Prospect Research Analyst

ABOUT THE BSO:
Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the premier orchestras in the world. The BSO is committed to bringing world class music and performances to the local and international communities. The key to our success has been our employees, from the musicians onstage to those behind the scenes.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Development team is expanding, with an additional Prospect Research Analyst to help prepare the BSO for its next fundraising campaign. The Prospect Research Analyst works as a strategic partner with frontline fundraising staff to provide prospect identification and research support, manage portfolios, track prospect activity, and collaborate around prospect strategies. Reporting to the Senior Director of Prospect Strategy and Development, the Analyst proactively works to expand the pool of potential prospects and is timely in responding to research requests from the executive leadership and members of the frontline fundraising staff. This position plays a vital role in prospect research, identification, and analysis to support both the immediate and long-term fundraising goals of the BSO.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conduct research on individuals, corporations, and foundations using a wide variety of prospect research resources and prepare confidential biographical and financial profiles for members of the development staff, senior management, board leadership and key volunteers.
• Prepare short biographies on donors and prospects for multiple events throughout the BSO, Pops, and Tanglewood seasons, ranging from small donor gatherings to large galas.
• Create concise, accurate, and timely research that includes gift and ticket history, financial data, philanthropic priorities, and BSO connections.
•Identify new prospects and make assignment recommendations, working closely with the frontline fundraising staff on collaborative prospect strategy.
• Assess and assign estimated gift capacity ratings and other relevant prospect codes based on research and analysis.
•Monitor requests sent to the research email inbox, respond to requests for research, and evaluate requests to determine the appropriate level of detail required.
• Update and maintain research-related areas of the CRM database, entering new biographical, relationship, and financial information.
• Monitor various sources and leads to identify new prospective donors and uncover additional information on current prospects.
• Assist with coordinating wealth screening and predictive modeling projects and help with analyzing the results.
• Keep abreast of the latest research resources and industry trends through professional development opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree required with 2-4 years of experience in development research, prospect management, fundraising and/or equivalent, preferably in an arts, higher-education, or other non-profit environment.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases and research tools; demonstrated ability to effectively analyze and synthesize a high volume of information. Ability to accurately interpret financial data from a variety of sources.
• Strong writing skills. Must be able to draft concise research documents with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills to handle several projects simultaneously. Meet frequent deadlines and work independently, and as part of a team.
• An innate sense of curiosity and use of creative thinking to make connections while conducting research.
• Ability to be flexible and responsive to changes and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of professionalism and ethical sensitivity to handle confidential information with discretion is essential.
• Knowledge of Tessitura or other CRM databases is desirable.

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

The BSO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.