Senior Research Specialist

The Senior Research Specialist contributes to the activities of the Research and Prospect Development team. As a member of the research team, the Senior Research Specialist spends the majority of their time researching prospects, analyzing capacity and philanthropic inclination, and providing Vanderbilt development groups with comprehensive intelligence. Maintaining and updating constituent information within a CRM database is also a core job responsibility.

About the Work Unit:

The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals.The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. Learn more about our department at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

• Research and enter updated data into CRM for use by internal DAR colleagues, including contact information, employment information, financial assets, gifts to other organizations, and news articles.
• Prepare both short and in-depth briefings on donors for internal DAR stakeholders and university leadership, including biographical details and analysis of financial and philanthropy.
• Produce deliverables to internal clients based on departmental product standards within agreed upon timelines.
• Manage specialized research projects as needed, and contribute to continuous improvement of research processes and deliverables.
• Identify potential donors to Vanderbilt University using various online databases, periodical resources, and information provided by the constituent and/or peers.
• Collaborate and strategize with colleagues, clients, and key administrators regarding donor identification.
• Safeguard the confidentiality of donor information and uphold DAR policies regarding confidential information.
• Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines as indicated by the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) as well as university guidelines.
• Maintain strong and effective relationships with Vanderbilt faculty and staff external to DAR
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports to the Director of Development Research. 

Work environment:

Role is open for remote work (with the expectation of occasional travel to campus).

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required. 

Experience and Skills:

• 5+ years of work experience in fundraising operations or other relevant experience with biographical research, business analysis, or financial research.
• Experience working with a CRM database, preferably Salesforce.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex information effectively.
• Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of service and quality deliverables in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment.
• Strong demonstrated skill in writing, grammar usage, and editing.
• Excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in usage of electronic research tools, techniques, and search methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Exemplary communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and staff.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information.
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:

• Expects and delivers excellence, is proactive and focused on creative problem solving, and places a high value on learning and improving.
• Holds oneself accountable, takes responsibility for failures as well as successes, and recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together.  
• Shares information, communicates proactively, asks for advice and considers it thoughtfully.
• Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers. 
• Manages time, activities, and outcomes well so that progress stays on track.