Posted on January 25, 2013

print

Grants and Prospect Research Manager

MIND Research Institute, a non-profit organization, located in Irvine, California, is searching for a Grants & Prospect Research Manager to join its Development Department team. The Department operates an Annual Fund, a focused Math Initiatives Campaign and also raises funds for special projects such as curriculum development and research activities. MIND relies on highly qualified employees working in a fast-paced environment in order to reach its organization and financial goals. The Grants & Prospect Research Manager will be responsible for supporting all of Development’s fundraising initiatives as requested, primarily focused on the identification of prospects and solicitation of institutional donors via grantwriting activities. The Manger will report to the Director of Grants & National Proposals.

Essential Functions include:

• Identify and qualify prospects, including individual, corporate, foundation and government funders.
• Evaluate, organize, and edit verified and extrapolated data into comprehensive reports on major gift and campaign donors and prospects (individuals, corporations and foundations).
• Review journals and periodicals for new prospects as well as information pertinent to current prospects, donors, trends, philanthropy and education; improves and contributes to donor's files.
• Fields miscellaneous donor research question from donor database system.
• Oversee intern(s) (to be acquired) and provide direction for prospect research program; manage the production and distribution of research reports needed for prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation; determine and prioritize research strategy and assign research requests.
• Plan and administer an annual prospect research program with goals and objectives.
• Assist in the coordination of a master Development proposal and report calendar.
• Write and prepare grant proposals, reports and other donor communications.
• Assist in the management of a portfolio of grants, including support activities associated with the cultivation and solicitation of donors and prospects; coordinating and conducting site visits; and coordinating donor recognition activities.
• Support other Development officers’ grantwriting activities, including preparation of proposal materials and meeting proposal package submission requirements.
• Develop project narratives and budgets (with input and assistance from other departments), and assist in the monitoring of grant-funded projects.
• Maintain system to catalogue recent written communications and collateral; serve as point-of-contact for reference materials for Department and keep information up-to-date.
• Research statistics and monitor latest relevant reports from the field; develop and implement system to track data, statistics and other information.
• Develop and implement system to capture school and student success stories; work with Marketing and Development Departments to develop case studies to be used in donor communications.
• Responsible for other special projects as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience required:

• 5 or more years of grantwriting experience and working with institutional funders. Experience with government grants a plus. Excellent writing and grammar skills and strong verbal communications skills.
• 3 years of prospect research experience.
• Demonstrated track record of successful solicitation of gifts.
• Knowledge of fundraising and donor research sources.
• Well-organized and able to follow-through on assignments with little oversight.
• Able to work independently and as part of a fundraising team.
• Experience with donor database systems and online research tools.
• Superior attention to detail.
• Bachelors Degree in English, communications or related field.
• Must have valid California driver’s license; position may require some driving for donor visits and events.

Application Instructions

Please email a cover letter, resume, salary history and three writing samples to: wchavira@mindresearch.net, with Grants & Prospect Research Manager in the subject line.