System Donor Prospect Researcher

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!

We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.

The System Donor Prospect Researcher integrates analytical research, data stewardship, and relationship centered donor engagement to advance the organization's fundraising initiatives. Working closely with development leadership, frontline fundraisers, and cross functional teams, the System Donor Prospect Researcher identifies prospective donors, enhances donor experiences, and ensures the delivery of accurate, actionable information that supports strategic decision making. The position provides essential support to the team by establishing and maintaining a comprehensive prospect management system that informs mutually agreed upon cultivation and solicitation strategies. Additionally, the role assists the Annual Giving team with parallel research and portfolio processes that strengthen donor pipelines and significantly contribute to the underwriting of events, campaigns, and priority projects. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.

A Brief Overview
The System Donor Prospect Researcher integrates analytical research, data stewardship, and relationship centered donor engagement to advance the organization's fundraising initiatives. Working closely with development leadership, frontline fundraisers, and cross functional teams, the System Donor Prospect Researcher identifies prospective donors, enhances donor experiences, and ensures the delivery of accurate, actionable information that supports strategic decision making. The position provides essential support to the team by establishing and maintaining a comprehensive prospect management system that informs mutually agreed upon cultivation and solicitation strategies. Additionally, the role assists the Annual Giving team with parallel research and portfolio processes that strengthen donor pipelines and significantly contribute to the underwriting of events, campaigns, and priority projects. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

What you will do

• Conduct comprehensive research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to assess giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and alignment with Methodist priorities.
• Prepare and maintain prospect profiles, briefings, and research reports for leadership and development officers.
• Manage prospect pools and portfolios, ensuring timely movement through the donor cycle.
• Monitor wealth indicators, engagement data, and predictive modeling tools to identify new prospects.
• Track fundraising activity and provide insights that support pipeline development and goal setting.
• Support the creation and execution of individualized stewardship plans for major and leadership donors.
• Draft donor communications including acknowledgment letters, impact reports, and personalized updates.
• Coordinate donor engagement activities such as small scale events, site visits, and cultivation touchpoints.
• Maintain accurate documentation of donor interactions and ensure timely follow up.
• Develop broad knowledge of Methodist programs, services, and community impact to inform donor conversations.
• Generate reports and dashboards to help leadership understand donor behavior, trends, and opportunities.
• Assist with data initiatives and contribute to the development of research and stewardship standards.
• Support the use of digital platforms, video and social media to enhance donor engagement.
• Manages the evaluation, purchase and budget for research resources, publications and services, keeping up-to-date with trends and practices.
• Utilizes all available resources for proactive and reactive research, including electronic screening results.
• Adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards when conducting research and sharing results.

Education Qualifications

• Required - Associates Degree Marketing
• Preferred - Associates Degree Communications
• Preferred - Associates Degree Library Science
• Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Marketing
• Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Communications
• Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Library Science

Experience Qualifications

• Required - Prospect research 3-5 years

Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical, writing and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated skills in using Constituent Relationship Management software, preferably Blackaud Raisers Edge NXT, or similar.
• Knowledge of depositories of information, as well as knowledge of procedures to access the information.
• Familiarity with donor networks and references.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Strong knowledge of gift accounting principles and IRS regulations.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Interpersonal skills in order to work in tandem with directors and supports staff who will assist the Foundation department.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission driven environment.
• Ability to sit extended periods of time while conducting research.

Supervision Provided by this Position

• There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this position, except that the incumbent must be able to work with other Foundation Marketing/Communications department’s members and Foundation staff members as it relates to specific projects to ensure consistency with corporate standards and with the corporate mission and strategies.

Physical Demands

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• The conditions to which the Associate will be subject in this position: The Associate is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.

Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.

Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.