North Carolina State University

Associate Director, Prospect Intelligence

North Carolina State University$95K — $115K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or equivalent training and experience.
  • Strong ability to conduct complex research on high-net-worth individuals, focusing on principal gifts ($5M+).
  • Experience analyzing large datasets and translating findings into actionable insights for fundraising.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with fundraisers and leadership.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead principal gift research for top prospects, performing detailed analysis of biographical, financial, and network data.
  • Partner with fundraisers to develop strategic insights for donor engagement and long-term relationships.
  • Guide the development of predictive modeling and analytics to optimize prospect scoring and donor retention strategies.
  • Supervise and mentor the philanthropic research team, advancing their research methods and professional growth.
  • Drive innovation through the integration of emerging technologies and new analytical tools.

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements available.
  • Professional development opportunities to enhance team skills.
  • Support for advanced research techniques, training, and mentorship.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number
PG194781EP

Internal Recruitment
No

Working Title
Associate Director, Prospect Intelligence

Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with experience and education

Work Schedule
Monday- Friday ; 8:00 am-5:00 pm and other hours as needed to fulfill the duties of this position; Flexible work arrangements available

Job Location
Raleigh, NC

Department
University Development

Essential Job Duties

The Associate Director of Prospect Intelligence leads the research and analytics function within Prospect Development, advancing a sophisticated, data-informed approach to prospect identification, principal-gift strategy, and pipeline development. This role manages the philanthropic research team, oversees principal-level research deliverables, and builds the office's analytics and predictive modeling infrastructure to support University Advancement's strategic priorities.

Reporting to the Director of Prospect Development, the Associate Director works collaboratively with the Principal Gifts team and college- and unit-based development officers. As a key leader within Prospect Development, they train team members, elevate research standards, and drive innovation through advanced analytics, visualization, and emerging technologies.

Other Responsibilities

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Research Leadership & Principal Gift Strategy

Lead leadership($1M - $4.9M) and principal ($5M+) gift research, conducting in-depth biographical, financial, and network analysis on top prospects.
  • Partner with fundraisers and leadership to shape strategy discussions and donor-facing planning.
  • Synthesize strategic insights that inform cultivation, solicitation, and long-term relationship management.
  • Deliver intelligence in narrative and visual formats, including dashboards and portfolio insights.
  • Oversee research standards, workflows, and ethical compliance for the principal-gift pipeline.

2. Analytics, Predictive Modeling & Data Strategy
  • Provide strategic direction for predictive modeling by identifying gaps, defining required insights, and determining how models should support prospect scoring, wealth indicators, and donor-retention strategy.
  • Guide staff in the development and implementation of models, dashboards, and data visualizations, ensuring outputs are actionable and aligned with fundraising priorities.
  • Shape the analytics roadmap by setting priorities for new tools, reports, and data products that strengthen portfolio optimization and campaign planning.
  • Translate complex findings into clear recommendations that inform prospecting, pipeline development, and leadership decision-making.
  • Oversee systems for monitoring wealth, assets, and market activity to surface timely insights affecting capacity and inclination.

3. Team Leadership, Training & Innovation
  • Supervise and mentor the philanthropic research team, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development.
  • Serve as the primary trainer for advanced research methods, particularly for the $1M+ pipeline.
  • Advance the office's AI, technology, and analytics roadmap in partnership with the Director of Prospect Development.
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging tools and platforms; serve as subject matter expert for key systems.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within Prospect Development.


Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree and five years of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.


All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct and synthesize complex biographical, financial, and network research on high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on principal gift-level prospects ($5M+).
  • Strong ability to analyze large and complex datasets, apply critical thinking, and translate findings into clear, actionable insights that inform fundraising strategy.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with frontline fundraisers, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, determine scope and timelines, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work across data systems and tools, understand data structures, and develop scalable solutions that improve research and analytics workflows.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex research and data in clear, concise, and compelling formats for a variety of audiences.
  • Ability to connect disparate pieces of information, identify trends and opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations to support prospect strategy and portfolio management.
  • Experience with or demonstrated ability to develop and apply predictive modeling, prospect scoring, and data segmentation techniques. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel, or similar platforms).


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience mentoring, training, or supervising staff, with the ability to elevate team performance and foster a collaborative, high-performing environment.
  • Experience in higher education fundraising
  • Familiarity with NC State University


Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required
No

Commercial Driver's License required
No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date
07/30/2026

Anticipated Close Date
Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Details

Position Number
00101953

Position Type
EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00

Appointment
12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID
082001 - University Development

About North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University (NC State) is a public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is part of the University of North Carolina system and is a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution. The university forms one of the corners of the Research Triangle together with Duke University in Durham and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Enrollment is over 36,000 students. NC State was founded in 1887 as a land-grant institution.
Learn more about North Carolina State University

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