Senior Prospect Research Manager

Merrifield Consultants are delighted to be supporting a well-established animal welfare charity to recruit a Senior Prospect Research Manager. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Philanthropy, this role will lead the organisation's prospect research function, supporting ambitious fundraising growth across key international markets as the charity launches its new strategy.

Key details:

Salary: £47,000 - £50,000 per year

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Location: Surrey

Working pattern: hybrid with two days a week in the office

Closing date: Dynamic

Application Requirements: CV

About the role:

This role is suited to an experienced prospect research professional who is confident operating at a senior level and can combine technical research expertise with strategic influence.

You will lead the development of a proactive global prospect research function to identify and prioritise individuals, trusts and foundations and corporates, to cultivate high-value donor relationships. Working across the UK, US and European markets, you will use research, insight and data to strengthen fundraising pipelines and support long-term income growth.

You will also play a key role in maintaining the organisation's high ethical standards, leading on due diligence processes, donation acceptance procedures and responsible use of prospect information.

Key responsibilities:

Lead and develop the global prospect research function to identify, research and qualify prospective individual donors, foundations and funding opportunities across UK, US and European markets. Produce high-quality prospect profiles, briefings and research reports to inform donor engagement strategies. Create and interpret Salesforce reports to manage the prospect pipeline, including prioritisation of prospects and tracking pipeline movements. Lead on developing strategy for the prospect research function, in collaboration with colleagues in Global Philanthropy, which delivers a strong and sustainable prospect pipeline to achieve fundraising targets. Develop and embed prospect research strategies, systems and processes to improve fundraising effectiveness. Lead on ethical fundraising processes, due diligence and donation acceptance procedures. Ensure compliance with GDPR, fundraising regulations and best practice standards. Stay informed on developments in prospect research, philanthropy, data insight and emerging technologies including AI.

Person Specification:

Strong experience working in prospect research within a fundraising environment, ideally within an international organisation or comparable setting. Proven ability to build and manage prospect pipelines that contribute to fundraising growth. Experience producing detailed research profiles and actionable intelligence for fundraisers and senior stakeholders. Strong understanding of philanthropy trends, donor behaviour and wealth screening approaches. Confident using CRM systems, ideally Salesforce, to manage pipelines and analyse prospect data. Highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities independently. Understanding of data protection requirements within fundraising and prospect research.