Director of Prospect Development

Since 1867, Howard University has awarded more than 130,000 degrees in the professions, arts, sciences, and humanities. Howard ranks among the highest producers of the nation’s Black professionals in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, nursing, architecture, religion, law, music, social work, and education.

The University has long held a commitment to dismantle systems and processes that marginalize and harm people in American society and throughout the world. The goal is the elimination of inequities related to race, color, social , economic, and political circumstances. As the only truly comprehensive predominantly Black University, Howard is one of the major engineers of change in our society. Through its traditional and cutting-edge academic programs, the University seeks to improve the circumstances of all people in the search for peace and justice on Earth – Howard prepares men and women to advance social justice and the preservation of human liberty.

Regarded as one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning, current enrollment is nearly 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students representing 45 states and territories, and 9 nations. The University continues to prepare Black scholars in every field and across the globe.

The Director of Prospect Development is charged with establishing and refining new prospect research and portfolio management programs within Development Operations. The role leads university efforts to provide staff with support for effective prospect management and manages a team responsible for lead generation, prospect identification and research, portfolio assignment, maintenance, and activity tracking. The Director oversees additional special projects, including developing a university-specific prospect rating system.

In support of senior leadership, the Director will prepare and present regular reports on the status of the prospect pipeline, providing detailed analysis, highlighting trends, illuminating opportunities, and flagging challenges to inform strategic decisions. Core responsibilities include updates to policies and procedures for the prospect research program that comply with data privacy requirements and developing a calendar and cadence for effectively managing gift officer portfolios.

Ideal Candidate:

• Proven success developing new areas of activity and launching special projects.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing teams.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Familiarity with emerging trends in philanthropy, prospect research, and donor relations.
• Knowledge of industry resources and ability to recommend and direct the purchase, use, and adoption of tools, subscriptions, or other outside resources.
• Commitment to maintaining the professional and ethical standards set forth for the field by the Association of Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
• Ability to develop, oversee and sustain standard operating procedures for prospect research and portfolio management functions.
• Ability to navigate internal processes and structures to advance relationships with campus partners.
• Ability to provide leadership, problem-solve, and contribute to a team of development professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Ability to leverage technology to enhance fundraising efforts and use data to inform performance metrics.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and a high degree of discretion working with donors.

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of Howard University.