Prospect Research Officer

• You will be responsible for undertaking high quality research on individuals, corporations and foundations in support of University-wide development activities, using a variety of resources, including charitable, biographical and financial databases, international news, the University library and other sources. This will also include undertaking research to match potential funders to projects, working independently to identify and qualify prospects.
• You will be responsible for collecting, analysing, interpreting and documenting research findings to produce written reports of excellent quality. 
• You will contribute to the understanding of the wider philanthropic funding environment and opportunities across the UK higher education sector. 
• Additionally, you will support the Prospect Research Manager in preparing for strategically important events, through the identification of invitees and compilation of biographies.
• You will undertake due diligence on donors in line with the Development Office’s gift acceptance policy.
• Throughout, you will ensure that database systems are maintained accurately by retrieving, correcting and updating information on individuals, corporations and foundations, in line with GDPR regulations.

Skills and Experience 

Essential:

• Experience of conducting qualitative research using a variety of sources to produce high quality reports.
• The ability to summarise and analyse extensive/complex reports.
• Excellent written communication skills, with a high standard of written English and the ability to effectively present research to a lay audience. 
• A proactive approach and an enquiring mind with an instinct for investigative work.
• A working knowledge of IT, including familiarity with web search engines, plus Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Superior attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexibly, manage a number of activities simultaneously and manage a busy and varied workload, responding promptly to changing priorities where needed.

Desirable:

• Experience of undertaking prospect research within the Higher Education or charity sector.
• Knowledge of quantitative research methods and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection.

Flexible working: We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location:It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be approximately 2-3 times per month or more frequently, if preferred.

How to apply: To apply for this role, please submit the following as two separate documents:

• CV
• Supporting statement, up to 1,000 words, you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the job and person specification.

Interviews: It is anticipated interviews will take place 18 August, however, there is some flexibility to accomodate alternative date requests. 

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications. 

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential.  We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.  We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.