Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.


Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.


We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.


Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!


The Manager, Prospect Research will report directly to the Chief Development Officer and work closely with the Development team in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization, the Manager, Prospect Research will provide a comprehensive range of prospect research and analysis to guide multi-year fundraising and outreach strategies. The Manager will be responsible for leading individual, corporate, and institutional research efforts.


Strategy: Partner with private revenue relationship managers, gift officers and leadership to inform strategy around revenue diversification and prospect research.


Donor Pipeline: Oversee and drive prospect management functions, including the identification, evaluation, and recommendation of current and prospective donors to supply and sustain a vigorous and dynamic prospect donor pipeline.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer you will:



Systems-building. Develop and implement nimble systems to manage research, analysis, identification, and prioritization of prospects. Ensure adoption of systems and processes across the Development team.

Proactive Research. Conduct proactive relationship mapping activities to leverage networks and connections of Start Earlys leadership team and board. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate financial, business, personal, and biographical information and personal/business networks and board affiliations for current and potential donors. Ensure that prospect donors data is up-to-date, accurate, and properly documented in Salesforce. Track prospect donors through monitoring daily news, online alerts, and internal information and provide pertinent information and recommendations to the appropriate relationship manager.

Responsive Research. Research donor prospect opportunities shared by revenue relationship managers, gift officers and leadership. Produce high-quality research reports and research briefs.

Strategy Development. Provide timely and accurate information and strategy to support ambitious fundraising targets.

Research Infrastructure. Manage prospecting software and serve as the main point of contact for research-related vendors. Assess purchases, renewals, and discontinuations for research services and publications; evaluate and recommend future tools, products, and vendors.

Deep commitment to advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.

Effectively establish and maintain effective customer relationships and gain their trust and respect.

Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

Other duties as assigned.


Qualifications:



Bachelors degree required.

3-5 years of progressing experience in prospect research, fundraising, and pipeline development, which should include:


Prior research, which directly led to 5- 6-, 7-figure gifts;

Prior experience crafting comprehensive, high-quality research briefs and prep sheets;

Prior experience applying software including Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Winmo, iWave, Foundation Directory Online, and other equivalent software systems.





We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications dont flawlessly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $67,125-$80,000


We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

The Chicagoland area is preferred with a hybrid work schedule. Open to a remote position outside Chicago

Our generous benefits plan includes:


Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.


Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.