Director of Prospect Development at Ramapo College of New Jersey – Mahwah, New Jersey

ABOUT RAMAPO COLLEGE:

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college, where
students build the confidence, skills, and perspective to thrive in a changing world.
Located on a breathtaking 300-acre campus in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains
and just a short trip from New York City, Ramapo blends the best of both worlds: natural
beauty, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to one of the world’s most dynamic job
markets.

With approximately 6,000 students, Ramapo offers a personalized, student-centered
experience defined by a 16:1 student–faculty ratio, small classes, and faculty who
mentor, challenge, and inspire. Students can explore over 40 undergraduate majors and
a growing portfolio of graduate programs in fields such as Business Administration,
Data Science, Nursing, Educational Leadership, Social Work, Special Education, and
the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Across every discipline, Ramapo emphasizes hands-on
learning through internships, co-ops, study abroad, faculty research, service projects,
and real-world experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers.

Our campus is home to cutting-edge academic spaces, including the Anisfield School of
Business, the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence, the Sharp Sustainability Education
Center, the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts, the Les Paul Music Studio,
and the Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons. Ramapo’s award-winning residence halls
are consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey.

Nationally recognized for excellence and value, Ramapo is ranked #1 among New
Jersey public colleges by College Choice, named a Best Regional University North by
U.S. News & World Report, and celebrated by Kiplinger’s, Money Magazine, Colleges of
Distinction, and Victory Media’s Military Friendly rankings.

At Ramapo, students don’t just earn degrees; they discover their strengths, explore new
possibilities, and build the foundation for bold futures.

Working at Ramapo
Ramapo College of New Jersey has been recognized as a “Great College to Work
For,” where our employees are at the heart of everything we do. We foster an
equitable and fair workplace where ideas are welcomed, contributions are valued,
and individuals are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally.
Employees benefit from meaningful work, opportunities for development, and the
chance to make a lasting impact on students’ lives every day.

At Ramapo College, we believe excellence is achieved through teamwork, respect,
accountability, innovation, and a shared commitment to learning. Our all-hands-on
deck culture requires leadership at all levels to ensure we achieve our mission,
implement our goals, and invest in our future one student at a time. We are proud
to offer a supportive environment that values well-being and continuous
improvement. We believe in being bold, being kind, and being good teammates,
making Ramapo not just a place to work, but a great place to belong.

Ramapo College offers outstanding benefits through the New Jersey State Benefits
system, generous PTO, professional development opportunities, wellness
programs, tuition discounts for employees and their dependents, and much more.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time, managerial position, with working hours from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note: This position is in the “NL” category of employment (non-fixed work week), and individuals in this role have no claim or entitlement to time off or cash compensation for hours worked beyond their normal schedule. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. It is the policy of the College to grant hour-for-hour compensatory time off, with advance approval, only when employees are required to work on a regularly scheduled day off, Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday. Time earned must be used within one fiscal year from the time it is earned.

SALARY RANGE:
$95,000-$115,000

US work authorization is required. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US. Ramapo College currently has a no-sponsorship policy.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Prospect Development is a strategic partner and resource for the Office of Institutional Advancement. Reporting to the Chief of Operations & Strategy for Institutional Advancement (COSIA), The Director plans, implements, and directs a comprehensive prospect development program that supports the Ramapo College Foundation’s fundraising goals and objectives through: proactively conduct research to identify potential giving prospects; supporting and managing the development officers efforts’ to move prospects through the donor cultivation cycle and manage the CRM’s prospect management data module; using a variety of data, evaluate and develop strategies to acquire, retain, and recapture prospects; and in general, contribute to activities that increase private financial support to the College and Foundation, build constituent relationships and advance the College and Foundation’s reputation and visibility.

DUTIES:

Prospect Research

• Conduct prospect research – both proactively and on request – on alumni, individuals, corporate, and foundation prospects for the Ramapo College Foundation in support of specific fundraising initiatives and Foundation priorities using a variety of research methodologies, including online databases such as LexisNexis for Development Professional and Pro iWave, news alerts, public records, wealth screenings, modeling, etc.
• Using independent judgment, conduct and analyze various levels of research to support individuals and organizations, including identification, rating, qualification, and assignment.
• Produce confidential, comprehensive biographical, financial, and philanthropic profiles and briefings on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects for a variety of purposes, including prospect visits, events, and solicitations.
• Maintain prospect research written policies, and procedures.

Prospect Management

• Manage prospect assignment: build and maintain a prospect pipeline to ensure a consistent flow of prospects to development officers for qualification, and regularly conduct portfolio reviews to ensure effective prospect assignment and management.
• Oversee prospect management and proposals: monitor and regularly report prospect progress through the cultivation cycle, coordinating with the development officers to ensure accuracy and timeliness of data.
• Manage and support the development officers with their prospect plans and strategies, regularly analyzing their effectiveness and using research to inform decision-making as well as collaborating on the creation of detailed cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Generate reports and lists for institutional purposes, including: candidates for awards, honors, and events; candidates who may be considered to serve on volunteer leadership positions such as the Board of Governors, Alumni Association Board, and other boards; travel outreach lists; notable alumni for external rankings and reports; alumni and donors who may be interviewed for College publications; and others as needed.
• Collaborate with the COSIA, OEC Technologies Manager, and Advancement Data Coordinator to maximize CRM capability in prospect management and research capability.
• Maintain written policies and procedures for prospect records and management, including donor files.

Analytics

• Collaborate with the COSIA and Vice President for Strategic Enrollment, Outreach and Engagement/Executive Director of the Ramapo College Foundation to report and assess the development officers’ progress to their annual targets through reporting tools.
• Identify trends in prospect research and management that can inform donor conversion strategies.
• Using available data and in collaboration with others as appropriate, create and continually refine models for donor personas that can inform communications and fundraising strategies designed to acquire, retain, and recapture donors.
• Oversee wealth screenings and the use of other analytic tools to inform and build the donor pipeline.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve on the Editorial Board of the Ramapo College Magazine.
• Brief the Foundation Executive Director and other College administrators as appropriate.
• Keep up to date on trends, techniques, and analysis in prospect development to maintain best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Organizational Security Responsibilities: This position requires adherence to the organization's
information security policies and procedures. All employees share responsibility for protecting the
confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization’s mission essential IT assets, regardless of
role. Individuals in this role are expected to apply appropriate safeguards, participate in required security
awareness training, and promptly report potential security incidents in accordance with institutional
policies.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of three(3) to five (5) years of prospect research, management, or development experience for a hospital/health system, institution of higher education, or non-profit organization.
• Demonstrated track record of strategic and creative approaches to prospect research and collaboration with frontline fundraisers, system administrators, and senior-level management.
• Experience utilizing online information databases, electronic screening techniques, and other publicly available information sources to conduct prospect research.
• Experience using a fundraising CRM, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and draw conclusions.
• Ability to direct one’s work tasks/projects proactively and independently, while also being able to collaborate effectively in a team environment and with all levels of the organization
• Dedication to safeguarding the confidentiality of donor and alumni information, adhering to the ethics and professional standards of the Association of Professional Researchers in Advancement (APRA).
• Able to handle multiple assignments simultaneously

EEO Statement:

Ramapo College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, strategic plans, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs, and other diversity programs. Ramapo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.