F/T - Prospect Research/Database, A Better Chance (NY)

Prospect Research and Database Associate, A Better Chance, Inc. – NY

A Better Chance Inc., a non-profit who since 1963, has been placing talented young people of color into the leadership pipeline through increased access to academically rigorous secondary schools. Our signature College Preparatory Schools Program annually recruits and places 500 new Scholars and supports a total of 2,000 Scholars at leading college preparatory schools across the country. A Better Chance Inc is seeking a Prospect Research and Database Associate, who will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activity of the organization’s donor database and ensuring its integrity and utility through routine maintenance and updates required for better access and use.

Application deadline: February 24 2014

The Associate will make recommendations concerning prospecting, data warehousing, and employable technologies. S/he will also hold staff training sessions and troubleshoot technological and database-related issues when necessary. The PRDA will support the daily operations of the Development Department, using Raiser’s Edge, and provide the team with a thorough understanding of its constituencies and prospects by providing data-backed reports and analyses.
This position is also responsible for conducting individual, corporate, and foundation research for A Better Chance. Based out of the New York City office, this is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefit package. This position reports to the Director of Development.
Primary Responsibilities (35% prospect research; 65% database management)

• Assess the current state of the Raiser’s Edge database and identify opportunities to improve upon its use, focusing primarily on information warehousing and information search and retrieval.
• Manage the day-to-day activities that involve the Raiser’s Edge, including but not limited to processing gift acknowledgements and tax receipts, creating queries and exports, updating constituent information, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
• Oversee all of the organization’s research and information handling, ensuring quality control, consistency, and timely turnarounds.
• Update wealth screening data in the Raiser’s Edge and mine the database for top prospects.
• Update and create automated data reports for staff to use as needed.
• Schedule regular database cleanups, ensuring that the database is in a constant state of repair and growth.
• Produce reports and analyses that will aid the department in identifying opportunities to cultivate both new and existing donors.

Required Qualifications and Desired Competencies
The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience using electronic databases required; experience using the Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• At least two years’ of professional experience; one year of experience as an information professional preferred (e.g. database management, prospect research, or library science). Relevant graduate coursework and/or internships may be substituted for field experience.
• Qualities of being resourceful, proactive, innovative, and enthusiastic.
• Ability to learn, implement, and improve established policies and procedures.
• A knack for adopting new technology and the ability to learn and apply new concepts quickly.
• Ability to self-start, pitch, and lead various projects relevant to the growth of the department, while still completing everyday tasks without compromising quality.
• Ability to understand complex requests for information and successfully retrieve that information using the Raiser’s Edge database.
• Talent for combing through large datasets and constructing meaning; ability to spot gaps and/or flaws in pre-existing systems.
• Faculty for prioritizing multiple projects with consideration to various deadlines in addition to any affected team members’ workflows.
• A high standard for the quality of work produced and impeccable attention to detail; proficient in the use of Standard Edited American English.
• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.
• Strong work ethic and a commitment to the mission and growth of A Better Chance.

To apply: please send résumé, cover letter and salary history/requirements to:

Maritsa Cholmondeley
A Better Chance 
253 West 35^th Street, 6^th Floor
New York, NY 10001

Or email to: mcholmondeley@abetterchance.org with “Prospect and Database Research Associate” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

A Better Chance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.