Title: Prospect Researcher

Status : Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to:  Senior Director, Data Strategy & Management

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Prospect Research Manager is a brand-new role at WETA/PBS News Hour.  The new Manager will build out this function and innovate in collaboration with WETA’s fundraising teams and the Senior Director, Data Strategy & Development Services.  The successful Manager partners closely with WETA's fundraising teams to implement new methodologies and provide strategic direction on current and prospective donors with major/principal gift capacity. The Manager will support the gift officers and department leaders by taking a leadership role in designing and implementing WETA’s prospect research strategy and analytics.

The successful Prospect Research Manager will be deadline driven, able to multitask, work independently in a fast-paced environment and create relationships at all levels in the organization.  This person is a key member of the Data Strategy & Development Services team, reporting directly into the head of this team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prospect Research: Conduct comprehensive research to identify individuals, corporations, and foundations with the capacity and inclination to make major gifts to the organization. Utilize various resources including internal and external databases, wealth screening tools, and publicly available information to gather prospect data. On a regular basis, identify and conduct baseline research on prospects for the respective fundraising teams and provide research briefs as requested by Gift Officers and Senior WETA Leadership.
• Prospect Assessment: Evaluate prospect capacity, affinity, and engagement with the WETA/PBS News Hour mission and programs. Analyze wealth indicators, philanthropic history, and connections to prioritize prospects for cultivation and solicitation. Support the Gift Officer team portfolio reviews
• Collaboration: Work closely with the revenue teams, to align prospect research efforts with fundraising goals and priorities. Provide support to fundraising staff in prospect identification and cultivation strategies. Assist with meetings and events preparation including providing detailed prospect profiles and briefing books to Gift Officers and Senior WETA/NHP Leadership.
• Prospect Tracking and Reporting: Support Gift Officers in tracking donor interactions, solicitations, and outcomes to measure portfolio progress. As requested, prepare reports and updates for internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of prospect information in the organization's donor database.  Provide ongoing training on ROI Revolution CRM database’s High Touch Module. Ensure data integrity, track prospect interactions, and generate reports to inform fundraising strategies and decision-making. Manage DonorSearch and Wealth Engine Data and update records accordingly.
• Professional Development: Stay informed about trends and best practices in prospect research, fundraising, and philanthropy. Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge in donor prospecting and relationship management.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and wealth indicators.
• Strong interpersonal and project management skills with ability to develop positive relationships quickly and work in a team atmosphere with in-person and remote colleagues.
• Ability to respond flexibly and resourcefully to workload fluctuations, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized and able to handle multiple projects at one time.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate motivational skills, professional maturity, and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Experience in Public Media or similar organizations preferred.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3-5 years’ relevant experience in prospect research, administrative fundraising, or non-profit capacity building.
• Experience with prospect research platforms such as Wealth Engine, GuideStar, RelSci, and DonorSearch.  Experience with ROI Revolution CRM is a plus.

Salary Range: $66,000-$70,000

LOCATION

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations.  We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA.  WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible.  Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Benefits | WETA

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously. 

Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.

We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.