Prospect Research Associate

Job Description

Prospect Research Associate
Cross Catholic Outreach is a Catholic ministry with an ecumenical staff of Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox believers working in unity to provide food, water, housing, education, orphan support, medical care, micro-enterprise, and disaster relief and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ to the poorest of the poor in more than 30 countries around the world. We believe strongly in unifying Christians in this mission of mercy, and we believe that creating a welcoming work environment for all Christian faiths is essential to achieving our ministry goals.

Position Title: Prospect Research Associate
Department: Donor Program Services
Position Location: Remote
Reports to: Prospect of Research Manager

Educational or Certification Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience
Experience Requirements:
• Demonstrated experience in prospect research or development. Familiarity with fundraising databases, data management principles, and donor screening tools. Understanding of ethical standards and best practices in prospect research (e.g., Apra Principles of Ethics and Professional Practice).

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Prospect Research Manager and in collaboration with the entire Prospect Development Team, the Prospect Research Associate assists in preparing prospect research profiles and capacity verifications for potential and identified major gift and high-level annual gift prospects expanding the organization's major gift efforts in accordance with Cross Catholic Outreach policies and procedures.

Research & Analysis (50%)
• Prepare comprehensive, confidential research profiles on individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Analyze financial capacity, philanthropic interests, and affiliations to assess donor potential.
• Generate and distribute research reports to support fundraising initiatives.
• Maintain accuracy and consistency in donor data and research documentation.

Prospect Identification & Qualification (30%)
• Utilize screening tools and daily gift reports to assign new donors to major gift portfolios.
• Conduct proactive and reactive research to support frontline fundraisers.
• Support the Prospect Research Manager in collaborating with internal teams to align research efforts with strategic fundraising goals.

Data Integrity (20%)
• Update and maintain donor records, prospect statuses, and research outcomes in CRM systems.
• Support tracking donor engagement and movement through the cultivation pipeline.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and ethical research standards.

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Character Required:
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles and donor cultivation strategies.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in research tools such as DonorSearch, FamilyTreeNow, Kindsight, and public records databases.
• Experience with data mining and wealth screening.
• Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor CRM systems.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sensitivity to Christian-based fundraising and alignment with the mission of Cross Catholic Outreach.

About the Employer

We mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Our
Vision
All Catholics around the world united in overcoming material and spiritual poverty