Entry Level Research Director Jobs
New grad research director jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings mix on-site, remote, and hybrid settings across Education, Food & Beverage, and Healthcare & Medical Services, with employers like Yeshiva University, Dairy Management, and Virginia Commonwealth University hiring at this level now.
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Position Code: 8048
DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION: Office of Advancement
POSITION: Administrative, Exempt (12 months), Full-time (40 Hours)
SALARY RANGE: $70,304-70,304
HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification,
commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: Twelve (12) Months
AVAILABLE: Immediately
POSTING DATE: September 24, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled, Apply Immediately.
Definition of Classification:
The Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Management (ADPRM) serves as a strategic partner to Advancement leadership by providing prospect research, wealth intelligence, portfolio analysis, and prospect management support to advance fundraising priorities and institutional goals. The ADPRM is responsible for identifying, researching, analyzing, and evaluating prospective donors using a variety of biographical, philanthropic, financial, and public information sources. This position works closely with gift officers, Advancement Operations, and departmental leadership to develop prospect pipelines, enhance fundraising strategies, and support major gift cultivation and solicitation efforts. The ADPRM helps ensure that Advancement staff have access to accurate, timely, and actionable prospect intelligence to support effective donor engagement and fundraising success.
Duties and Responsibilities:
This position serves as a key resource within Advancement Operations by providing comprehensive prospect research, portfolio management support, wealth screening analysis, and fundraising intelligence. The role works closely with Advancement leadership, gift officers, and Advancement Services staff to identify new major gift prospects, assess philanthropic capacity, evaluate donor engagement, and support strategic fundraising initiatives. Responsibilities include conducting in-depth research and analysis, preparing prospect profiles and briefings, managing prospect pipelines, and monitoring fundraising portfolios to maximize development officer effectiveness. The position also supports prospect management processes, develops data-driven recommendations, and helps maintain research standards, confidentiality, and compliance with ethical research practices and institutional data governance policies.
The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Prospect Research and Analysis:
- Conduct comprehensive research and analysis on individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations to assess philanthropic capacity, affinity, and inclination to support the institution.
- Prepare detailed prospect profiles, briefing materials, relationship maps, and research reports for Advancement leadership, gift officers, and institutional executives.
- Identify and qualify new major gift, principal gift, and planned giving prospects through proactive research and data analysis.
- Utilize public records, subscription research tools, wealth screening resources, and internal systems to gather and evaluate prospect information.
- Support wealth screening projects and assist in evaluating screening results and recommendations.
- Maintain current knowledge of wealth indicators, philanthropic giving patterns, and prospect research best practices.
- Promote ethical research practices and ensure compliance with institutional policies and professional prospect research standards.
- Ensure prospect research records are accurate, complete, and appropriately maintained within the CRM.
Prospect Management:
- Partner with development officers and Advancement leadership to develop and maintain prospect portfolios.
- Conduct regular portfolio reviews to reflect pipeline movement and ensure updates are captured in the CRM.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of prospect management policies, procedures, and business processes.
- Collaborate with Advancement staff to ensure prospect records accurately reflect current research findings and engagement activity.
Reporting and Analytics:
- Maintain reports and dashboards related to prospect identification, portfolio performance, fundraising activity, and pipeline metrics.
- Assist the Sr. Dir. of Advancement Operations & Prospect Research in monitoring key performance indicators related to major gifts and fundraising outcomes.
- Coordinate recurring prospect and fundraising performance reports for Advancement leadership and frontline fundraising staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Sr. Director of Advancement Operations and Prospect Research.
Qualifications Guidelines:
Any combination of experience/training/education equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:
Required
- Bachelor's degree preferred; high school diploma required with 1-3 years of related experience.
- Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and present complex information from multiple sources.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
- Experience in prospect research, wealth screening, prospect management, fundraising analytics, or related Advancement functions preferred.
- Experience with prospect research resources, wealth screening tools, and fundraising databases preferred.
- Knowledge of Slate for Advancement, DonorSearch, LexisNexis, or similar research platforms preferred.
- Knowledge of APRA ethical standards and prospect research best practices preferred.
Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of higher education and/or nonprofit fundraising environments, particularly Advancement and Development operations.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and investigative research skills.
- Experience with reporting tools, spreadsheets, and data analysis applications.
- Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Effective project management skills and ability to analyze and document business processes.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
Working Conditions:
Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting or standing at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings. Health and comfort prioritized. This position requires flexible working hours, which may include working some evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
Physical Demands:
This position requires sitting for long periods of time, as well as some bending and stooping when working with files. This position does have some limited lifting involved but not more than 10 pounds at a time. Quite a bit of finger/hand dexterity is involved regarding typing and/or filing. The overall setting of the job is in an area conducive to a normal office environment with minimal exposure to adverse conditions.
TO APPLY: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call (909) 748-8040. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at (909) 748-8040 to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Offers are conditional and may be rescinded if disqualifying information is found or if information was withheld or falsified. Current employees may be affected if the check is not satisfactorily completed.
DRIVER’S LICENSE: Certain positions require a valid driver’s license and enrollment in the DMV Government Employer Pull Notice Program to verify license status and driving record.
PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS: Select positions (e.g., Public Safety, Facilities, Student Affairs, Athletics, ITS) require a pre-employment physical exam, including the ability to lift 50+ lbs. Public Safety Officers must also pass a psychological evaluation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
Human Resources (redlands.edu) (https://www.redlands.edu/offices-directory/offices/human-resources)
SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.
MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Position Code: 8048
DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION: Office of Advancement
POSITION: Administrative, Exempt (12 months), Full-time (40 Hours)
SALARY RANGE: $70,304-70,304
HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification,
commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: Twelve (12) Months
AVAILABLE: Immediately
POSTING DATE: September 24, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled, Apply Immediately.
Definition of Classification:
The Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Management (ADPRM) serves as a strategic partner to Advancement leadership by providing prospect research, wealth intelligence, portfolio analysis, and prospect management support to advance fundraising priorities and institutional goals. The ADPRM is responsible for identifying, researching, analyzing, and evaluating prospective donors using a variety of biographical, philanthropic, financial, and public information sources. This position works closely with gift officers, Advancement Operations, and departmental leadership to develop prospect pipelines, enhance fundraising strategies, and support major gift cultivation and solicitation efforts. The ADPRM helps ensure that Advancement staff have access to accurate, timely, and actionable prospect intelligence to support effective donor engagement and fundraising success.
Duties and Responsibilities:
This position serves as a key resource within Advancement Operations by providing comprehensive prospect research, portfolio management support, wealth screening analysis, and fundraising intelligence. The role works closely with Advancement leadership, gift officers, and Advancement Services staff to identify new major gift prospects, assess philanthropic capacity, evaluate donor engagement, and support strategic fundraising initiatives. Responsibilities include conducting in-depth research and analysis, preparing prospect profiles and briefings, managing prospect pipelines, and monitoring fundraising portfolios to maximize development officer effectiveness. The position also supports prospect management processes, develops data-driven recommendations, and helps maintain research standards, confidentiality, and compliance with ethical research practices and institutional data governance policies.
The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Prospect Research and Analysis:
- Conduct comprehensive research and analysis on individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations to assess philanthropic capacity, affinity, and inclination to support the institution.
- Prepare detailed prospect profiles, briefing materials, relationship maps, and research reports for Advancement leadership, gift officers, and institutional executives.
- Identify and qualify new major gift, principal gift, and planned giving prospects through proactive research and data analysis.
- Utilize public records, subscription research tools, wealth screening resources, and internal systems to gather and evaluate prospect information.
- Support wealth screening projects and assist in evaluating screening results and recommendations.
- Maintain current knowledge of wealth indicators, philanthropic giving patterns, and prospect research best practices.
- Promote ethical research practices and ensure compliance with institutional policies and professional prospect research standards.
- Ensure prospect research records are accurate, complete, and appropriately maintained within the CRM.
Prospect Management:
- Partner with development officers and Advancement leadership to develop and maintain prospect portfolios.
- Conduct regular portfolio reviews to reflect pipeline movement and ensure updates are captured in the CRM.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of prospect management policies, procedures, and business processes.
- Collaborate with Advancement staff to ensure prospect records accurately reflect current research findings and engagement activity.
Reporting and Analytics:
- Maintain reports and dashboards related to prospect identification, portfolio performance, fundraising activity, and pipeline metrics.
- Assist the Sr. Dir. of Advancement Operations & Prospect Research in monitoring key performance indicators related to major gifts and fundraising outcomes.
- Coordinate recurring prospect and fundraising performance reports for Advancement leadership and frontline fundraising staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Sr. Director of Advancement Operations and Prospect Research.
Qualifications Guidelines:
Any combination of experience/training/education equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:
Required
- Bachelor's degree preferred; high school diploma required with 1-3 years of related experience.
- Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and present complex information from multiple sources.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
- Experience in prospect research, wealth screening, prospect management, fundraising analytics, or related Advancement functions preferred.
- Experience with prospect research resources, wealth screening tools, and fundraising databases preferred.
- Knowledge of Slate for Advancement, DonorSearch, LexisNexis, or similar research platforms preferred.
- Knowledge of APRA ethical standards and prospect research best practices preferred.
Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of higher education and/or nonprofit fundraising environments, particularly Advancement and Development operations.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and investigative research skills.
- Experience with reporting tools, spreadsheets, and data analysis applications.
- Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Effective project management skills and ability to analyze and document business processes.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
Working Conditions:
Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting or standing at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings. Health and comfort prioritized. This position requires flexible working hours, which may include working some evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
Physical Demands:
This position requires sitting for long periods of time, as well as some bending and stooping when working with files. This position does have some limited lifting involved but not more than 10 pounds at a time. Quite a bit of finger/hand dexterity is involved regarding typing and/or filing. The overall setting of the job is in an area conducive to a normal office environment with minimal exposure to adverse conditions.
TO APPLY: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call (909) 748-8040. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at (909) 748-8040 to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Offers are conditional and may be rescinded if disqualifying information is found or if information was withheld or falsified. Current employees may be affected if the check is not satisfactorily completed.
DRIVER’S LICENSE: Certain positions require a valid driver’s license and enrollment in the DMV Government Employer Pull Notice Program to verify license status and driving record.
PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS: Select positions (e.g., Public Safety, Facilities, Student Affairs, Athletics, ITS) require a pre-employment physical exam, including the ability to lift 50+ lbs. Public Safety Officers must also pass a psychological evaluation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
Human Resources (redlands.edu) (https://www.redlands.edu/offices-directory/offices/human-resources)
SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.
MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
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- Education
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Entry Level Research Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level research director job?
Employers hiring at this level look for candidates who can demonstrate research methodology skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to synthesize findings into clear recommendations. A thesis project, internship, or independent research initiative can substitute for years of full-time experience. Highlighting specific tools you know, such as survey platforms or data analysis software, and showing how your work influenced a decision gives your application a concrete edge.
Which companies hire entry level research directors?
Companies hiring entry level research directors right now include Yeshiva University, Dairy Management, and Virginia Commonwealth University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level covers both large organizations with structured research teams and smaller firms where an entry level candidate can take on broad responsibilities from the start.
Are there remote entry level research director jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by industry and employer. About 33% of entry level research director openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, making flexible arrangements accessible at this stage. Candidates open to hybrid or fully remote roles will find a wider pool of openings than those limiting their search to on-site positions only.
Are these new grad research director jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior research director roles. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or academic research toward eligibility, and accepts a portfolio or capstone project in place of extensive professional history. Look for language like "entry level," "junior," or "recent graduates encouraged to apply" as a signal the employer is open to candidates starting out.
Which industries hire the most entry level research directors?
Entry Level research director roles concentrate in Education, Food & Beverage, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors tend to drive hiring at this level because their research functions are expanding and they actively develop junior talent rather than requiring an established leadership record before making a first hire.