College of Engineering and Wisconsin School of Business
The University of Wisconsin Foundation is seeking an experienced research
professional to join the UWF research team, which is composed of five Directors
of Development-Research who work closely with assigned constituencies in
proactive and reactive development research efforts. This position will support
the advancement research needs of the Business and Engineering units which
consist of eight directors of development and two development coordinators. This
is a full time position reporting to the Managing Senior Director of
Development, Research.
Major Responsibilities:
Proactive Research Duties
- Identify new prospects, corporations and foundations from published print
sources, electronic media, and news alerts. Strategically communicate the
results to appropriate research and development staff.
- Work collaboratively with development staff to understand the specific needs
of the unit or constituency. This includes proactively analyzing data, trends
and giving patterns to facilitate efficiency and the organization of development
efforts, travel and management of prospect portfolios.
- Track top prospects/donors, corporations and foundations through the use of
news alerts and effectively communicate the results to appropriate staff.
- Work with Research Assistant to ensure prospect records are updated and
tracked.
- Review publications to uncover current information about higher education,
philanthropy, and trends in various constituency fields. Disseminate this
information to appropriate development staff.
- Work with Research Assistant to gather background and updated contact
information on new prospects to ensure prospect records are updated
promptly.
Reactive Research Duties
- Collect and analyze relevant information on corporations, foundations, and
individuals.
- Interpret financial information from SEC documents, corporate press
releases, real estate records, private company data and other market indicators
to assess viability and potential capacity.
- Prepare short biographies and briefs as well as full profiles on
corporations, foundations, and individuals.
- Respond to ready reference questions from UWF staff.
- Complete special projects as assigned.
- Communicate results to appropriate development officers.
Participate as a member of Research Team and assigned vice-presidential
group
- Attend and participate in weekly research meetings and yearly offsites.
- Attend and participate in development group meetings on a regular
basis.
- Participate in organization-wide committees, task forces or other
appropriate groups.
Professional Development
- Participate in at least one appropriate professional development conference,
continuing education course, or workshop per year.
- Present information on prospect research function during staff training and
orientation sessions.
- When applicable, share prospect research expertise with development officers
and researchers at other organizations.
Evaluate Research Resources (separate from UWF library sources)
- Participate in the annual evaluation of current research department
subscriptions to see if services should be renewed, modified, or
discontinued.
- Identify and evaluate, in collaboration with the Research team, new research
sources and tools to see if information and services provided are worthwhile and
cost effective.
- Evaluate “free” web sources and share results with other researchers.
- Recommend research information sources and other tools for subscription
renewal, new purchase, or as an addition to regularly used free web
sources.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a bachelor degree in Library Science, Journalism, Business or
other related field; advanced Library Science degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum of one year’s experience in information or prospect research.
- Experience using a variety of on-line sources such as LEXIS-NEXIS, the
Internet, and business databases such as Dun & Bradstreet or Hoovers.
- Ability to prioritize and work with a high degree of independence, manage
several projects simultaneously, set priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work well as part of a team. High degree of customer service
skills.
- Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills, including ability to express
all appropriate information clearly and concisely, whether written or
verbal.
- Understanding of basic financial principles and an unwavering attention and
commitment to matters of discretion and confidentiality.
To apply, please send a letter summarizing relevant background, your resume
and salary expectations by April 29 to:
Mia
Kahl
Human Resources
University of Wisconsin Foundation
hr@supportuw.org
|