Development Research Assistant

Join the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm, on the front lines fighting to end widespread abuses of government power and to secure the rights of all Americans, and play a critical role in our fundraising efforts.

In this position, you will supply members of the Development team at all levels with the information and resources they need to secure new and increased support from a broad base of prospects and donors. Through internet and subscription database searches, collect and analyze data to prepare written reports on individual, foundation, and corporate donors and prospects for review by Development team members and the organization’s president. Work to outline and execute cultivation strategies that contribute to raising the annual $50M+ budget.

The ideal candidate will excel at working independently and be able to effectively manage multiple projects, often on tight deadlines. This position is best suited for a proactive individual with a curiosity to learn and the drive to take ownership of an evolving role within the team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research prospective and existing donors to identify opportunities for new and increased support
• Produce reports analyzing wealth, capacity, and donor affinity using advanced search engines as well as general internet searches, including reviewing social media and real estate records
• Prepare frontline fundraisers for donor and prospect meetings by providing comprehensive profiles encompassing their history with IJ, their biographical background, their charitable interests, and philanthropic capacity
• Support prospect cultivation strategy discussions and help execute on the team’s favored approach
• Summarize comprehensive research into digestible bios for periodic IJ hosted or attended events
• Facilitate completion of miscellaneous and one-off research requests from immediate team members and, occasionally, from across the organization
• Periodically train and oversee projects completed by seasonal interns

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a communications or research heavy field or 0-2 years working in a comparable professional role
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Time management and organizational skills, including ability to independently manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to analyze disparate data points, draw actionable conclusions, and synthesize into digestible reports
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm for taking on varied projects and identifying and filling potential gaps in our research operations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems
• Experience with LexisNexis for Development Professionals, iWave, WealthEngine, or other advanced search engines

Benefits:

• A hybrid work schedule per manager approval
• Flexible work hours with core business hours of 10am and 4pm   
• Full health, dental, and vision insurance (IJ covers 100% of individual premium) 
• Free Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance plans
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous PTO, including a paid personal day and 12 paid holidays 
• Smart casual dress code with casual Fridays
• HSA employer contributions

To Apply:
Please submit a resume and a cover letter detailing how your experience will ensure success in this position.

IJ is an equal opportunity employer.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At IJ we value a diverse workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

To learn more about our culture and benefits, visit our Working at IJ page. No phone calls please.

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