The Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Graduate Research Assistant to support our fundraising development efforts. This person will conduct in-depth research, analyze, and communicate relevant information to support the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals, corporations, and foundations that can be strategically applied throughout the development/cultivation cycle. This role requires a very high level of discretion and confidentiality.

This position will be available during the Fall 2024 Academic Term and will have up to two years of support depending on funding, programmatic need, and performance.

To receive and hold an assistantship during any academic term, you must be a student in good standing. To receive and hold an assistantship during either the fall or spring terms, you also must be registered for classes during that term. Throughout the period that you remain enrolled in a graduate program, you will be governed by the tuition waiver policy in effect at the time when you first enrolled in that program, even if the tuition waiver policy for that program is later modified.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Application Development and Data Management: Develop and enhance application tools for donor research and data management and analyze data to support fundraising strategies and donor engagement.
• Research and Reporting: Conduct research using various analytical resources to analyze donor prospect information. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on research.
• Monitor media and other alerts on specific themes, issues, and prospects for relevant and timely information.
• Event Planning and Coordination: Will assist with planning, coordinating, and execution of events, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication with stakeholders.
• Donor Relations and Fundraising Support: Manage donor relations and stewardship activities, and support fundraising efforts by identifying funding sources and developing proposals.
• Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on research conducted, outreach events, and prospect engagement.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a relevant Master’s Degree Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
• Ability to develop and maintain databases.
• Ability to generate reports and presentations and present information in varying formats.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to learn online research tools and platforms.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 

This position is contingent on the selected applicant’s ability to apply and be accepted into a graduate program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign if not already enrolled.

Start date: September 16, 2024