Position Classification Title: Research Analyst

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: AVP of Advancement Services

Salary: Competitive and commensurate, based on experience and qualifications

About Us:

The New Mexico State University Foundation invites you to apply to join our diverse, dynamic, and welcoming team in Las Cruces, NM. The NMSU Foundation seeks to provide the pinnacle career experience for each member of our team. The Foundation is seeking talented individuals who are passionate about the mission of NMSU and committed to a continual pursuit of excellence. We build strong relationships with alumni, supporters, NMSU partners, and each other, while personifying our core values of integrity, teamwork, stewardship, innovation, and fun.

We offer a highly competitive salary including incentive compensation, an industry-leading benefits package, and a fun and fulfilling work environment. Qualified individuals with a high level of energy who are looking for a work environment that nurtures vision, performance, productivity, superior quality, and unsurpassed integrity are encouraged to apply for this career opportunity.

Job Summary:

The Research Analyst conducts research to identify, screen, and recommend prospective donors, with a focus on continual improvement of gift pipelines and prospect lists. This position also coordinates activities related to the identification, research and tracking of Foundation donor prospects and directs, monitors, and participates in research activities including data collection, evaluation, and analysis.

Essential Functions:

• Identify, screen, analyze, and recommend individuals, corporations, and foundations as prospective donors and volunteers using a variety of research tools and resources.
• Systematically identify, classify, and rate prospective donors by gift capacity and compile and maintain prospect lists.
• Create, update, and maintain donor and prospect records, including alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Analyze prospect and donor data and prepare reports and research profiles for Philanthropy Officers, Alumni Relations staff, Foundation leadership, and NMSU partners.
• Conduct in-depth research using public records, legal documents, databases, periodicals, professional organizations, and internet-based resources.
• Develop and implement research strategies and methodologies, including identifying creative and strategic approaches to enhance prospect engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate research resources, including associated costs, and participate in decision-making regarding procurement of new research tools.
• Provide database quality assurance, system cleanup, and data improvement initiatives.
• Assist with the development of database tools or programs to improve prospect tracking and reporting.
• Participate in maintaining prospect tracking systems and pipelines to support fundraising strategies.
• Assist with other development-related initiatives, including fundraising events.
• Serve as a research resource and subject matter expert for Foundation staff, Philanthropy Directors, and administrators.

Minimum Required Education, Knowledge, & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; no prior work experience required.
• Knowledge of prospect research principles and techniques, including Internet based database research.
• Familiarity with Windows based software and research tools.
• Understanding of and commitment to the ethical standards of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
• Strong communication, coordination, and collaboration skills, including the ability to guide or coordinate the work of others.
• Ability to make independent, creative, and sound decisions.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to summarize research data and produce in-depth reports.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Energetic, innovative, and service-oriented self-starter with a bias for action, a “can do” attitude, and a track record of setting and surpassing objectives.