Data & Research Specialist

Job Summary:

The Data & Research Specialist supports the delivery of high-quality prospect research, reporting, and donor data management solutions that advance clients’ fundraising and development goals. This role works closely with the Director, Data & Research to execute data-driven strategies, maintain data integrity, and provide actionable insights for nonprofit clients.

This role will contribute to database management, prospect research, and reporting ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytically minded, and passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations through data and research.

Key Responsibilities:

Database Support & Data Management

• Assist in maintaining and optimizing client donor data CRM and data systems.
• Support gift entry, data cleaning, deduplication, and standardization processes.
• Help implement and adhere to data governance policies and procedures.
• Generate routine and ad hoc reports and dashboards to track KPIs, donor engagement, and fundraising performance.
• Identify data discrepancies and work with the Client to resolve issues.
• Support database migrations, integrations, and system updates.
• Provide basic training and support to clients and internal teams on data systems as needed.
• Have a basic understanding of gift entry best practices and tax laws surrounding charitable giving.

Prospect Research & Analysis

• Conduct research on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects using tools such as iWave, LexisNexis, and Instrumentl.
• Compile and analyze data to assess donor capacity, affinity, and engagement potential.
• Prepare donor profiles, prospect briefings, and research summaries.
• Support wealth screenings and prospect identification efforts.
• Maintain accurate and organized research records and tracking systems.
• Collaborate with team members to support prospect pipeline development and donor segmentation strategies.

Reporting & Insights

• Translate data findings into clear, concise summaries and visualizations.
• Support the development of dashboards and reports that inform client strategy and decision-making.
• Monitor fundraising performance metrics and highlight trends or opportunities.
• Assist in preparing client-facing deliverables and presentations.

Project & Team Support

• Support the Director, Data & Research in managing project timelines and deliverables.
• Coordinate tasks across multiple client projects to ensure timely completion.
• Maintain documentation of processes, workflows, and client requirements.
• Contribute to quality assurance by reviewing data and research outputs for accuracy.

Learning & Innovation

• Stay current with trends in nonprofit data, fundraising analytics, and prospect research.
• Explore new tools and methodologies to enhance data and research capabilities.
• Participate in internal trainings and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Data Analytics, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in data analysis, prospect research, fundraising operations, or a related field (internships included).
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Salesforce) and research tools (e.g., iWave, LexisNexis, Instrumentl) preferred.
• Experience with Excel and/or data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Attributes:

• Deep understanding of the nonprofit landscape and philanthropic sector.
• Experience supporting consulting teams or client-facing professionals.
• Ability to balance structure and flexibility in a values-based, client-centered organization.