Prospect Research Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children Australia is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities in need. Established with a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe, Save the Children Australia operates in various regions, including Australia, the Pacific, and globally. The organization is known for its commitment to child welfare and advocacy, employing a diverse team of passionate individuals who work collaboratively to create lasting change. With a focus on innovation and community engagement, Save the Children Australia has become a leader in the nonprofit sector, striving to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Job Overview:
In this full-time, permanent role as a Prospect Research Officer, you will be an integral part of the Philanthropy team within the Supporter Engagement department. Your primary responsibility will be to identify and qualify high-value donors, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners whose interests align with the mission of Save the Children Australia. This position requires a proactive approach to developing and implementing an annual prospect research plan that aligns with the organization's funding priorities. You will be tasked with producing high-quality donor profiles and strategic insights that will inform engagement strategies, thereby enhancing the organization's ability to cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships with donors. Your work will directly contribute to the organization's impact on children in Australia and around the world, making this role both challenging and rewarding.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Prospect Research Officer, your duties will include: developing and implementing an annual prospect research plan that aligns with funding priorities; identifying, qualifying, and prioritizing prospective donors across individuals, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners; producing high-quality donor profiles, briefings, and strategic insights using biographical, financial, and philanthropic sources; conducting due diligence to support ethical fundraising and risk management; collaborating with relationship managers to shape cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; maintaining accurate and confidential records in Microsoft Dynamics to support reporting and forecasting; and ensuring that all research and insights are actionable and contribute to the overall fundraising strategy of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this role, candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years’ experience in prospect research or fundraising intelligence within a nonprofit or philanthropic environment. Strong analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to generate actionable insights from complex data. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of discretion and ethical judgment in handling confidential donor information. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required, as well as proficiency in donor databases and research tools. A commitment to the mission of Save the Children and a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and communities are also crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant degree in fields such as nonprofit management, social sciences, business, or a related discipline. Advanced training or certifications in fundraising, research methodologies, or data analysis will be considered an asset. Continuous professional development and a commitment to staying updated on best practices in prospect research and fundraising are highly valued.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of relevant experience in prospect research or fundraising intelligence, preferably within a nonprofit or philanthropic context. Experience in developing donor engagement strategies and a proven track record of successful donor relationship management will be advantageous. Familiarity with various research tools and databases, as well as experience in analyzing and interpreting complex data sets, is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
While English is the mandatory language for this position, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they align with the organization's diverse client base and stakeholder engagement efforts. Candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages will have an advantage in building relationships with a broader range of donors and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and permanent, with the flexibility to work from the Melbourne or Sydney office or remotely. Save the Children Australia offers a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion, providing various employee benefits such as individual learning plans, internal employment opportunities, and wellness support programs. The organization is committed to creating a child-safe environment, requiring all employees to undergo necessary background checks and adhere to child safeguarding policies. Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, and the organization is dedicated to ensuring an accessible and straightforward application process for all potential candidates.