Senior Specialist, Prospect Management

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has grown to become one of the world's leading conservation organizations. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. WWF is grounded in science and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Currently, nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are members of WWF, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Senior Specialist, Prospect Management at WWF plays a crucial role in supporting a strategic, data-informed approach to fundraising. This position is responsible for optimizing portfolios, analyzing pipelines, and implementing effective prospect management practices. The Senior Specialist collaborates closely with gift officers and Development teams to provide analysis, recommendations, and operational support that enhance prospect progression, improve portfolio performance, and increase forecasting accuracy. This role is essential in ensuring that fundraising outcomes are maximized through data-driven strategies and effective management of donor relationships. The Senior Specialist will also lead projects that translate prospect management strategies into actionable processes and tools, ensuring that Development teams can implement these strategies effectively and continuously improve their fundraising efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Specialist will serve as the primary prospect management liaison for various Development teams, including Major Gifts, Gift Planning, Annual Giving, and Philanthropic Partnerships. Key responsibilities include facilitating prospect management meetings to advance prospect progression and maintain pipeline health, ensuring timely updates in the CRM system. The Specialist will partner with gift officers to optimize portfolios through data analysis and insights, monitor prospect pools and pipeline performance, and analyze metrics to inform fundraising strategies. Additionally, the role involves leading projects that translate prospect management strategies into actionable processes, providing training and resources to promote effective practices, and ensuring accurate data management in the CRM. The Specialist will also collaborate with cross-functional partners to align processes and support the implementation of evolving prospect management practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and have at least 4 years of progressive experience in prospect management, development operations, fundraising analytics, or a related field. Experience supporting fundraising teams through prospect management practices and portfolio strategy is essential. Proficiency with CRM systems such as Blackbaud CRM, Salesforce, or Raiser’s Edge NXT is required, along with strong analytical skills to interpret fundraising data and support accurate forecasting. Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing processes, maintaining data quality, and managing operational workflows. Effective facilitation of meetings and collaboration across stakeholders is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, with a focus on fields related to fundraising, development, or analytics. The educational background should support the necessary skills for data analysis, strategic thinking, and effective communication within the context of fundraising and prospect management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in areas such as prospect management, development operations, or fundraising analytics. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting fundraising teams and managing donor relationships effectively. Experience in analyzing fundraising data and implementing strategies to improve portfolio performance is also essential.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is implied as the primary language for communication within the organization. Additional language skills may be considered beneficial, especially in regions where WWF operates, to enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, and applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. Relocation assistance is not provided. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to WWF's core values, including courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration.