Development Researcher

~ Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) (www.sonomalandtrust.org) is an accredited, nonprofit land trust with a staff of 36 and an annual operating budget of six million. It works to keep the beautiful and varied landscapes of Sonoma County intact for future generations. ~

Many properties acquired by Sonoma Land Trust are transferred to public agencies and other nonprofit organizations. To date, Sonoma Land Trust has protected over 50,000 acres. The organization works in partnership with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and other public agencies and nonprofit organizations to accomplish its mission.

Position Overview

We are seeking an efficient, detail-oriented research analyst to support Sonoma Land Trust’s prospect development and research program, implementing industry best practices and providing critical data to achieve Sonoma Land Trust’s fundraising goals and broaden the existing base of support.

Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities:

• Manage Sonoma Land Trust’s prospect development and research program, implementing industry best practices and meeting organizational needs.
• Conduct high level research and prepare briefing materials with emphasis on donors and prospects (verifying assets, interests, professional and philanthropic history, nonprofit affiliations, personal and business connections).
• Partner with frontline fundraisers to identify opportunities, define cultivation strategies, and estimate capacity.
• Create standardized and thorough profile reports for Sonoma Land Trust staff and summary reports for board and committee discussion.
• Map personal, business and institutional relationships between donors, prospects, volunteers, and others connected to Sonoma Land Trust.
• Incorporate results of prospect research into donor database and recommend actions to development staff.
• Proactively seek, identify and research new prospects.
• Collaborate with database administrator on special projects to optimize usage of the donor database by frontline fundraisers.
• Stay current and knowledgeable regarding prospect management and research tools and methodology.

General Responsibilities:

• Communicate and coordinate priorities, workload, issues and progress to the director of philanthropy on a regular basis.
• Develop goals, priorities and timelines on a regular basis, ensuring timely and efficient management and completion of all related tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality and operate within guidelines provided under the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) Code of Ethics.
• Continue professional development via association membership, conferences, webinars, publications, blogs, etc.
• Other tasks as assigned by the director of philanthropy.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or at least two years of relevant workplace experience.
• 2 or more years of experience managing a prospect management and research program for a non-profit organization.
• Highly proficient in sourcing information from online searches, subscription-based tools, and social media.
• Experience using donor database software and prospect screening tools, i.e. ResearchPoint and WealthEngine.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail, accuracy, context, and source while summarizing large volumes of information into actionable insights.
• Effective oral and written communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to utilize critical thinking and curiosity.
• Ability to serve as adaptable and approachable team player.
• Ability to be self-motivated, accountable, and work with limited administrative support.
• Commitment to the mission of Sonoma Land Trust.
• Keen attention to detail, with the ability to synthesize and carefully analyze information.

Schedule, Salary and Benefits

• This is a primarily remote, contractor position.

To Apply

• Please email a letter introducing yourself, a copy of your resume and contact information for three references as a single .pdf to by July 20, 2019.
• No phone calls, drop-ins or paper.

Hiring Process:

• Job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled in July 2019.

~ Sonoma Land Trust welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to protect the land forever. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture of mutual respect, equal treatment and the opportunity to succeed. ~