Prospect Researcher
The Advancement Entity / Advancement Operations Department is currently looking for a Prospect Researcher reporting to the Prospect Research Manager. This is a central position that is primarily based on the Beirut campus, with occasional commuting to Byblos campus.Role Summary
The Prospect Researcher is mainly responsible for conducting proactive and reactive research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to identify, qualify, and assess philanthropic prospects in support of LAU’s fundraising and capital campaign priorities. The role prepares donor profiles, executive briefings, and research insights to inform prospect strategy and fundraising decisions; maintains the accuracy and integrity of constituent records in Raiser’s Edge NXT; and collaborates with fundraisers and Advancement colleagues in Beirut and New York to strengthen prospect development, data quality, and research effectiveness.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Conducts in-depth research on individuals, corporations, and foundations using prospect research databases, public sources, professional networks, news, and digital research tools
- Identifies and qualifies prospective donors, particularly among LAU alumni and friends in Lebanon, the GCC, Europe, and other relevant regions
- Prepares donor profiles, biographies, executive briefings, and tailored research summaries for fundraisers and university leadership
- Monitors philanthropic trends, business developments, and other relevant information to identify new prospects and update existing profiles
- Collaborates with frontline fundraisers to support prospect strategy, cultivation and solicitation planning, and the development of balanced portfolios aligned with campaign priorities
- Responds to research requests and participates in prospect strategy meetings, providing accurate, timely, and actionable research insights
- Maintains and enriches constituent records in Raiser’s Edge NXT, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and confidentiality
- Supports data hygiene, prospect tracking, reporting, dashboard development, and the implementation of research protocols and best practices
- Collaborates with the Advancement, Research, and AIS teams in Beirut and New York to coordinate research activities, share insights, and ensure consistent global coverage
- Uses advanced search techniques and, where appropriate, AI-enabled research tools and data analysis methods to improve research efficiency and productivity
- Contributes to the development and enhancement of research tools, workflows, and training materials
- Prepares reports, supports special projects and campaign-related initiatives, organizes research documentation
- Performs other duties pertinent to this job as assigned by the direct supervisor
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in prospect research, advancement services, fundraising, research analysis, or a related field
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic proficiency is an asset, depending on the role’s regional requirements
- Strong analytical, research, writing, and information-synthesis skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and familiarity with CRM systems, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT
- Experience with prospect research tools and public-source research techniques
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and time zones
- Familiarity with AI tools, advanced search techniques, and data tools such as SQL, Python, or Power Query is an asset
Work Schedule
The standard work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, with possible/ occasional attendance after hours and/or during weekends/holidays to ensure business continuity and support. This role requires collaboration across multiple time zones.
Interested candidates should email their CVs with a letter of interest outlining the applicant’s relevant experience to vacancy8@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line.
CVs should include the exact month and year while listing the candidate’s professional experience and educational background.
Closing date for accepting applications is Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Candidates must have attained the age of majority and satisfy all legal requirements to lawfully reside and work in Lebanon, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of Lebanon.
The Lebanese American University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.