Job Details

Assistant Director of Prospect Research (UA26001)

Position Number: 6531560
Location: Mankato, MN
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Assistant Director of Prospect Research (UA26001)

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

Working Title:
Assistant Director of Prospect Research (UA26001)

Institution:
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Classification Title:
MSUAASF Range B

Bargaining Unit / Union:
211: Minnesota State University Association of Administrative Service Faculty

City:
Mankato

FLSA:
Non Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:
Full time

Employment Condition:
Unclassified - Unlimited Academic

Salary Range:
$47,788.00 - $78,458.00

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on September 23, 2025 and continue until the position has been filled.

POSITION: Probationary; Range B*

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Prospect Research is responsible for leading the identification, analysis, and strategic evaluation of prospects for major gifts, cultivation, and solicitation. This includes utilizing advanced wealth screening tools and both free and subscription-based research platforms, applying industry best practices to inform fundraising strategy. The position advises the development team by delivering high-impact, data-driven insights and requires an individual with a growth mindset, strong investigative, writing, and ethical judgment skills, and a natural curiosity to uncover and interpret complex information. This role is critical to campaign readiness and plays a strategic role in advancing Minnesota State University, Mankato's fundraising priorities-including major gift fundraising, leadership giving, and alumni engagement-through the development of comprehensive research profiles on individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Assistant Director independently conducts in-depth research, verifies and enhances constituent records, and collaborates with University Advancement leadership to identify data gaps and recommend solutions. This position also contributes to the infrastructure and analytics necessary for successful campaign execution, aligning with APRA best practices and the University's commitment to access, engagement, and student success.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (conferred on an official transcript at the time of application)
Strong investigative and writing skills
Advanced computer skills (especially Microsoft Office applications)
Able to multi-task and meet strict deadlines
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a self-starter in a team-oriented environment, work congenially with staff, administration, faculty, volunteers, and others, organize complex materials, manage more than one project at a time, adapt to changing priorities, maintain sensitive and confidential information, and communicate comfortably in an academic setting
Ability to work with a high degree of flexibility, accuracy, and attention to detail
High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information

Preferred Qualification

Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment
1+ years of experience in prospect research, advancement services, fundraising, or related roles in a higher education setting preferred
Demonstrated proficiency in using prospect research tools, wealth screening platforms, and public records databases, or related software platforms
Experience with advancement CRMs such as Raiser's Edge
Knowledge of data privacy regulations relevant to higher education

Other Requirements

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.

Telework

Based on the essential functions of this positions, MMB Policy #1422, and University policies relating to flexible work, this position is eligible for the following work modes:

Case by Case/Situational Telework: A position that may include a temporary reassignment or work outside the permanent/principal work location to meet short-term needs.

About

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at: www.mnsu.edu.

The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however, salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes:

Enhancing access and student success.
Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.
Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.

Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here: https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html.

Destination 2030, the University's strategic plan announced by President Edward Inch in August 2023, commits the University to making transformative strides in four main areas: being a lifelong provider of access to an equitable and affordable education; being a leader in transformational learning generating inspired action; being a nimble and innovative steward of resources; and being a community of care built upon diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name-Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelor's through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships, with 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota's the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.

Cover Letter
Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Contact Information for three (3) references
Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
A brief (no more than one-page) diversity statement presenting a commitment to or experience working in an equity-minded environment

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Jodi Kohrs

University Advancement

Minnesota State University, Mankato

1536 Warren St, 121 Alumni & Foundation Center

Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-389-6833

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email: jodi.kohrs@mnsu.edu

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

Desired Start Date:
11-03-2025

Position End Date:

Open Date:
09-02-2025

Close Date:
12-31-2025

Posting Contact Name:
Stacey Lynn Stenzel

Posting Contact Email:
stacey.stenzel@mnsu.edu

To apply, visit: https://minnstate.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Minnesota_State_Careers/job/Mankato/Assistant-Director-of-Prospect-Research--UA26001-_JR0000003168?Institution=a7c1912089511000d545e0844e430004