Data Analyst & Prospect Researcher, Philanthropy Full-Time

Location: Saint Louis MO
Department: Philanthropy
Directly Reports to: Director of Development
Classification: Exempt

Position Summary: The Data Analyst & Prospect Researcher plays a vital role in advancing the Zoos mission to inspire conservation education and connection with wildlife. This position transforms donor and visitor data into actionable insights that support philanthropic growth strengthen donor relationships and fuel strategic fundraising initiatives. Working closely with frontline fundraisers and leadership this role ensures data-driven decision-making across annual major corporate planned and campaign giving.

Responsibilities:
Donor & Prospect Analysis
Analyze donor member and visitor data to identify giving patterns engagement trends and upgrade opportunities
Support donor segmentation strategies across membership annual fund major gifts planned giving and campaigns
Develop predictive insights to inform donor pipelines portfolio assignments and solicitation strategies
Translate complex data into clear compelling insights for fundraisers and leadership

Prospect Research & Fundraiser Support
Conduct proactive and responsive prospect research for individual foundation and corporate donors
Identify and qualify prospective donors aligned with the zoos mission capital projects and conservation priorities
Prepare donor profiles capacity assessments and briefing materials for solicitations tours and cultivation events
Partner with gift officers to support moves management portfolio development and strategic next steps

Reporting Dashboards & Campaign Support
Design and maintain dashboards and reports tracking fundraising performance pipeline health and campaign progress
Support capital and comprehensive campaigns including feasibility studies prospect lists and naming opportunity analysis
Provide data support for leadership board campaign cabinet and volunteer committees
Monitor progress toward annual campaign and project-based fundraising goals

Data Management & Integrity
Maintain data accuracy and consistency in the fundraising CRM (e.g. Raisers Edge NXT)
Establish and document data standards definitions and best practices for philanthropy data
Collaborate with gift processing and membership teams to improve data workflows and reporting efficiency
Support data hygiene initiatives audits and system improvements

Cross-Department Collaboration
Partner with Membership Marketing Education and Finance teams to align data and reporting
Support donor engagement strategies tied to animal care conservation programs exhibits and education initiatives
Provide data insights that inform donor communications stewardship and recognition efforts
Stay current on best practices in nonprofit analytics prospect research and conservation philanthropy

Qualifications:
Required
Bachelors degree in data analytics information science nonprofit management business or a related field
3 years of experience in data analysis prospect research or fundraising operations (nonprofit or cultural institution preferred)
Experience working with fundraising and membership databases
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Ability to communicate data insights clearly to non-technical audiences
High level of discretion and respect for donor confidentiality

Preferred
Experience with zoo museum aquarium or environmental nonprofit fundraising
Familiarity with prospect research tools (iWave WealthEngine Foundation Directory LexisNexis etc.)
Advanced Excel skills or data visualization tools
Experience supporting capital or comprehensive campaigns and major gift fundraising programs

Core Competencies
Mission-driven and conservation-minded
Analytical and intellectually curious
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
Collaborative and service-oriented
Organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities

All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check.

Required Experience:

IC