Associate Director - Prospect Research

Overview

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.  As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions.  

Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as a representative office in Beijing and affiliate offices in New Delhi (through NRDC’s wholly owned for-profit subsidiary, NRDC India Private Limited) and London (through its UK-based partner NRDC International). 

Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org 

POSITION SUMMARY  

NRDC is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Associate Director of Prospect Research to lead the Prospect Research function within the Prospect Management and Research team. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role is responsible for leading the identification, analysis and strategic assessment of philanthropic prospects and donors to support NRDC’s fundraising priorities. This role will partner closely with the Senior Director and Development Leadership to provide actionable intelligence that informs the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for NRDC. 

The Associate Director will directly manage a team of three to four research professionals and will oversee all prospect research output, as well as enhance existing prospect research functions and ensure the delivery of high-quality research to maximize fundraising effectiveness. This position combines strategic leadership, analytical expertise and a deep understanding of philanthropy and wealth indicators while fostering a strong collaborative relationship with prospect management colleagues and frontline fundraisers. 

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions: 

Strategy and Leadership 

• In collaboration with the Senior Director, lead the Prospect Research team by setting priorities, workflows, and quality standards aligned with divisional and departmental goals. 
• Coordinate and manage departmental research projects including the implementation of annual research activities as well as the evaluation of potential new projects for the team to take on.   
• Serve as a thought leader and partner with the Senior Director and Associate Director, Prospect Management to scale up research processes and building consensus with stakeholders.  
• Lead engaging product demonstrations, training sessions, or public-facing webinars with confidence and authority. 
• Manage and develop a team of three research staff, ensuring clear expectations, strong performance, and professional growth. 
• Translate strategic direction into actionable Prospect Research plans with measurable outcomes. 
• Establish and monitor performance metrics for the research team to ensure timely, accurate, and high-value deliverables. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert on Prospect Research best practices and due diligence projects. 

Prospect Research and Pipeline Development 

• Oversee proactive and reactive research, including identification, qualification, and analysis of prospects. 
• Implement creative research strategies to expand and strengthen the prospect pipeline in alignment with fundraising priorities. 
• Partner with Prospect Management to inform portfolio development and assignments.  
• Ensure consistent application of prospect ratings, segmentation, and research standards. 
• Plan and execute creative prospecting strategies to proactively identify new prospects for NRDC by utilizing innovative research techniques and electronic searching methods. 

Research, Data Analysis, and Reporting 

• Oversee production of high-quality research profiles, briefings, and due diligence reports. 
• Develop a suite of reports in Salesforce to assist in auditing the work of the entire Prospect Research team. 
• Analyze financial, business, and philanthropic data to assess capacity and inform strategy. 
• Deliver clear, actionable insights tailored to gift officers and leadership. 
• Monitor external trends and provide reporting that supports pipeline strategy and decision-making. 

Collaboration 

• Partner with gift officers and Development leadership to align research with fundraising strategies and priorities. 
• Collaborate closely with Prospect Management to ensure integrated approaches. 
• Serve as a key liaison between Prospect Research staff and frontline fundraisers. 

Technology and Tools 

• Oversee effective use of research tools, databases, and screening resources. 
• Support evaluation and adoption of new tools and data sources  
• Ensure strong data practices, including documentation, coding, and CRM data integrity. 

The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned. 

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree required 
• Minimum 5+years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a strong focus on Prospect Research 
• Demonstrated expertise in researching individuals, corporations, and foundations across multiple giving levels 
• Minimum of 1-3 years of management experience 
• Experience producing high-level research deliverables and actionable prospect intelligence 
• Experience supporting frontline fundraising teams in major and principal gift environments 
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and prospect research tools 

Skills, Abilities, Competencies 

• Able to manage a high volume of information from a variety of sources; record and authenticate data to interpret financial data and individual wealth indicators; identify philanthropic patterns and relationships among individuals, corporations and foundations. 
• Knowledge and understanding of best practices related to Prospect Research and fundraising. Understanding of APRA Code of Ethics as it pertains to Prospect Research and the management of biographical and philanthropic data. 
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights 
• Familiarity with implementing proactive prospecting methodologies, understanding wealth indicators, and calculating donor gift capacity 
• Strong ability to interpret financial documents and assess wealth indicators 
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information concisely 
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities 
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with stakeholders at all levels 
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information 
• Commitment to best practices in prospect research, ethics, and data governance 
• Ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture 
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles 

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position within the described work environment. 

Frequently: Perform desk-based computer tasks 

Frequently: Ability to interact and communicate with employees and others as necessary 

Frequently:  Attend planned meetings and collaborate with management and coworkers 

Occasionally: Ability to attend events and activities in the office or offsite  

Work is sometimes performed primarily in office.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations.  Hours of employment may sometimes require working flexible and/or longer hours, including nights and weekends, when necessitated by projects. The job includes work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters. 

NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our work and in our workplace. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving the planet's most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.  

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer. For this position, the salary range is $117,000 to $130,000.  

Perks & Benefits 

Not only do we care about taking care of our planet, we care about taking care of you. When you join our team, we invest in your total well-being. Here is a small glimpse on how we plan to support you: 

• Time to Unplug & Recharge: Enjoy a generous time-off policy, highlighted by a company-wide year-end Rest & Recharge Week to reset for the new year. 

• Family – First: Generous family leave policy beyond federal requirements for all NRDCers 

• For your Future: Matching 403b whether you contribute or not 

• Hybrid Policy: The freedom to balance your time around your needs that means, 8 days per month in-office. In-office day requirements can be met with off-site work events such as retreats, conferences, and other work-related travel. 

• Well – being: Premium Comprehensive healthcare and mental health programs. 

To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload any additional materials that showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs. 

If you experience technical problems while applying or if you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at 1-800-889-4422. 

For more about NRDC, visit www.nrdc.org.