Lead portfolio management for major, principal, and leadership annual giving programs
Assign and balance prospect portfolios to support effective relationship management
Meet regularly with gift officers to review portfolios, assess performance, and refine strategies
Facilitate prospect management meetings with the major gift team every 4-6 weeks.
Serve as a strategic thought partner, facilitating planning conversations with gift officers and campus leaders
Build and Manage the Donor Pipeline
Analyze wealth, giving history, and engagement data to inform prospect strategy and capacity ratings
Lead periodic wealth screening initiatives from audience selection through evaluation and reporting
Partner with the Prospect Researcher to move qualified prospects into active cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Monitor major and principal gift pipelines and review progress with advancement leadership
Support the President's Engagement with Donors
Work with advancement leaders and the President's Office to prioritize prospects for presidential travel
Assist in managing and tracking the president's donor portfolio
Participate in regular meetings with the president and staff to align strategy and stay informed
Contribute to Campaigns and Special Projects
Lead prospect evaluation for campaigns, including planning pyramids and progress tracking
Research and vet potential candidates for the Governing Board
Provide timely research support for campus partners and leadership as needs arise
Collaborate with the Prospect Researcher to identify proactive research opportunities
Requirements
Professional Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required
A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in donor prospect management and research
Strong understanding of prospect research and fundraising best practices
Experience developing proactive strategies to identify major gift prospects
Familiarity with prospect research tools, CRMs, and databases
Higher education fundraising experience preferred
Collaborative communicator who thrives in a team-oriented environment
Personal Qualities
High level of discretion and professionalism with confidential information
Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable
Curious, analytical, and motivated to learn
Able to manage multiple priorities with confidence
Mission Fit
ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.
Tools & Training
If you're not already proficient, ACU will support training in the following areas:
Prospect research fundamentals aligned with APRA skill sets
Ellucian CRM Advance
GiveCampus Gift Officer (GCGO)
Advanced Excel
Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Calendar, Email)
Online research tools such as Lexis Nexis, DonorSearch, Foundation Search, and emerging AI technologies
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Option to work remotely
Standard work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods (6-8 hours/day)
Occasional lifting of up to 25-30 pounds
Occasional optional evening or weekend event support
Benefits
Health, dental and vision coverage availableCompany match of up to 8% of employee contributions to 403(b) retirement planTuition assistance program for employees and family membersRead more about additional benefits and details at acu.edu/human-resources/benefits/ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.Health insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceRemote work options
Additional Information
ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.
Why This Role Matters
At Abilene Christian University, advancement work fuels lives of purpose, leadership, and service around the world. As Prospect Manager, you'll play a critical behind-the-scenes role in connecting the university's mission with the people who make it possible-helping ensure that fundraising efforts are strategic, data-informed, and relationship-driven.
This position partners closely with gift officers, advancement leadership, and the President's Office to guide donor strategy, strengthen fundraising pipelines, and support campaigns and special initiatives.
Acu · Abilene, TX