Development Research Analyst

$72,500 - $74,000/Yr

University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Los Angeles, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Southern California (USC) is seeking a Development Research Analyst to join its Development Research team within University Advancement. This role is crucial in supporting the university's fundraising priorities through specialized background research and due diligence. The Development Research team operates as a vital partner to the wider advancement community, providing essential insights and tools to enhance fundraising initiatives. The Development Research Analyst will report to the director of development research and will be responsible for conducting complex research, producing detailed reports, and providing briefings to development officers and other stakeholders. In this fast-paced and dynamic environment, the ideal candidate will thrive through collaboration, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. The position is hybrid, requiring on-site presence in the downtown Los Angeles office (USC Tower). The Development Research Analyst will serve as the primary contact for fundraising partners regarding research requests and prospecting aligned with USC's fundraising goals. They will compose detailed research materials on prospects, assign estimated gift capacity ratings based on comprehensive wealth analysis, and produce briefings for senior university officials for various events and interactions with important donors and prospects. Additionally, the analyst will assist in broad prospect screenings to identify new prospects and qualify existing ones, partner with fundraisers to analyze and refine portfolios, and ensure adherence to ethical development research practices and applicable data privacy laws. This role is integral to growing and refining the prospect pipeline and supporting the university's mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the point person for fundraising partners on research requests and prospecting aligned with USC's fundraising priorities.
• Compose detailed research materials on prospects and assign estimated gift capacity ratings based on comprehensive wealth analysis.
• Produce briefings for senior university officials for events, dinners, and other interactions with important donors and prospects.
• Assist in broad prospect screenings for the identification of new prospects and the qualification of existing ones, and with other projects related to growing and refining the prospect pipeline.
• Partner with fundraisers and colleagues in Relationship Management to analyze and help refine portfolios.
• Ensure adherence to ethical development research practices and applicable data privacy laws and regulations, including but not limited to HIPAA.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 1-3 years of development research, prospect management, or prospect development experience in a higher education, healthcare, or complex non-profit environment; or comparable experience in a relevant field associated with research and writing.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• A passion for excellent customer service, commitment to exceptional quality, and the ability to complete projects and achieve goals in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with fundraising CRMs (preferably Salesforce) and wealth screening.
• Familiarity with the suite of online resources used in the course of development research, including but not limited to iWave/PRO, LexisNexis, and RelSci.
• The ability to interpret and analyze SEC filings, 990 filings, etc.
• A strategic thinker who is effective in moving strategic agendas and politically savvy.
• The ability to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature, and have a sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.

Benefits

• Health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network.
• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program's eligibility.
• Tuition benefits for staff & their family.
• Free professional development online courses.
• Central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services.
• Discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.