Foundation Senior Research Analyst

At Houston Methodist, The Senior Research Analyst uses leading research tools—including iWave, Wealth X, LexisNexis, and Foundation Directory—along with analytics platforms such as Power BI dashboards to design and deliver customized research strategies, profiles, and reports. These efforts directly support centers of excellence and other high priority philanthropic initiatives.

The Senior Research Analyst works with development officers, physicians, researchers, leadership, donors, and volunteers to inform fundraising strategy and ensure teams are equipped with high quality, data driven prospect insights that drive philanthropic success.

In close partnership with Development Officers, the Senior Research Analyst coordinates research activities for assigned fundraising teams, participates in portfolio and strategy meetings, and translates complex data into clear, actionable recommendations. Preferred candidates will have strong project management skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across the Foundation and institution.

FLSA STATUS
Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree or an additional four years of experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) in lieu of degree

EXPERIENCE

• Five years' experience in the research field
• Experience in a complex healthcare institution preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Strong computer skills, including absolute comfort with Internet usage. Experience in word processing, database usage and spreadsheets. Knowledge of on-line search protocols (Nexis, Dialog) and fundraising prospect and gift management software (Raiser’s Edge) preferred
• Ability to successfully manage relationships among all levels of the organization, both internally and externally
• Demonstrate ability to conceptualize and develop pro-active prospecting methodologies
• Strong project management skills and problem-solving skills and ability to work in a demanding environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to meet deadlines in a time-sensitive, fast paced environment with attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced knowledge of fundraising, donor relations and public relations concepts, principles, procedures and techniques
• Analytical skills to initiate and perform complex analyses and organize information to identify philanthropic patterns, tendencies and relationship amongst individuals, corporations and foundations
• Leadership, managerial and team-building to share program knowledge; to direct, guide, and motivate staff; to develop and implement program plans and strategies
• Strong project management and leadership skills
• Ability to work under pressure, balance many competing priorities and cultivate partnerships
• Strong personal work ethic, self-motivated and results oriented

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains positive working relationships with Foundation and Houston Methodist staff, volunteer leadership and vendors while providing events research and briefing materials for high net worth major gift prospective donors. Attends in person meetings for purposes of briefing and strategic development for key stakeholders.
• Recommends cultivation strategies for major gift high net worth prospective donors to all assigned Development Officers via Proposals Reporting and Portfolio Management.
• Mentors and role models junior Research team members and performs programmatic workload distribution.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plans and develops campaign research work that aligns with the objectives and strategies of Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation (HMHF).
• Conducts analysis of major gift high net worth prospective donor information obtained from sources such as electronic screenings and surveys. Consults diverse, publicly available biographical, financial and other references, including government and legal documents, to evaluate and verify information and estimate donors’ philanthropic capacity resulting in data entry into fundraising database (Raiser's Edge).
• Leads and manages projects related to HMHF high level fundraising initiatives.
• Develops and implements high level Research strategies for ongoing or emerging campaigns.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Creates and implements fundraising research techniques, best practices and highly efficient processes that elevate strategic development and optimal performance.
• Creates and implements concise, accurate coding management for database integrity.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes department resources efficiently.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains active awareness of the important news and events related to philanthropy to proactively identify new major gift high net worth prospective donors. Assesses and analyses present and future needs, trends, challenges, and opportunities related to Foundation philanthropic revenue and operations.
• Embrace and drive continuous process improvements, knowledge sharing, best practices/industry standards within the team through internal/external training opportunities.
• Proactively manages own professional development. Completes My Development Plan. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree or an additional four years of experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) in lieu of degree

EXPERIENCE

• Five years' experience in the research field
• Experience in a complex healthcare institution preferred