Remote New

Prospect Researcher

National 4-H Council
64600.00 To 78550.00 (USD) Annually
United States
Jun 05, 2026
Do you find purpose in uncovering insights that drive meaningful relationships and expand opportunities for young people nationwide? Do you thrive on translating data, trends, and research into strategic intelligence that empowers fundraising teams to build transformative partnerships? National 4-H Council is seeking a dynamic Prospect Researcher to deliver critical insights and analysis that fuel the growth and impact of 4-H's mission and the Beyond Ready initiative. At National 4-H Council, we empower nearly 6 million young people each year to become confident leaders who are ready for life and work. As the nation's largest youth development organization, we prepare young people to be Beyond Ready through hands-on learning experiences in STEM, Agriculture, Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement. As the Prospect Researcher, you will play a pivotal role in advancing 4-H's national impact by providing strategic research and intelligence that informs fundraising, executive engagement, and board development. You will conduct in-depth analysis across individual, corporate, and foundation prospects, delivering clear, actionable insights that guide cultivation and solicitation strategies. Managing and maintaining high-quality data within the CRM, you will ensure accuracy and integrity while proactively identifying new opportunities through industry monitoring and trend analysis. Working closely with development teams and executive leadership, you will prepare confidential briefings, prospect profiles, and real-time updates that enable informed decision-making and meaningful donor engagement. Join us in helping expand the reach of 4-H and ensuring even more young people have access to the experiences, mentorship, and opportunities that prepare them to be Beyond Ready for the future. #4HBeyondReady Mission 4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. In collaboration with the USDA and our network of 110 public universities, we serve every county and parish in the United States in more than 3,000 local 4-H Extension offices. Our programs have a positive impact on young people: 4-H youth are 2x more likely to excel in school, 4x more likely to contribute to their communities, 2x more likely to make healthier choices, and 2x more likely to pursue STEM education or careers. National 4-H Council (Council), 4-H's private sector nonprofit partner, builds public-private partnerships and provides resources and leadership development opportunities that expand the reach and impact of 4-H. With the Beyond Ready Initiative, 4-H has the potential to reach 10 million young people annually to help them lead healthy, productive, and engaged lives. Young leaders will have the experience and mentorship to succeed in an evolving workforce and thrive in their communities. Position Summary The Prospect Researcher will provide strategic support to the Development & Marketing Team and the Executive Office. Reporting to the Director, Insights & Engagement, the Prospect Researcher delivers in-depth research and analysis for the executive, corporate, foundation, cause marketing, and individual giving teams. The role includes proactive monitoring of news and industry developments to support fundraising, board recruitment, and broader philanthropic intelligence. The Prospect Researcher supplies timely updates on industry trends, prospect activity, and relevant insights to ensure development teams engage donors with accurate, current, and strategic information. This role also assembles confidential and sensitive materials for key leaders across the Development Team and the Executive Team at Council. Essential Functions Prospect Research & Management Maintain a strong understanding of Council's mission, programs, fundraising priorities, and strategic goals. Research, verify, compile, and present data on donors and prospects, and accurately record findings in the CRM. Utilize a wide range of research techniques using leading technologies, and external resources to develop comprehensive profiles and reports on individual, corporate, foundation, and cause-based prospects. Analyze, interpret, and format biographical, professional, and financial information into clear, concise reports for the Corporate, Foundation, Cause, Individual Giving, and Executive teams. Acquire and assess financial and philanthropic information, identify new prospects through proactive research, maintain research resources, evaluate online tools, and remain current with best practices through professional networking. Works collaboratively with fundraisers and organizational leaders to present appropriate materials in response to requests for information, including but not limited to, in-depth individual profiles, summary information to support major solicitation and/or stewardship events, and other development-related information. Provides timely updates on industry trends, prospect news and relevant topics to ensure Development & Marketing teams can approach donors with relevant and complete fundraising opportunities. Other duties as assigned. Prospect Data Management & Administration Manage and record prospect information into the CRM and partner with the CRM Team to ensure the data integrity of the system. Partner with the CRM team to ensure proper tagging, categorization, and data integrity to support accurate reporting and analysis. Perform additional administrative responsibilities as assigned. Institutional Research & Support Conduct research for the Executive Team on philanthropic trends, peer and competitor organizations, and potential board candidates, providing insights that support strategic planning and leadership. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in library and information science, marketing research, journalism, data analysis, social science research, business, and/or similar fields, or any equivalent combination of relevant work experience and training. 4-7 years prospect research experience for a nonprofit. Required Qualifications Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) Proficiency with Raiser's Edge NXT, or similar CRM software. Proficiency with Prospect research tools, including platforms such as Lexus Nexus, iWave, and Blackbaud ResearchPoint, etc. Awareness of industry standards, current trends, and best practices particularly in the areas of prospect research, prospect management, and data analytics. Understanding of fundraising including moves management planning and the donor lifecycle. Excellent interpersonal skills, excellent oral & written communication skills, and presentation skills. Tact and diplomacy in communication with a wide variety of personalities. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously across teams while also working independently. Strong dedication to data integrity, ethics, appropriateness, and confidentiality. Excel in a team-oriented and collaborative environment. Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT Travel Requirements: Travel may be necessary up to 10% by air, car, and/or rail domestically. Salary Range Disclosure: The salary range listed reflects the national market range for this position. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the selected candidate's geographic location and internal equity considerations. ADA Requirements: The physical demands described here represent those that an Associate must meet to perform the position's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mostly a sedentary role; however, some movement is required. Role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Requires the ability to set up job fair tables, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary. Basic math skills needed to calculate formulas, discounts, and so forth. Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds. Disclaimer: This position description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to include or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required. An incumbent may be asked to perform other tasks as needed.