Harris-Stowe State University is a historically Black institution (HBCU) located in the heart of vibrant mid-town St. Louis, Missouri. Harris-Stowe's beautiful campus is minutes from the renown Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art and History Museums, Forest Park and other cultural and educational institutions. Harris-Stowe's diverse faculty and staff provide a wide range of academic programs to one of the most culturally diverse student bodies in the St. Louis region.
Job Summary
The Prospect Research & Donor Relations Manager plays a critical role in advancing Harris-Stowe State University's fundraising and engagement goals by identifying, qualifying, and prioritizing prospective donors while building meaningful, long-term relationships with current supporters. This role blends data-driven prospect research with strategic donor stewardship and engagement, ensuring that donors feel valued, informed, and connected to the University's mission and impact. The Manager partners closely with Institutional Advancement leadership, development officers, alumni relations, and marketing/communications to create a strong pipeline of philanthropic support, improve donor retention, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the University. This position is 100% grant funded for a three-year period.
Primary Responsibilities
Prospect Research & Portfolio Development:
- Identify, qualify, and prioritize prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors using a variety of research tools, databases, public records, and networks.
- Produce high-quality prospect profiles, wealth screenings, and briefing materials to support leadership, development officers, and the President's Office.
- Recommend prospect strategies and next steps based on capacity, affinity, and philanthropic interests.
- Support portfolio development by helping assign prospects to fundraisers and tracking prospect movement through the donor pipeline.
Data Management & Analytics:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date prospect and donor records in the CRM/database (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Banner, Salesforce, or similar systems).
- Analyze donor and prospect data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for growth in fundraising and engagement.
- Prepare reports and simple dashboards to track donor retention, engagement metrics, pipeline health, and stewardship activity.
- Ensure data integrity and adherence to institutional policies and ethical research standards (e.g., APRA guidelines).
Relationship Mapping & Strategy:
- Create relationship maps that identify connections among prospects, alumni, donors, board members, faculty, staff, and community partners.
- Provide strategic guidance to development staff on cultivation and solicitation strategies.
- Support leadership with prospect briefings for high-level meetings, events, and solicitations.
Donor Relations & Stewardship:
- Help implement and continuously improve a donor stewardship program to ensure timely, meaningful, and personalized recognition of gifts.
- Oversee donor acknowledgements, including letters, calls, reports, and special recognition initiatives.
- Support the development and management of donor recognition societies and engagement pathways to strengthen long-term donor loyalty.
- Ensure donors receive regular updates on the impact of their giving and the University's progress.
Donor Engagement & Events:
- Assist with planning and coordinating donor engagement opportunities such as appreciation events, cultivation gatherings, alumni engagement activities, and campus experiences.
- Partner with alumni relations and campus leadership to create meaningful touchpoints for donors and prospects.
- Support stewardship and cultivation strategies that reflect Harris-Stowe's mission, history, and community impact.
Communications & Storytelling:
- Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to create donor-centered content such as impact reports, newsletters, and digital updates.
- Ensure donor communications reflect the University's values, DEI commitments, and mission-driven outcomes.
- Help translate institutional priorities into compelling, donor-facing narratives.
Industry Knowledge & Continuous Improvement:
- Stay current on trends in prospect research, donor relations, advancement services, and higher education fundraising.
- Recommend improvements to prospecting, stewardship, and engagement strategies based on best practices.
- Support process improvements to enhance efficiency, donor experience, and fundraising outcomes
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- 2-4 years of experience in advancement, prospect research, or donor relations.
- Strong proficiency with Raiser's Edge, other research tools, donor databases/CRMs, and online research resources.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data to inform fundraising strategies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and donor communications.
- Knowledge of best practices in donor relations and stewardship.
- High ethical standards and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Collaborative, service-oriented mindset and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to higher education and the mission of Harris-Stowe State University.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and assigned for this position. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it limited to all duties and responsibilities associated with the position. HSSU management reserves the right to amend and change the responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Compensation
Salary is commensurate with experience and aligned with grant-funded budget parameters. Position is eligible for university benefits for the duration of appointment.
EOE Statement
Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
