PROSPECT RESEARCHER
Last updated: March 2015
POSITION PROFILE
Title: Prospect Researcher
Department: Fundraising
Reports to: Principal Gifts Program Manager
Position status : Full-time, Permanent, 37.5 hours per week
Location: Toronto
Salary Rate: $ 49,114
Start Date: 4th May 2015
POSITION OBJECTIVE:
Reporting to the Principal Gifts Program Manager, the Prospect Researcher supports
the growth of MSF Canada’s major gifts revenue program and the relationship
management activities of front line fundraisers. In addition to assuming responsibility for
meeting the prospect identification and research needs of the fundraising department,
the Prospect Researcher proactively oversees a robust major gifts pipeline and prospect
management system, tracks and reports on results and trends, and provides assistance
with MSF’s general fundraising activities.
A proactive and analytical professional skilled in prospect research, the ideal candidate
will be results-focused with strong communication skills and a commitment to
confidentiality and high ethical standards. The Prospect Researcher will have the ability
to translate and synthesize research knowledge appropriate to individual relationship
managers’ allowing them to apply the information effectively to meet fundraising goals.
BACKGROUND:
MSF Canada’s fundraising department is responsible for raising private funding,
predominantly from individuals, to support our humanitarian mission and our activities in
Canada. The fundraising department now generates over $45 million annually.
DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES:
1. Prospect Research (60%)
 Identify and qualify new prospects by researching and analyzing individuals,
foundations, and corporations for their potential interest in MSF, giving potential,
and propensity to donate
 Identify active donors for upgrade potential through active data mining, rating and
ranking
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Conduct prospective donor research using a variety of sources including donor
database, interactions with staff & volunteers, and online/public resources
Rate donors and prospects in terms of inclination and capacity, and consult with
fundraising team on cultivation and solicitation strategies, including participation
in prospect review and pipeline management sessions
Create a tracking system for community foundation/corporate donors and
prospects and support the Principal Gifts Coordinator in implementing a mail
solicitation strategy based on research into grant eligibility criteria and application
guidelines
Keep current of all recent trends in international NGO sector, the culture of
philanthropy, prospect research and incorporate any relevant information into
briefing materials and regularly report on opportunities to appropriate staff
Write confidential research profiles on individual, corporate and foundation
donors/prospects for meetings and strategic planning, and prepare background
briefing notes for staff & volunteers in preparation for donor/prospect meetings
Other duties as required to ensure the continued success of Médecins Sans
Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) fund development program
2. Prospect Management (30%)
 Create and maintain a robust moves management tracking system for top major
donors and prospects including the recording of meetings, outcomes, next steps
and follow up strategy
 Manage and oversee a dynamic major gifts pipeline and ensure all prospects are
assigned, coded, and followed up on by the appropriate relationship manager
 Periodically review and update the coding of all donor and prospect assignments
in consultation with the Principal Gifts program manager
 Produce detailed prospect management and tracking reports to the Principal
Gifts Program Manager and Director of Fundraising at regularly scheduled team
meetings and as requested
 Participate in donor meeting debriefings with the Director of Fundraising and
other staff/volunteers as needed/requested to ensure outcomes and next steps
are recorded and donor profiles and research notes are updated appropriately
 Maintain data integrity by transcribing dictated meeting notes, next steps and
coding updates for top donors and prospects into the database as needed
 Provide administrative support to the Director of Fundraising and Principal Gifts
Program Manager in recording donor/prospect contacts and moves as requested
3. Other Research Assigned Duties (10%)
 Maintain policies and procedures for the prospect research program and update
protocols relating to prospect management and donor confidentiality
 Participate as a professional of the Fundraising Department on strategy
development and activities
 Recognize developing trends and areas of possible concern for fundraising and
develop appropriate plan of action
 Be an ambassador and a representative for MSF Canada and the Fundraising
Department when interfacing with potential donors, current donors, and the
public at large (i.e. at events, meetings and conferences)
 Assist with various duties related to fundraising as needed/requested
QUALIFICATIONS/JOB REQUIREMENTS
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Education and experience
 College or university degree;
 Minimum three years relevant experience in fundraising
 Member of APRA (considered an asset)
 CFRE (considered an asset)
Skills and competences
 Strong written, communication, analytical and interpersonal skills;
 Skillful in drafting and editing research and briefing materials;
 Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, e-mail and database management;
 Tact, diplomacy, sound judgment and demonstrated commitment to professional
ethics and safeguarding donor confidentiality at all times;
 Self-directed with a high level of initiative and follow through;
 Aptitude for logical thinking and tendency to work proactively;
 Demonstrated attention to detail and highly organized;
 Team player yet able to work independently with minimum supervision;
 Skilled at managing multiple priorities that lead to accurate and timely results;
 Identify with the values upheld by MSF;
 Bilingual (English/French) (considered an asset)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
 Work is generally carried out during the day, Monday to Friday (9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m.).
 Duties require long hours sitting in front of a computer screen.
 Sometimes it is necessary to work evenings, weekends or holidays.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION:
Dynamic candidates with relevant qualifications are invited to apply by following the link
below. Please be sure to include references and a letter of motivation as a part of
your application. These should be uploaded in the same document as your
resume.
Apply - Prospect Researcher
*please note: only electronic applications will be accepted.
DEADLINE EXTENDED until Monday, March 30th 2015, 9am EST
Note: Applicants who have questions regarding accommodation and accessibility can send
questions/concerns to: Email: [email protected] or Call: 1-800-982-7903 ext: 3454
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