Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

Reporting to the Director of Major Giving and Institutional Relations, the Prospect Research and Management Associate is responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating a comprehensive donor prospect research and management program. Working in close collaboration with Development leadership and Gift Officers as well as curatorial/program departments, this position contributes significantly to the implementation of effective fundraising strategies, with a focus on building a strong major gift pipeline. The Prospect Research and Management Associate will actively build and maintain processes to facilitate the movement of prospects in and out of the prospect pool, and through the pipeline and solicitation cycle. Primary responsibilities include: conduct research on prospects and current donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies; identify and evaluate major, principal, and planned gift prospects; update and manage information on current donors and prospects; conduct data analysis to gauge prospect capacity/propensity to make a meaningful impact through philanthropy at the Walker Art Center; manage research projects, data, and timelines; and produce materials and reports to support fundraising planning, strategies, and projections.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. PROSPECT RESEARCH

• Plan, develop, implement, manage, and evaluate all aspects of prospect research and identification to support the Walker’s fundraising efforts.
• Conduct detailed biographical, business, industry, financial, and philanthropic research on current donors and prospects (Minnesota, regional, national, and international).
• Utilize and manage access to research resources, including but not limited to online resources, research services, Tessitura database, in-house data, and other reference sources.
• Update and maintain all non-gift information on prospects and donors in the Tessitura database; develop and manage tracking systems for prospect lists, segmentation, meetings, and reporting.
• Regularly assess research methods, goals, processes, and strategies; develop and implement new ways of streamlining the research and analysis process.
• Provide capacity and strategy assessments on current and prospective donors
• Prepare written prospect/donor profiles, lists, and briefings
• Create presentations and reports to synthesize research information as appropriate for a variety of audiences and situations
• Conduct and manage prospect research and donor information to inform fundraising strategies for the Walker’s priorities and programs.

I. PROSPECT MANAGEMENT

• Oversee all aspects of prospect and donor information management
• Serve as a key partner to and work in close collaboration with Development leadership and Gift Officers as well as with the Executive Director, other senior leaders, and curatorial/program staff on all aspects of prospect and donor information management
• Build strong and effective relationships with staff at all levels of the Development team and across Walker departments that provide or benefit from prospect research information.
• Create and implement procedures and policies to ensure high data standards for research/analysis of prospects, prospect/donor records, dissemination of research information, and ethics and confidentiality.
• Educate Development staff on processes, policies, and standards for prospect research and management.
• Evaluate and negotiate the purchase and renewal of research resources, publications, and services.
• Inform and monitor portions of the Development departmental budget related to prospect research and management, e.g. vendor relationships and subscriptions for research services, data management in Tessitura, and trainings; regularly evaluate most effective combination of paid and free resources.
• Represent the Development team’s research needs in the Walker’s institutional evaluation, recommendation, and selection of vendor services.

I. DATA ANALYTICS

• Serve as a primary data and technology liaison from the Development department to the Tessitura Administrator and the Finance and Information Technology departments.
• Proactively identify ways to strengthen fundraising efforts through qualitative and quantitative assessment of data.
• Maintain a comprehensive and working knowledge of Tessitura database and other data resources.
• Stay current on new and rising trends in data mining, data science, and analytics in the fields of prospect research and management.
• Create and manage the Development department’s data reports, e.g. the Yearbook.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 4+ years experience in prospect research, identification, and management.
• Experience with prospect research methods and development operations for nonprofits, academic institutions, arts and culture organizations, and/or museums.
• Experience with research resource materials and prospect management methodologies
• Proven ability to research, analyze, interpret, summarize, and present complex biographical, business, industry, financial, and philanthropic data and information.
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, information management, Microsoft Office, Adobe, research resources, and donor databases, particularly the ability to query and extract data and to make appropriate data management recommendations.
• Outstanding critical thinking skills and exceptional writing and reporting skills; ability to make clear, effective, and persuasive presentations and reports
• Ability to prioritize and work independently, meet deadlines, and use excellent judgment, discretion, and sensitivity with confidential matters.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working in a museum or arts/culture non-profit setting.
• Familiarity with Minnesota’s philanthropic communities.
• Familiarity with arts and culture philanthropy.
• Tessitura experience.

This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $55,000 annually. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Vaccination Expectation The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.