19058- Development Research Specialist

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks a Development Research Specialist at our Washington, DC office. 

Conducts a full range of donor and prospect research activities in support of WWF’s Development function and selected other internal clients.  Uses expert analysis to convert raw data and information into functional intelligence to meet the information needs of the WWF Development Department, Performs proactive prospect research as directed, and supports the Development Department’s prospect management needs. Collaborates with the Private Sector Engagement team to conduct due diligence profiles of select corporations. Performs basic corporate/business background and philanthropy research as part of this effort.

• Uses public, subscription and WWF proprietary tools to collect, evaluate, analyze, organize, package, and disseminate information in a way that maximizes its usefulness and enables accurate and educated decision-making in the development of donor strategies.

• Composes, writes, edits, and proofreads materials including but not limited to donor research profiles or reports, staff/volunteer briefings, event research, and other basic research reports. Ensures accuracy and completeness of reports and other documents.

• Collaborates with development staff for accurate interpretation and application of biographical information and assigned ratings such as wealth, capacity, inclination and other ratings and scores.

• Executes electronic screenings by facilitating the data exchange between WWF and screening vendors. Supports Development staff on the systems and products relating to electronic screenings and interpretation of the external wealth, capacity and inclination scores.

• Identifies new prospects, assists the Director or Sr. Research Analysts in building prospect pools, and monitors market trends and media sources for relevant information on current donors.

• Assists new researchers with standard WWF Research products, protocols, database use, and vendor resources.

• Assists the Director, Prospect Development with vendor management, including coordinating payments and invoice processing.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree is required
• Minimum of four years of relevant research experience is required.
• Experience with LexisNexis and LexisNexis for Development Professionals, Relationship Science, iWave PRO, WealthEngine, FC Search Online, FoundationSearch, or similar services and multi-constituent databases required.
• Knowledge of Blackbaud CRM preferred. Knowledge of prospect management concepts and processes preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and analytical ability and judgment
• Demonstrated ability to use standard development practices and techniques
• Able to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Flexible, responsible, and able to balance competing demands
• Possess a demonstrated interest in environmental policy and conservation issues, and a commitment to the goals of WWF
• Knowledge of conservation/environmental issues is preferred.
• Knowledge of the donor development cycle, major gifts fundraising process and the ability to work with Development Officers to help build prospect strategy
• Ability to teach basic prospect research skills to a diverse audience (this includes making presentations, designing and implementing formal training on basic prospect research)
• Knowledge of changing market of subscription-based research resources such as electronic wealth-screening services, news databases, and business directories
• Able to demonstrate commitment to promoting or advocating prospect research (this involves proactively seeking opportunities for Researchers to be involved in Development activities within WWF, and promoting prospect research within the fundraising profession)

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page,  Requisition #19058
• Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.