[Hiring] Advancement Prospect Manager/Researcher @Abilene Christian University

Role Description

At Abilene Christian University, advancement work fuels lives of purpose, leadership, and service around the world. As Prospect Manager, you’ll play a critical behind-the-scenes role in connecting the university’s mission with the people who make it possible—helping ensure that fundraising efforts are strategic, data-informed, and relationship-driven.

This position partners closely with gift officers, advancement leadership, and the President’s Office to guide donor strategy, strengthen fundraising pipelines, and support campaigns and special initiatives.

What You’ll Do

• Shape Strong Fundraising Portfolios
  • Lead portfolio management for major, principal, and leadership annual giving programs.
  • Assign and balance prospect portfolios to support effective relationship management.
  • Meet regularly with gift officers to review portfolios, assess performance, and refine strategies.
  • Facilitate prospect management meetings with the major gift team every 4-6 weeks.
  • Serve as a strategic thought partner, facilitating planning conversations with gift officers and campus leaders.
• Build and Manage the Donor Pipeline
  • Analyze wealth, giving history, and engagement data to inform prospect strategy and capacity ratings.
  • Lead periodic wealth screening initiatives from audience selection through evaluation and reporting.
  • Partner with the Prospect Researcher to move qualified prospects into active cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Monitor major and principal gift pipelines and review progress with advancement leadership.
• Support the President’s Engagement with Donors
  • Work with advancement leaders and the President’s Office to prioritize prospects for presidential travel.
  • Assist in managing and tracking the president’s donor portfolio.
  • Participate in regular meetings with the president and staff to align strategy and stay informed.
• Contribute to Campaigns and Special Projects
  • Lead prospect evaluation for campaigns, including planning pyramids and progress tracking.
  • Research and vet potential candidates for the Governing Board.
  • Provide timely research support for campus partners and leadership as needs arise.
  • Collaborate with the Prospect Researcher to identify proactive research opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in donor prospect management and research.
• Strong understanding of prospect research and fundraising best practices.
• Experience developing proactive strategies to identify major gift prospects.
• Familiarity with prospect research tools, CRMs, and databases.
• Higher education fundraising experience preferred.
• Collaborative communicator who thrives in a team-oriented environment.

Personal Qualities

• High level of discretion and professionalism with confidential information.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable.
• Curious, analytical, and motivated to learn.
• Able to manage multiple priorities with confidence.

Tools & Training

• Prospect research fundamentals aligned with APRA skill sets.
• Ellucian CRM Advance.
• GiveCampus Gift Officer (GCGO).
• Advanced Excel.
• Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Calendar, Email).
• Online research tools such as Lexis Nexis, DonorSearch, Foundation Search, and emerging AI technologies.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Option to work remotely.
• Standard work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods (6–8 hours/day).
• Occasional lifting of up to 25–30 pounds.
• Occasional optional evening or weekend event support.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision coverage available.
• Company match of up to 8% of employee contributions to 403(b) retirement plan.
• Tuition assistance program for employees and family members.