Advancement Prospect Manager/Researcher

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.
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Why This Role Matters
At Abilene Christian University, advancement work fuels lives of purpose, leadership, and service around the world. As Prospect Manager, you’ll play a critical behind-the-scenes role in connecting the university’s mission with the people who make it possible—helping ensure that fundraising efforts are strategic, data-informed, and relationship-driven.

This position partners closely with gift officers, advancement leadership, and the President’s Office to guide donor strategy, strengthen fundraising pipelines, and support campaigns and special initiatives.

What You’ll Do
Shape Strong Fundraising Portfolios
Lead portfolio management for major, principal, and leadership annual giving programs

Assign and balance prospect portfolios to support effective relationship management

Meet regularly with gift officers to review portfolios, assess performance, and refine strategies

Facilitate prospect management meetings with the major gift team every 4-6 weeks.

Serve as a strategic thought partner, facilitating planning conversations with gift officers and campus leaders
 

Build and Manage the Donor Pipeline
Analyze wealth, giving history, and engagement data to inform prospect strategy and capacity ratings

Lead periodic wealth screening initiatives from audience selection through evaluation and reporting

Partner with the Prospect Researcher to move qualified prospects into active cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

Monitor major and principal gift pipelines and review progress with advancement leadership

Support the President’s Engagement with Donors
Work with advancement leaders and the President’s Office to prioritize prospects for presidential travel

Assist in managing and tracking the president’s donor portfolio

Participate in regular meetings with the president and staff to align strategy and stay informed
 

Contribute to Campaigns and Special Projects
Lead prospect evaluation for campaigns, including planning pyramids and progress tracking

Research and vet potential candidates for the Governing Board

Provide timely research support for campus partners and leadership as needs arise

Collaborate with the Prospect Researcher to identify proactive research opportunities
 

What We’re Looking For
Professional Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required

A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in donor prospect management and research

Strong understanding of prospect research and fundraising best practices

Experience developing proactive strategies to identify major gift prospects

Familiarity with prospect research tools, CRMs, and databases

Higher education fundraising experience preferred

Collaborative communicator who thrives in a team-oriented environment

Personal Qualities
High level of discretion and professionalism with confidential information

Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable

Curious, analytical, and motivated to learn

Able to manage multiple priorities with confidence

Mission Fit
ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.
 

Tools & Training
If you’re not already proficient, ACU will support training in the following areas:
Prospect research fundamentals aligned with APRA skill sets

Ellucian CRM Advance

GiveCampus Gift Officer (GCGO)

Advanced Excel

Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Calendar, Email)

Online research tools such as Lexis Nexis, DonorSearch, Foundation Search, and emerging AI technologies

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Option to work remotely

Standard work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods (6–8 hours/day)

Occasional lifting of up to 25–30 pounds

Occasional optional evening or weekend event support

Benefits
Health, dental and vision coverage available

Company match of up to 8% of employee contributions to 403(b) retirement plan

Tuition assistance program for employees and family members

Read more about additional benefits and details at acu.edu/human-resources/benefits/

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.