Prospect Researcher

Remote in the United States

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free.

As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

We currently seek a prospect researcher to join our development team. In this role, you will identify potential major donors for Mercy For Animals, enabling development staff to take an extremely focused approach to securing major gifts, capital campaign contributions, and planned gifts. Through evaluation of donors for both giving capacity and affinity, you will manage portfolio moves-management systems and processes.

You will do invaluable work:

• Amplify the work of the major gifts team through the implementation of a robust portfolio moves-management system
• Create strategies for identifying new prospects in line with development revenue goals
• Lead regular prospect-review meetings with development division
• Conduct gift-pyramid and prospect-pipeline analyses to assess current and future prospects needed to achieve fundraising goals
• Track, analyze, and report on all prospect activities
• Manage WealthEngine software, and recommend integrations with Salesforce
• Oversee and manage a broad range of research sources used to evaluate a donor’s financial capacity and affinity with Mercy For Animals
• Produce in-depth reports on high-quality donor prospects based on a combination of data from Salesforce and WealthEngine, available financial records, real estate ownership, and other information
• Write high-quality prospect briefings for the development division and Mercy For Animals leadership
• Implement new research techniques as they arise, striving to design the ultimate prospect-research methodology
• Work closely with other development staff to improve Mercy For Animals’ fundraising strategies
• Generate reports and lists from both Salesforce and WealthEngine
• Ensure that policies and procedures for prospect research and management are implemented and regularly reviewed
• Provide general support to development staff, and work on special projects as needed

Your qualifications will take our development team to the next level:

• Three years’ experience or more in a related field 
• One year’s experience or more with WealthEngine or similar prospecting software
• One year’s experience or more with Salesforce or other CRM software
• Strong track record in researching and profiling individuals and organizations
• Experience working in a major-gift fundraising environment and in-depth understanding of the types of information required by development teams
• Ability to use or develop a prospect-management system to a high degree of sophistication, especially for relationship tracking and reporting
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with a knack for anticipating and removing barriers
• Ability to make evidence-based judgments and be analytical and decisive
• High degree of organization and efficiency
• Self-motivation and ability to work well independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work creatively and effectively as a team member, including a compassionate approach to internal customer service
• Supportive, service-oriented personality
• Thorough knowledge of or willingness to learn Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Asana
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles and a passion for putting them into practice
• Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy For Animals

About Your Team Leader

Your team leader, Sage, is the vice president of development. With over 20 years of progressive experience in fundraising leadership and strategy with nonprofits, she has focused her career on improving donor relations and mission alignment through stewardship, annual giving, prospect research, and development operations. 

She leads with authenticity and transparency, encouraging autonomy and innovative approaches to problem solving. Valuing a growth mindset, she strives for a healthy work-life balance, firmly believing that work should enhance and not define you. 

Sage resides in Iowa with her spouse, Jon, and their two rescue cats, Neville and Eleanor. She is an avid reader, has a passion for travel, and enjoys searching for hidden museums.

Compensation and Benefits

Earn an annual salary of $55,000–$62,000, depending on qualifications, and enjoy a commute-free life as a remote team member. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan, with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3 percent of your annual salary.

Application Details

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. 

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.

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