At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research to identify high-value supporters and provide insights for fundraising strategies.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity focused on impactful fundraising and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, employee assistance programme, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting with donors and driving meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in prospect research or high-value fundraising, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 7 August 2026
Department: Fundraising
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: The Grange
Compensation: £40,000 / year
Responsible to: Prospect Research Team Manager
Based: Hybrid - The Grange, Saunderton, Princes Risborough OR BWC, Bielby, York
Contract: Fixed term - 12 months
We're looking for a Prospect Research Manager to join our Prospect Research Team. This is an exciting opportunity to help grow our high-value fundraising by supporting our Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations and Corporate Partnerships teams. As part of the Prospect Research Team, you'll provide the research and insight that helps colleagues identify new opportunities, build meaningful relationships and make informed fundraising decisions.
You’ll play an important role in identifying new funding opportunities and providing the insight that helps colleagues build successful relationships with donors, trusts, foundations & corporate partners. Through high-quality research & analysis, you’ll help fundraisers understand who is most likely to support our work, enabling them to make informed decisions & deliver personalised stewardship.
Working closely with colleagues across the High Value teams, you’ll ensure our fundraising activity is informed by evidence, delivered ethically & supported by accurate data. You’ll also help us develop and grow a strong prospect pipeline that will support our fundraising ambitions for years to come.
Key Responsibilities
- Prospect research and identification
- Identify and research prospective high‑value supporters, trusts, foundations & corporate partners whose interests align with Hearing Dogs’ work.
- Use a range of research tools, databases & publicly available information to assess prospects’ philanthropic interests, giving history, networks & potential capacity to give.
- Prioritise prospects using evidence‑based recommendations, helping colleagues focus on the opportunities with the greatest potential.
- Insight and analysis
- Produce clear, concise & actionable prospect profiles & briefing papers to support fundraising activity.
- Provide insight into supporter interests, motivations & relationships to help colleagues develop tailored cultivation & stewardship plans.
- Monitor trends across philanthropy, fundraising & the wider funding landscape, identifying new opportunities & sharing insight with colleagues.
- Pipeline development
- Work with colleagues across Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations & Corporate Partnerships to support the development & maintenance of a healthy pipeline.
- Help monitor prospect movement through the fundraising pipeline, identifying opportunities, gaps & areas for development.
- Maintain accurate prospect information within Microsoft Dynamics, ensuring records are up to date & accessible.
- Ethical fundraising & data management
- Carry out research in line with GDPR, fundraising best practice & the Charity’s policies on data protection & ethical fundraising.
- Handle sensitive information with discretion, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
- Support the development of prospect research processes, due diligence & compliance procedures to ensure best practice across the team.
- Supporting Fundraising Teams
- Build positive relationships with colleagues across Income Generation, sharing insight that helps maximise fundraising opportunities.
- Prepare briefings for meetings, events & senior volunteers, helping colleagues feel confident & well informed before engaging with supporters.
- Contribute to regular reporting & analysis on prospect research activity, pipeline performance & emerging opportunities to support strategic decision making.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Experience of prospect research, or high-value fundraising, ideally within the charity sector.
- Excellent research & analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical recommendations.
- Experience using a range of research tools, databases & online resources to identify and evaluate prospective supporters.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce concise, engaging & accurate briefing documents.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities & meet deadlines.
- Experience using CRM systems to manage prospect information & maintain accurate records.
- A good understanding of high-value fundraising & the importance of relationship-led fundraising.
- An understanding of GDPR, data protection legislation & ethical fundraising principles.
Desirable
- Experience supporting major donor, principal gift, trusts & foundations or corporate fundraising.
- Knowledge of prospect research methodologies, including capacity, affinity & propensity assessment.
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365.
- Experience carrying out due diligence & reputational risk assessments in line with ethical fundraising practices.
- Experience analysing fundraising data & identifying trends to support fundraising strategy & pipeline development.
- Confidence using Microsoft Excel, Power BI & other tools to analyse & present data.
- Experience producing reports, dashboards or performance insights for fundraising teams.
Benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Death in Service
Prospect Research Manager employer: Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as a Dog Training Instructor in Northampton where you can make a tangible difference in people's lives. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being through benefits like enhanced sick pay, learning opportunities, and a day off for your birthday, you will thrive in an environment that values both personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that not only trains dogs but also transforms lives, all while enjoying the unique perks of working in a compassionate and mission-driven organisation.
Contact Details:
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Recruitment Team
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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
✨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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, 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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. 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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People 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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. 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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. 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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
✨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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. 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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
✨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 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
