Location: Saint Louis, MO
Department: Philanthropy
Directly Reports to: Director of Development
Classification: Exempt
Position Summary: The Data Analyst & Prospect Researcher plays a vital role in advancing the Zoo’s mission to inspire conservation, education, and connection with wildlife. This position transforms donor and visitor data into actionable insights that support philanthropic growth, strengthen donor relationships, and fuel strategic fundraising initiatives. Working closely with frontline fundraisers and leadership, this role ensures data-driven decision-making across annual, major, corporate, planned, and campaign giving.
Responsibilities:
Donor & Prospect Analysis
• Analyze donor, member, and visitor data to identify giving patterns, engagement trends, and upgrade opportunities
• Support donor segmentation strategies across membership, annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, and campaigns
• Develop predictive insights to inform donor pipelines, portfolio assignments, and solicitation strategies
• Translate complex data into clear, compelling insights for fundraisers and leadership
Prospect Research & Fundraiser Support
• Conduct proactive and responsive prospect research for individual, foundation, and corporate donors
• Identify and qualify prospective donors aligned with the zoo’s mission, capital projects, and conservation priorities
• Prepare donor profiles, capacity assessments, and briefing materials for solicitations, tours, and cultivation events
• Partner with gift officers to support moves management, portfolio development, and strategic next steps
Reporting, Dashboards & Campaign Support
• Design and maintain dashboards and reports tracking fundraising performance, pipeline health, and campaign progress
• Support capital and comprehensive campaigns, including feasibility studies, prospect lists, and naming opportunity analysis
• Provide data support for leadership, board, campaign cabinet, and volunteer committees
• Monitor progress toward annual, campaign, and project-based fundraising goals
Data Management & Integrity
• Maintain data accuracy and consistency in the fundraising CRM (e.g., Raiser’s Edge NXT)
• Establish and document data standards, definitions, and best practices for philanthropy data
• Collaborate with gift processing and membership teams to improve data workflows and reporting efficiency
• Support data hygiene initiatives, audits, and system improvements
Cross-Department Collaboration
• Partner with Membership, Marketing, Education, and Finance teams to align data and reporting
• Support donor engagement strategies tied to animal care, conservation programs, exhibits, and education initiatives
• Provide data insights that inform donor communications, stewardship, and recognition efforts
• Stay current on best practices in nonprofit analytics, prospect research, and conservation philanthropy
Qualifications:
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in data analytics, information science, nonprofit management, business, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in data analysis, prospect research, or fundraising operations (nonprofit or cultural institution preferred)
• Experience working with fundraising and membership databases
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate data insights clearly to non-technical audiences
• High level of discretion and respect for donor confidentiality
Preferred
• Experience with zoo, museum, aquarium, or environmental nonprofit fundraising
• Familiarity with prospect research tools (iWave, WealthEngine, Foundation Directory, LexisNexis, etc.)
• Advanced Excel skills or data visualization tools
• Experience supporting capital or comprehensive campaigns and major gift fundraising programs
Core Competencies
• Mission-driven and conservation-minded
• Analytical and intellectually curious
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
• Collaborative and service-oriented
• Organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities
All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check.
