Development Research Manager (Job ID: 2026-3816)

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Ready to contribute to Brookings' success?

The Development Research Manager conducts, manages, and coordinates philanthropic research for the Institution. The Manager responds to research requests from the Office of the President, the Vice President and Chief Development Officer (CDO), and other development staff. They support the fundraising efforts of the Institution by identifying and evaluating donor and prospect philanthropic interests and capacity with a focus on individual donors. The Manager works closely with other development researchers and the frontline fundraisers in Development by recommending new prospects for qualification and cultivation to build the giving pipeline. The Manager oversees a portfolio of fundraisers, projects, programs, and funding initiatives that require research services. They also compile current biographical and financial information and news on donors and prospects for visit/call briefings and event lookbooks for senior leadership. The Manager will also proactively identify potential prospects within the guidelines of federal, state, and local laws and institutional policies and procedures. Reports to the Director of Development Research.

Prospect Identification and Research (70%)

• Writes prospect profiles, due diligence summaries, leadership briefings, and other research products, creates prospect lists, determines philanthropic capacity, pathways, networks, and interests, working closely with fundraisers.  

• Oversees the research components of the event lookbook process, coordinating closely with other key development staff as needed. 

• Compiles and analyzes biographical, wealth, and philanthropic information from all available resources to identify new prospects for Brookings donor groups, special projects, or core needs support in their portfolio. 

• Ensures that all suspects, prospects, and donors are researched and assigned capacity ratings using best practice methods and those ratings are updated regularly.  

• Ensures that prospect research activities meet the needs of their portfolio of fundraisers in support of their revenue goals.  

• Other research projects as needed. 

Data Management and Strategy (30%)

• Works with the development research team on the assignment and tracking of suspects and prospects for their portfolio. 

• Tracks suspects and prospects as they are moved through the pipeline from qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.  

• Participates in portfolio reviews with frontline fundraisers. 

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; a minimum of three years of experience researching prospects in a development setting.  Experience in a related institution and/or familiarity with public policy organizations is highly desirable.  

Knowledge/Skill Requirements  

Research proficiency, including solid knowledge of research and media resources.  Strong analytical and evaluative skills with attention to detail.  Ability to extract information from a database and organize, analyze, and present it in Microsoft Excel or other formats for optimal utility.  Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and submit work products accurately and quickly.  Capacity to exercise independent initiative and judgment.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.  Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.  

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening, you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.