Donor Prospector

About Us:

Grow Further is a Seattle-based organization dedicated to improving global food security through innovative agricultural research and development. We empower smallholder farmers to adapt to climate change, enhancing their income and nutritional status. Our unique model endorses groundbreaking research proposals from scientists worldwide, supported by individual donors and strategic partnerships.

Position Overview:

We are looking for an innovative and results-driven Donor Prospector to take the lead in building out our prospective donor base. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in supporting the fundraising efforts of Grow Further by identifying, researching, and analyzing potential donors. Your creativity and strategic thinking will help shape and expand our prospecting efforts, laying the foundation for long-term growth. The ideal candidate is passionate about our mission, skilled in research and analysis, and eager to bring fresh ideas to elevate our fundraising strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive research on prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors using a variety of sources, including databases, online tools, and public records.
• Analyze and synthesize data to create detailed prospect profiles, including background information, philanthropic interests, giving capacity, and potential for engagement.
• Identify and evaluate new donor prospects, prioritizing based on alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor and track donor-related news, trends, and giving patterns to identify opportunities for cultivation and engagement.
• Collaborate with the VP of Development to develop and implement strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Maintain and update Salesforce with accurate and relevant information, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on prospect research findings for leadership.
• Stay informed about best practices in prospect research and fundraising to continuously improve research methods and tools.

Outreach Initiatives:

• Design and execute targeted outreach campaigns via email, phone, and social media
• Craft personalized initial communications to engage prospects and generate interest in our programs
• Track response rates and adjust outreach strategies for maximum effectiveness.

Marketing Collaboration:

• Work closely with the marketing team to develop effective donor outreach collateral
• Provide insights on prospect needs and interests to inform marketing content creation
• Collaborate on the design of lead magnets, landing pages, and other lead capture tools
• Assist in creating targeted messaging for different lead segments

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, Business, or Social Sciences).
• Proven experience in prospect research, fundraising, development, or a related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to gather, interpret, and present complex information effectively.
• Proficiency in using prospect research tools and databases (e.g., WealthEngine, DonorSearch, iWave, LI Sales Navigator).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a remote team environment.
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Passion for the mission of Grow Further and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization or a start-up environment in fundraising.
• Familiarity with fundraising software and donor management systems.
• Knowledge of philanthropic trends and major donor landscapes in relevant sectors.
• Proven ability to host initial prospect meetings, effectively engaging potential donors and articulating our mission.
• Experience in pre qualifying prospects, assessing their potential fit and interest to prioritize follow-up efforts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport and establish trust with prospective donors from the outset.
• Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and lead tracking tools.
• Experience with marketing and developing corporate partnerships.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• HRA & 401K
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on global food security
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge agricultural research
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and your cover letter. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience in donor prospecting and your passion for our mission. DEADLINE: September 12, 2024

Grow Further is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.