Prospect Research Analyst
Memphis, TN
Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Prospect Research Analyst to identify, research, and analyze information on current and prospective donors. The position reports to the Director of Prospect Development, who is based out of our Memphis, TN headquarters. Partial or full remote work may be available for the right candidate. Applicants not located in the Memphis area are welcome to apply.
The Analyst provides research support to DU leadership, as well as to development staff members, to inform development strategies and advance potential donor relationships. The Prospect Research Analyst qualifies, screens, and rates potential donors, and proactively identifies new prospective donors. Primary responsibilities include:
- Conduct proactive research to identify new potential major and principal gift donors using news alerts, a review of weekly gift reports, wealth screening, and other methods.
- Conduct quarterly prospect review sessions with assigned fundraisers to ensure accurate and up-to-date opportunities, status information and portfolio size and health.
- Support wealth screening and predictive modeling projects. Help to independently verify screening results.
- Update information in Blackbaud CRM following established data standards.
- Using a variety of electronic resources, develop and synthesize information on prospects to produce informative profiles/background biographies with information on career, financial capacity, philanthropic interests, and relationship to DU.
- Undertake financial analysis of prospects' and donors' known wealth indicators to assess potential philanthropic capacity.
- Proactively track and disseminate donor and prospect-related information to development staff and selected DU leadership for cultivation and solicitation.
- Monitor news and publicly-available financial information on current major and principal gift donors and prospects from SEC filings, press releases, and major newspapers.
- Strategize and partner with development staff to support the development of high-capacity portfolios.
- Develop supportive and productive relationships with development staff and other DU staff involved in fundraising.
- Maintain proficiency with standard prospect research resources (electronic, print, and other) and stay abreast of new resources and technologies.
- Use the database to track research activity for internal prospect research metrics.
- Seek opportunities for professional development to enhance job performance.
- Safeguard the confidentiality of constituent information at all times by adhering to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of DU and APRA, the professional organization for prospect research professionals.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of related experience in prospect research or related role, preferably in a fundraising environment. The successful candidate will have an affinity for Ducks Unlimited’s mission and programs, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Additional qualifications include:
- Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university.
- Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, technological tools available to DU, including Blackbaud CRM, Microsoft Windows computer environment, and Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required).
- Familiarity with Internet search strategies and experience using, or ability to learn quickly, electronic databases and online search tools such as LexisNexis for Development Professionals, GuideStar, Foundation Center, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to retrieve, manipulate, analyze and synthesize information gathered from a variety of sources (electronic, print, and personal accounts).
- High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills required – including the ability to prioritize and multi-task several projects simultaneously.
- An aptitude for critical thinking and problem solving.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
- Understanding of philanthropy (mission, practice, trends) and fundraising practices (the development cycle, general prospect management policies and practices).
- Flexible and adaptable to new programs in an emerging and changing environment.
Candidates must be willing to work hours that extend outside of the typical workday and workweek throughout the year; some overnight travel is required.
Benefits / Salary: Salary will be based on experience. DU offers an exceptional benefit package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.
To Apply: Please complete all application materials and submit a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and a resume highlighting your qualifications. Resume review will begin on November 6, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applications will be considered as they are received, and position will remain open until filled.
DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
Skills Required
- At least two years of related experience in prospect research or a related role
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Ability to use or quickly learn Blackbaud CRM, Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft Office
- Experience using or ability to learn electronic databases and online search tools, including LexisNexis for Development Professionals, GuideStar, and Foundation Center
- Ability to retrieve, manipulate, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources
- High attention to detail, follow-up, organization, prioritization, and multitasking skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving ability
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact
- Understanding of philanthropy and fundraising practices
- Flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment
- Willingness to work outside typical workday and workweek hours
- Willingness to undertake some overnight travel
- Experience in a fundraising environment
What We Do
Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Our Vision: The vision of Ducks Unlimited is wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. Our Mission: Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. #waterfowl #wetlands #conservation #waterfowling #fullskies
