Associate Director, Prospect Research & Management

About the role

The International Rescue Committee is seeking an Associate Director to lead its Prospect Research & Management (PRM) team. Reporting to the Vice President of Business Operations & Analytics, you will shape research strategy, support high-value fundraising, and ensure data-driven insights guide donor cultivation worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with senior fundraising leaders to develop and execute PRM’s annual and long-term strategy, aligning research outputs with high-value fundraising goals.
• Lead the production of confidential biographical, financial and due-diligence profiles on high-net-worth donors across markets, ensuring quality and integration with fundraising plans.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with philanthropy, corporate partnerships and foundations, translating research insights into actionable cultivation and stewardship decisions.
• Drive innovation in research methodology and tools, overseeing procurement, implementation and training on platforms such as Salesforce, LexisNexis, iWave and Foundation Directory.
• Provide line management for the PRM team, shape culture, manage the team budget and mentor staff.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience applying quantitative and qualitative analysis to non-profit fundraising strategy across multiple markets.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional problem-solving, develop research protocols and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience influencing senior leadership.

Required skills

• Expertise in Salesforce and other CRM systems.
• Proficiency with research subscription tools such as LexisNexis, iWave and Foundation Directory.
• Advanced MS Office skills, especially Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Experience managing databases and developing data-driven research methodologies.