Director of Prospect Research

Job ID: 60560

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

 

Department

FSU Division of University Advancement  

Florida State University is currently in the leadership phase of a comprehensive campaign. As the leadership phase of the campaign begins, the Division of University Advancement is accelerating the hiring of additional Advancement Services professionals campus-wide and is excited to build out its team. For Advancement professionals who are interested in being a part of a comprehensive campaign from the beginning for their career development, the timing is ideal to join our team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

The Director of Prospect Research serves as a strategic leader and partner within the Division of University Advancement at Florida State University, responsible for leading and executing a comprehensive prospect research and intelligence sharing program. This role provides in-depth research, analysis, and strategic insight to support the university’s philanthropic goals—identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing individuals and entities with the capacity and inclination to support FSU through major, leadership, and principal gifts.

The Director plays a pivotal role in driving donor discovery, enhancing the prospect pipeline, supporting executive engagement, and informing cultivation and solicitation strategies by leveraging data, research tools, and relationship intelligence. The role also oversees donor due diligence efforts to support risk mitigation and uphold FSU’s standards of integrity and reputation.

Leadership Briefings & Executive Support

Provide oversight and leadership for the executive briefing process, including preparing customized briefing materials for the university president, vice president for advancement, deans, and other senior leaders in advance of donor meetings and university events.

Ensure briefings are timely, accurate, and strategically aligned with event goals—highlighting donor interests, giving history, affiliations, and recommended engagement approaches.

Collaborate closely with advancement colleagues, deans, and other university partners to ensure alignment of research and engagement strategy.

Maintain strict confidentiality and sound judgment in all executive-facing communications.

Prospect Research Program Oversight

Lead major wealth screening and constituent modeling projects, collaborating with operational partners to plan data acquisition, imports, and rollout of new products to the division.

Develop collaborative relationships with vendors and industry partners to stay current on trends in wealth indicators, philanthropy, and prospect research methodologies; provide insights and strategic recommendations to advancement leadership and division-wide colleagues to inform their work.

Oversee and participate in the creation of research profiles on individuals, corporations, and foundations to assess philanthropic capacity, giving propensity, and alignment with FSU’s priorities.

In coordination with leadership and departmental peers, develop and implement policies and procedures that support a scalable, strategic prospect research operation.

Team Supervision and Development

Supervise a team of prospect researchers, ensuring high-quality research practices and ongoing professional development for the team.

Review work and provide training and coaching to the team to continuously improve performance. Provide formal and informal feedback including annual and, as needed, mid-term or off-cycle evaluations.

Participate in division and university-provided training for supervisors.

Supports the Senior Director in managing the operational unit and acts on their behalf when delegated.

Due Diligence Program Oversight

Oversee and conduct a comprehensive due diligence program for the division to assess potential reputational, ethical, or legal risks to the university.

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and protocols for ethical and compliant due diligence practices, aligned with university policies and industry standards.

Prepare concise due diligence reports for executive leadership and Advancement colleagues, highlighting red flags, affiliations, legal issues, and public controversies.

Collaborate with gift officers, general counsel, and leadership to inform gift acceptance decisions.   

Qualifications  

Bachelor's degree and four years experience in a related field or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years. Driver’s License

Valid FL or GA Driver's License or the ability to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Experience & Skills

• Proven experience writing in another person’s voice, with a strong ability to capture tone, cadence, and personality.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud, or similar platforms).
• Familiarity with research platforms such as Lexis Nexis, Xapien, Wealth-X, or other donor intelligence tools.
• Demonstrated proficiency creating high-level donor briefings, presidential documents, and detailed dossiers.
• Strong understanding of fundraising operations within higher education, including donor engagement strategies and institutional advancement.
• Deep familiarity with Florida State University’s mission, values, and history, and the ability to reflect these elements in written communications and strategic materials.

Leadership & Interpersonal Qualities

• Exhibits leadership traits such as ingenuity, flexibility, empathy, and the ability to create and maintain a clear vision.
• Comfortable working closely with executive leadership, including representatives from the office of the president, with discretion and professionalism.
• Capable of supporting a dynamic team environment, contributing to its continued growth, cohesion, and strategic alignment."
• Proactive, self-directed, and reliable—serves as the “go-to” person behind the scenes for critical communications and strategy.

Communication & Strategic Thinking

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and narrative flow.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into compelling, audience-appropriate content.
• Strategic thinker who can anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and deliver under tight deadlines.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

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How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P (Administrative and Professional) position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled. The hiring committee will review applications as received.

Applicants must upload a cover letter & resume with their online application.