At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify major gift prospects and support fundraising outcomes through insightful research.
- Company: Birkbeck, University of London, dedicated to transforming lives through philanthropy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days leave, flexible working, and generous HE sector benefits.
- Other info: Join a diverse team in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in philanthropy while shaping the future of prospect research.
- Qualifications: Experience in prospect research or related roles with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50379 - 50379 £ per year.
Join us and help transform lives through philanthropy. We are seeking an experienced and innovative Prospect Research Manager to join our Development and Alumni team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced prospect researcher with a strong track record of identifying major gift prospects and using insight to support successful fundraising outcomes.
You will be highly skilled at analysing complex information, spotting connections and presenting findings clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences. The role offers the opportunity to explore and implement new technologies, including AI-enabled research tools, helping to shape the future of prospect research and prospect management at Birkbeck.
You will play a pivotal role in helping Birkbeck secure transformational philanthropic support by identifying and researching potential donors, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. You will provide the insight and intelligence needed to advance Birkbeck’s fundraising ambitions.
As a key member of our Development and Alumni team, you will lead prospect research activity across the College, supporting a team of eight fundraisers who collectively manage more than 500 prospects and donors and secured over £4m in income this year. Working as a trusted advisor to colleagues, you will help shape prospect pipelines, oversee prospect management processes and provide strategic recommendations that strengthen fundraising performance.
The role includes responsibility for due diligence on potential donors and ensuring that prospect research activity is compliant with data protection legislation and sector best practice. If you are a curious and analytical researcher with excellent judgement, strong relationship-building skills and the ability to turn information into fundraising opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
This opportunity would build on experience as a Prospect Research Officer, Prospect Development Officer, Alumni Officer, Development Officer, Fundraising Manager, Research Assistant.
Salary and benefits: £44,247 rising to £50,379 per annum, Grade 7 on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated London Weighting Allowance. Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.
Contract: Permanent, open-ended contract. Full-time (35 hours per week) with hybrid and flexible working offered.
Closing date: Sunday 6 September, interview date: Thursday 17 September 2026.
We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding a bronze Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
Prospect Research Manager employer: Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck University of London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters intellectual growth and collaboration. As a part-time Politics Tutor, you will benefit from flexible working hours, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to engage with diverse students in the heart of London. The university's commitment to professional development ensures that you can enhance your teaching skills while contributing to meaningful educational experiences.
Contact Details:
Birkbeck, University of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prospect Research Manager
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Birkbeck, University of London.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Birkbeck, University of London.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Birkbeck, University of London.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Birkbeck, University of London. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Prospect Research Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Birkbeck, University of London. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Prospect Research Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck, University of London
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Birkbeck, University of London. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
