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Development Researcher

The Development Researcher identifies, qualifies, and researches individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of the fundraising efforts of the Metropolitan Opera. The Development Researcher ensures all documents are prepared, proofread, and distributed in a timely manner as well as handling various tasks to support the Research department.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Conduct in-depth prospect research and analysis on individuals, corporations and foundations to assess philanthropic capacity, interests, and affinity
  • Prepare clear, concise and confidential donor profiles, briefings and research reports to support cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
  • Utilize a variety of research resources and screening tools (iWave, LexisNexis, Altrata, web sources, etc.) to identify and verify prospect information
  • Respond to research requests and collaborate with Development Operations, Analytics and frontline fundraising staff to support strategic fundraising efforts
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date prospect research data in Tessitura
  • Montior news, philanthropic activity, business developments, and other publicly available information to identify relevant updates on donors and prospects
  • Assist in maintaining research standards, documentation, and departmental procedures
  • Leverage AI and other emerging technologies, where appropriate, to improve research efficiency while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and data integrity
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • At least two to four years of research experience in a non-profit setting
  • Excellent communication and writing skills, attention to detail, accuracy and proper grammar and punctuation
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information and material in a discreet manner
  • Ability to accommodate shifting priorities and meet deadlines
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and research resources
  • Familiarity with web-based research resources and use of databases
  • Tessitura skills a plus

Physical Demands

  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work well under pressure
  • Ability to communicate effectively and interact professionally with colleagues
  • This is a hybrid position
The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

What this application asks

lever

Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Portfolio URL, Other website

  • Please describe how your education and experiences qualify you for this position. If you are an internal candidate, please take time to discuss your experience at the Met, and specifically, how it relates to the position for which you are applying. written answer
  • What is your desired salary? written answer
  • How did you hear about this position? written answer
  • Were you referred to this position by someone? If so, by whom? written answer
  • Do you have a relationship with anyone working with the Opera? If so, please list their name(s) and describe your relationship(s) with them. written answer
  • As of today, are you authorized to work in the United States in this position? Proof of such authorization will be required as a condition of your employment. written answer
  • Please provide a professional reference. Include the name, company, address, relationship to you, phone number and email address of the reference. written answer
  • Please provide a professional reference. Include the name, company, address, relationship to you, phone number and email address of the reference. written answer
  • Please provide a professional reference. Include the name, company, address, relationship to you, phone number and email address of the reference. written answer
  • The Met does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Do you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States? choose one · optional
  • By checking this box, I certify that any work contained in my application or thought exercise is my own and that my use if any AI or LLM tools has been solely for research purposes. yes / no · optional
  • The Metropolitan Opera is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations during the application process, including the use of AI tools to assist you, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure that your application process is fair and accessible. yes / no · optional
  • I understand that the Met requires certain information about me to evaluate my qualifications for employment and to conduct its business if I become employed. Therefore, I authorize the Met to investigate my past employment, educational credentials, other employment-related activities and any additional information provided in the applications, and I agree to cooperate in such investigations. I hereby release the Met and all persons supplying such information to the Met from all liability, claims for damages, or responsibility whatsoever with respect to information supplied. I recognize and agree as a condition of my employment that I may be required to consent to a criminal records check and appropriate federal and/or state law enforcement agencies. The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 prohibits employment of unauthorized aliens and requires employers to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees. I understand that any offer of employment with the Met is contingent upon my providing the documentation required by the IRCA as evidence of my personal identity and authorization to work in the United States. If verification becomes necessary, I will be notified of the appropriate requirements. I certify that the information provided on this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false answers or statements made by me on this application or any supplement thereto may be grounds for refusal of employment or, if employed, may be ground for immediate discharge. I understand that this is an application for employment and that no offer of employment is being hereby extended. I understand that except as otherwise provided in a collective bargaining agreement or a written employment agreement signed by an authorized representative of the Met, any employment with the Met is “at will” and will not be for any fixed period of time, and that, if employed, I may resign at any time for any reason, or the Met may terminate my employment at any time for any reason. yes / no · optional

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