Specialist, Prospect Research

Location

Remote - US Home, or Hybrid, if near one of our EDF office locations

Duration

This is a 2-year fixed-term position, with full benefits and the possibility of extension.

Application Instructions

Along with your resume, please submit a cover letter detailing your personal interest in the role and in EDF. Preference will be given to applications with cover letters and will be strongly considered over those who choose to submit only their resume/CV.

Overall Function

Under the supervision of the Manager, Prospect Research, the Specialist, Prospect Research researches, analyzes, and recommends strategy on donors and prospective donors with Major Gift capacity.

The Prospect Research Specialist also partners with Major Gift Officers and Foundation Officers on strategy and assists with special projects, including those focused on prospect movement and pipeline management, relationship mapping, and identifying prospective donors for specific programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conducts reactive research and prepares briefing materials for Executive & Development Staff for events and meetings, with emphasis on constituents’ wealth, interests (including philanthropic interests) and relationships.
  • Partners with Major Gifts Officers and Foundation Officers (focusing on strategy development).
  • Manages research needs for Mission Staff’s meetings with donors.
  • Assesses capacity, interests, philanthropy and relationships to identify and qualify new prospective donors and assesses new opportunities with existing donors, through the following avenues:
  • Research on prospective donors suggested by staff and volunteers.
  • Research on Membership donors who appear to have major gift potential from wealth screening results.
  • Mission-specific and regional prospecting and mapping.
  • External resources including Foundation Directory Online, Chronicle of Philanthropy and Inside Philanthropy.
  • Participates in advancing EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

  • Associate degree or equivalent in a relevant field with at least 3 years relevant experience, a Bachelor's degree or equivalent may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.
  • At least 2 years of experience in Prospect Research, including experience with targeted Google searches, Salesforce, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory Online, RelSci, and other common sources.
  • Experience with Blackbaud ResearchPoint and analyzing Securities & Exchange Commission filings and other financial data a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to peruse large volumes of information, find the details relevant to fundraising, present findings and recommendations clearly, concisely, and accurately a must.
  • Candidate must be a self-starter, detail oriented, well-organized, and able to plan and execute projects from conception to completion.
  • Ability to produce and manage multiple requests at one time is essential.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Familiarity with environmental NGOs a plus.
  • Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

REQ-002477

Pay range

$70,000 - $75,000 USD/Yr.

Type

Fixed Term Contract (Fixed Term)

Locations

Boulder, Washington DC, Boston, Raleigh, New York, Remote - US Home, San Francisco, Austin

Posted

May 13, 2026


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Put your passion and skills to work, building a vital Earth – for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our commitment to building a vibrant culture makes EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work, as well as a more effective organization. Everyone who works here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

EDF complies with country specific disability laws for all locations we hire in, and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please send an e-mail request to hiringaccommodations@edf.org