Obama Foundation

Director, Prospect Research and Portfolio Insights

Obama Foundation Chicago, IL

We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

The Director of Prospect Research and Portfolio Insights will be critical in enhancing the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. This role is pivotal in ensuring that detailed, strategic insights and effective management of donor relationships inform our fundraising strategies. You will provide comprehensive analysis and insights on donor portfolios to the Vice President of Development, supporting the overall advancement of our fundraising goals.

Core Job Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the Prospect Research and Pipeline Management team to support the Foundation’s fundraising strategies and goals.
  • Oversee the identification, research, and evaluation of potential donors, ensuring a robust pipeline of prospects for various fundraising initiatives.
  • Develop and implement strategies for effectively managing donor portfolios, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s priorities and values.
  • Provide detailed analysis and insights on the donor portfolio, highlighting trends, opportunities, and challenges to inform strategic decisions.
  • Collaborate closely with the Development team to integrate prospect research findings and pipeline management insights into fundraising and engagement strategies.
  • Manage and mentor team members, fostering a collaborative, productive, and innovative work environment.
  • Prepare and present regular reports on the status of the prospect pipeline and donor portfolios to the Vice President of Development and other senior stakeholders.
  • Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in philanthropy, prospect research, and donor relations.
  • Recommend and direct the purchase, use, and adoption of tools, subscriptions, or other outside resources to assist in this work.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

  • Robust pipeline of prospective donors for various fundraising initiatives.
  • Analytics and reports on donor portfolios.
  • Manage staff to excellence.

Required Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; an advanced degree is preferred.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in prospect research, fundraising, or a related field, with at least two years in a management role.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information to provide clear, insightful, and actionable recommendations.
  • Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing and motivating teams.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of working collaboratively across various departments and with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficient in CRM and database management, with a keen understanding of data analysis tools and methodologies relevant to donor research and management.
  • Commitment to the values and mission of the Obama Foundation.

The salary range for this role is between $129,675 and $162,070.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

In the interest of employee health and safety during the pendency of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Obama Foundation is requiring that all prospective employees present proof that they are fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, or seek a reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons, prior to their first day of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at [email protected] if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.
  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Business Development and Sales
  • Industries

    Non-profit Organizations

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