About this opportunity
Opportunity Overview
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is hiring an Associate Director of Prospect Research & Management to lead its high-value fundraising research team. This role sits within the External Relations division's Business Operations & Analytics team and reports directly to the Vice President of Business Operations & Analytics. The position is based in the UK, working with IRC UK, which operates as part of the IRC's global network alongside offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva, and Stockholm. The IRC was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein and has grown into one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations. It operates in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, providing emergency relief, refugee resettlement, and long-term rebuilding support for communities devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also delivered integration services directly to refugees in England, in addition to its work raising the organization's profile, shaping policy, and increasing funding across the UK. The person in this role leads a team of four direct reports and manages the team's budget, including both personnel and non-personnel costs. They shape the Prospect Research & Management (PRM) team's strategy, oversee the production of confidential profiles on high-net-worth individual donors, and ensure research outputs directly inform fundraising decisions across the organization. The Associate Director works closely with leadership teams in Philanthropy, Global Corporate Partnerships, and Foundations & Trusts, as well as with Global Analytics, Strategic Finance, Strategy & Planning, and Business Systems Optimization teams. Working in the UK means operating in one of Europe's major humanitarian fundraising hubs. London offers a dense network of NGOs, foundations, and corporate partners, and the IRC's UK office is positioned to tap into that ecosystem. The UK work culture tends to be collaborative and formal in structure, with a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes. International applicants should note that UK visa sponsorship is a consideration for this type of senior role, and the IRC typically supports successful candidates through the visa process where needed.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the VP of Business Operations & Analytics and senior fundraising leadership to co-develop and deliver PRM's annual and long-term strategy, translating organizational fundraising priorities into team-level goals
- Lead high-value research initiatives, overseeing the production of confidential biographical, financial, and due diligence profiles on high-net-worth individual donors and prospects across relevant markets
- Ensure consistent quality and integration of research outputs with fundraising strategy across multiple operational areas
- Translate strategic goals into actionable research plans, leading pipeline development across multiple fundraising pillars
- Build and manage strategic relationships with fundraising leadership, serving as a proactive contributor to high-value fundraising strategy
- Ensure PRM outputs directly inform donor cultivation and stewardship decisions
- Shape and develop team strategy and metrics, driving cross-functional problem-solving efforts
- Ensure data-driven research is fully integrated into organizational priorities and decision-making
- Drive innovation in research methodology and tool use across the team, leading the development and procurement of new tools to meet strategic needs
- Mentor colleagues in technical development
- Oversee the management and strategic development of the team's suite of resources, including CRM, subscription databases, and media tools
- Lead cross-functional research initiatives and special projects such as vendor screenings, data mining, and strategic reports
- Ensure clear communication and strategic alignment between PRM and key internal partners, including Philanthropy account managers and the Program Services team
- Provide line management to colleagues, actively including and mentoring team members, shaping team culture, and promoting inclusive practices across the PRM team
Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred
- Expert research and database management skills, specifically with Salesforce
- Ability to lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts and drive continuous improvement in research methodology and prospecting approaches
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and synthesize complex data into strategic insights that support high-level organizational decision-making and fundraising strategy
- Proficiency across PRM subscription tools, internet research, fundraising software, and data retrieval services such as LexisNexis, iWave, and Foundation Directory
- Demonstrated ability to lead on protocol development and drive advanced technical knowledge across multiple PRM operational areas
How to Apply
- Review the responsibilities and qualifications to confirm your experience aligns with the role.
- Prepare your CV and a cover letter highlighting your prospect research leadership experience.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Official Application Strategy & Insights
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in to International Rescue Committee (IRC)'s strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
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