90 minutes
• Reference check

We reserve the right to add to this process at our discretion depending on the position and the number of applicants.