At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct insightful research to identify high-value prospects for fundraising.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK's dynamic Philanthropy team in Stratford, London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer research while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in prospect research and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 43500 £ per year.
£37,000 - £43,500 plus benefits
Reports to: Senior Prospect Development Manager
Directorate: Strategy & Philanthropy
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office).
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Our sector leading Philanthropy team has an exciting opportunity to join as Prospect Research Manager. We are looking for a diligent, detail-orientated individual with strong communication skills to join our well established and proactive Prospect Development team. The Prospect Research Manager delivers a proactive, insight-led prospect development function across the Philanthropy Directorate, supporting both Principal Giving and Leadership Giving.
Partnering with fundraisers across a range of portfolios and priority areas, the role identifies and develops high-value prospects tailored to specific funding opportunities. You’ll build and nurture strong relationships with fundraisers and stakeholders to ensure insight is relevant, actionable, and drives income growth.
What will you be doing?
- Support prospect development for philanthropy by delivering high-quality research, insights, and actionable recommendations to inform engagement and income generation; taking the lead on specific relationships and associated workstreams as they develop.
- Partner closely with fundraisers to manage portfolios, allocate prospects, prioritise activity, and track pipeline progression.
- Produce high-quality research profiles, briefings, and network insights to strengthen donor engagement, and maximise fundraising success.
- Proactively identify and develop high-potential prospects aligned to strategic priorities, KPIs, and income targets.
- Contribute to and refine prospecting strategies, ensuring a sustainable and effective pipeline of opportunities.
- Manage multiple research requests with agility, ensuring timely delivery to agreed service standards.
- Support the continuous improvement of prospect management processes, systems, and team KPIs.
- Collaborate across teams, sharing knowledge and providing guidance to enhance overall prospect development capability.
- Maintain high standards of accuracy, data integrity, and presentation in all outputs and database records.
- Champion effective use of the CRM database, ensuring data is consistently captured and maintained to agreed standards.
- Contribute to team planning, strategy development, and key organisational initiatives as an active member of the Prospect Development function.
What are we looking for?
- Demonstrable track record of success in prospect research, using a variety of research resources.
- Strong understanding of major gift fundraising and the role that prospect research should play within it.
- Strong research and analytical skills, including ability to produce profiles and network lists for individuals and trusts.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage personal workload alongside coordinating external stakeholders' requests, driving progress and ensuring delivery against targets.
- Ability to collect and assess information rapidly, identifying key points and drawing conclusions.
- Innovative and always ready to take initiative, solve problems and think laterally.
- Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills across teams with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
- Familiarity with fundraising databases and prospect management systems (CRM).
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities, and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career, and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the application process and while at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.
We are not able to recruit anyone below the age of 18, to protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Prospect Research Manager employer: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in Stratford, London, where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits, and ample opportunities for career development, the organisation fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in philanthropy and fundraising.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prospect Research Manager
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Cancer Research UK (CRUK). It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Prospect Research Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Cancer Research UK (CRUK) supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Cancer Research UK (CRUK). We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Prospect Research Manager role at Cancer Research UK (CRUK). Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Cancer Research UK (CRUK). Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Cancer Research UK (CRUK). This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
