Job Title

Donor Prospect Research Specialist

Classification

Advancement Professional I

AutoReqId

553317

Department

Central Development

Division

Vice President, University Advancement

Salary Range

Classification Range $4,799 - $6,992 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $4,799 - $4,895 per month)

Appointment Type

Temporary

Time Base

Full Time

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours. This is a temporary position to end on or before June 30, 2027, with a possibility of renewal on an annual basis if funds and/or program needs exist.

About CSUF

Standing on 241 acres in the heart of Southern California, Cal State Fullerton was founded in 1957 and has grown to serve more than 43,000 students. As a leading campus of the California State University system, the University serves as both an intellectual and cultural hub for the region and a driving force in workforce and economic development.

We are dedicated to student success through innovative, high-impact educational experiences and robust support programs. Equally, we invest in the growth of our staff, faculty, and administrators through orientations, training opportunities, and ongoing professional development.

As a member of the Titan Community, you’ll have access to a wide range of campus resources and experiences—including the Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, cultural performances at the Clayes Performing Arts Center, Titan Athletics events, the Titan Recreation Center, and our Employee Wellness Program.

Job Summary

It is an exciting time to join Cal State Fullerton as we are an in demand comprehensive University that is driven to shape the future of education and foster a vibrant community of diverse students, faculty, staff, and administrators who uphold values of inclusive excellence, free speech, and an environment free from discrimination. We are continuously seeking individuals from various career disciplines that share the University’s mission and core values. We warmly welcome you to consider joining the Titan Community where minds expand and opportunities flourish.  

About the Position: 

A strong foundation of supporters is essential to enhancing academic innovation, empowering students, transforming campus structures, and enriching the community. Through gifts large and small, Cal State Fullerton elevates the potential of our remarkable students. The office of Central Development is dedicated to increasing community, tradition, and contributions to the University by working together with the campus community. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Under the general direction of the Director of Prospect Management and Strategy, the Donor Prospect Research Specialist supports University Advancement by conducting research, analysis, and reporting on individuals, corporations, and foundations to inform fundraising strategies and enhance donor engagement. This position focuses on analyzing existing constituent data to identify new prospects, preparing research on assigned prospects, and supporting strategic fundraising initiatives, including campus-wide comprehensive or capital campaigns.

The Donor Prospect Research Specialist collaborates closely with Advancement leadership and the Development team to ensure fundraisers are equipped with accurate, actionable, and timely information. This role requires skills in research and data analysis to help build and maintain strong prospect pools and to guide data-driven fundraising strategies. This position is also responsible for prospect portfolio distribution and other prospect report distribution to University Advancement staff. Responsibilities also include gathering, compiling and analyzing prospect research data, assisting in the coordination of prospect identification, donor prospect reporting and analysis, general office coordination and travel and procurement card tracking. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Relevant education and/or experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Under direct supervision, performs entry-level technical and professional work within the advancement field including gathering and analyzing data; producing reports; assisting in advancement activities; representing the university and ensuring compliance with terms and conditions and applicable regulations and laws. Performs less complex assignments following detailed and established procedures. Work is regularly reviewed for understanding of professional concepts and compliance with policies and procedures.

General professional knowledge of advancement and fundraising tactics. Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and potential donors. Ability to follow guidelines and provide input and feedback. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a donor and stakeholder service-oriented approach. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Analytical and math skills to complete research and reconcile financial accounts. Organizational skills to plan, organize, and prioritize work. Ability to use technology and relevant software packages.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.  

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with research and the ability to perform data analysis, as well as experience using ResearchPoint, LexisNexis, and WealthEngine. Experience in nonprofit or public organizations that receive donated funds, with an understanding of how those funds are solicited, allocated, and used. Possess knowledge of creating both general and detailed research biographical profiles, and be able to maintain files, records, and the confidentiality of prospect information and development records. Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and RE software is required, along with familiarity with engagement scoring, machine learning approaches to donor modeling, or network analysis.

License/Certifications

A valid California driver’s license.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

Must be able to work annual commencement ceremonies.

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.  

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration. 

California State University, Fullerton is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (i.e., H1-B Visas).

Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Hiring Preference

On-Campus CSUEU Employees