Museum of Science and Industry

Prospect Management and Research Specialist

Posted 26 Days Ago

Be an Early Applicant

Chicago, IL, USA

In-Office

60K-70K Annually

Mid level

Other

The Role

Conduct prospect identification, donor research, portfolio reviews, and moves management to support fundraising goals. Create prospect lists, donor profiles, philanthropic trend reports, and data-driven insights. Maintain accurate Salesforce records, coordinate demographic and predictive data enrichment, audit prospect information, monitor philanthropy trends, and manage research vendors and budgets. Requires collaboration with fundraisers, strong analytical and communication skills, and occasional evening or weekend event work.

Summary Generated by Built In

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!
The Prospect Management and Research Specialist is responsible for implementing a strategic approach to prospect identification, research and moves management. The Prospect Management and Research Specialist will help the organization achieve its fundraising goals based on data-driven insights and strategy, ensuring that fundraisers and leadership engage with the right people at the right time.
Responsibilities

Develop and document processes and procedures for prospect research and moves management data in systems such as Salesforce.
Create prospect lists and philanthropic trend reports for institutional priorities such as upcoming exhibitions, building projects and educational initiatives.
Develop strong relationships with fundraisers to help maximize their efforts through regular portfolio reviews and moves management strategy.
Provide fundraisers with new prospects on an ongoing basis through regular donor and member screenings.
Prepare detailed donor and prospect profiles for donor meetings and volunteer leadership pipeline.
Coordinate the effort to acquire, append and apply quality demographic, marketing, predictive modeling and electronic screening data across the constituency database for the purpose of enhancing analysis and segmentation.
Ensure accuracy and consistency of prospect data in systems such as Salesforce through regular audits.
Review current and emerging trends in philanthropy, fundraising, and business intelligence; informing the fundraising team and leadership as appropriate.
Manage vendor relationships and budget resources for prospect research and analytics tools.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and 2 to 4 years related experience development/non-profit industry.

Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize under deadlines.

Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of the solicitation cycle (identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
Ability to distinguish between various donor types (individual, estate, corporate, foundation and government).
Knowledge of the prospect and donor management process including research vehicles. (DonorSearch, WealthEngine, LexisNexis, iWave, etc.).
Familiarity with Salesforce, including understanding of proposals, actions, and queries, and an ability to develop queries and exports, is a plus.
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
Proven attention to detail and ability to gather data, analyze information and prepare reports.
Strong interpersonal skills and outstanding customer service skills with proven skills of fostering effective working relationships within a team environment.
Ability to work occasional weekends and evening special events.

Language:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, scripts, standard operating procedures, etc.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of guests and employees.

Physical:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to speak loudly and clearly
The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000.
This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
10 Company Holidays
401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
Free onsite garage parking
This position was posted on 9/14/2026

Skills Required

Bachelor's degree
2 to 4 years of related experience in development or the nonprofit industry
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize under deadlines
Advanced written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of the solicitation cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Ability to distinguish among individual, estate, corporate, foundation, and government donors
Knowledge of prospect and donor management processes and research vehicles
Familiarity with Salesforce, including proposals, actions, queries, queries development, and exports
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
Attention to detail and ability to gather data, analyze information, and prepare reports
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment
Ability to work occasional weekends and evening special events