Senior Director, Prospect Strategy and Research
Job no: 515289
Work type: Staff
Location: Denton
Categories: Accounting/Finance/Budget/Payroll, Student Services/Student Affairs
Title: Senior Director, Prospect Strategy and Research
Employee Classification: Sr Dir Prospect Strat and Dev
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Advancement
SubDivision-Department: UNT-Principal Gifts
Department: UNT-Principal Gifts -Gen-170500
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Commensurate with experience
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible
Department Summary
The Division of University Advancement strives to transform lives and unlock potential through the power of philanthropy and engagement by awakening and stewarding pride and loyalty for the University of North Texas.
Established in 1890, the University of North Texas is a place where students transform their lives through education and opportunity. With more than 46,000 students from across the state, nation, and world, UNT offers 240 academic programs - many nationally and internationally recognized. A Tier One research university and designated a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution, UNT has a legacy of excellence in education, music, the arts, business and social sciences, with growing strengths in science and engineering. Last year, students earned nearly 13,000 degrees and joined UNT's network of 480,000 alumni, fueling progress and innovation.
Position Overview
This position is responsible for enhancing, managing and supporting the Prospect Strategy and Research program with focus on leading the team, development of a strategic plan, providing highest level research, pipeline analysis, strategy recommendations, prospect identification and portfolio management for discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to drive fundraising results.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and seven years of prospect development and research experience in a non-profit or similar setting. Experience in managing teams, data analysis and translating information.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Demonstrate commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principals and Standards, the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) Code of Ethics and The Donor Bill of Rights (Memberships not required).
* Demonstrate strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mentality.
* A high level of integrity, focus and commitment to achieve ambitious goals is essential.
* Familiarity with the moves management approach to major gift fundraising.
* A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations arise.
* Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
* Exceptional communications skills.
* The ability to synthesize multiple sources of information.
* The ability to think critically and strategically; capable of taking responsibility for specific goals within designated time frames.
* Capable of coordinating multi-task initiatives to successful conclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following additional qualifications:
* Advanced Degree
* Membership in APRA
Required License/Registration/Certifications
N/A
Job Duties
Team and Program Management:
* Coach, mentor and manage team members to achieve highest level success.
* Oversee program including all aspects of the prospect management system.
* Serve as advisor to the Vice President, Associate Vice President, and other leaders, leveraging prospect research, data analysis, and evidence-based insights to inform portfolio strategy, identify opportunities, prioritize next steps, and optimize portfolio management.
* Develop, enhance and implement comprehensive policies and procedures, in collaboration with colleagues, to ensure consistency across all activities related to portfolio, prospect research and management.
* Assess and assign donors and prospects for all team members who have a portfolio.
* Manage the assignment (and reassignment, including prospect clearance) of prospects in consultation with appropriate Advancement leadership to ensure that fundraising activity is coordinated, and prospects are moved successfully and consistently through the fundraising cycle.
* In consultation with the data team, serve as contact for external vendors as needed to move forward imperative data and research needed for strategy development.
* Establish prospect pipeline guidelines and workflows.
Prospect Identification and Research:
* Implement a comprehensive program of quality prospect research to support cultivation and solicitation activity with donors, along with provide supportive research and data for new market engagement.
* Ensure research is maintained in a current state for highest level prospects as deemed by leadership.
* Proactively manage alerts on top donors and prospects, and other research tools to keep team up to date on prospects (changes to wealth, employment, philanthropy, and other important news).
* Ensure that current research activities are aligned with organizational priorities and revenue goals. Assess current prospecting procedures and research queue and make recommendations to improve existing policies and procedures, in collaboration with colleagues.
* Guide and inform external database screening and analysis in close collaboration with internal Advancement and external teams. Incorporate new data into current research systems in an effort to uncover new donors and update information on current prospects.
* Identify and develop plan including highest level research and data of key new markets for leadership involvement to acquire new philanthropy.
Prospect Strategy, Organization and Management:
* Ensure strategies are in place, managed and updated for highest level institutional principal, major, planned and corporate and foundation relations prospects and donors.
* Manage market analysis and review as ongoing to monitor changes in economy for uncovering of new leads for engagement.
* Lead innovation in standards to set key results, goals and metrics based on expertise and industry best practices.
* Provide background including quantitative and qualitative analysis of pipeline activity and movement to drive strategic planning including modeling and donor journey background and analytics.
Physical Requirements
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
Environmental Hazards
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; Typical 40-hour work week with possible flex-time schedule and hybrid work opportunities.
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
Advertised: 20 Oct 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:
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