Senior Analyst, Global Prospect Research

Description

Role: Senior Analyst, Global Prospect Research

Department:  Strategy & Partnerships

Location: Remote - candidates based in United States, U.K., Canada, Sweden, Norway, and Italy will be considered. 

Travel: This role requires travel once per quarter

General Description:

The Senior Analyst, Global Prospect Research will facilitate Operation Smile’s efforts to identify, evaluate, and prioritize prospective funders globally by surfacing individuals, foundations, corporations, and institutions who have both the capacity and interest in supporting our work. This position is part of the growing Global Partnership Services team, which delivers shared services to help maximize fundraising revenue across all markets. The Analyst will collaborate closely with all fundraising teams, delivering high-quality research that links strategic funder interests and trends to Operation Smile’s key priorities.

This role will also contribute to broader market intelligence by mapping philanthropic ecosystems and leveraging a suite of tools to generate insights into funding trends, emerging sectors, and high-potential opportunities. As a founding position within this function, the Analyst will support the development of Operation Smile’s global prospect research infrastructure—identifying high-potential funders and delivering actionable intelligence that enables targeted engagement and stronger decision-making.

The (Senior) Analyst, Global Prospect Research will play a pivotal role in connecting global generosity with lifesaving care. They will help expand Operation Smile’s reach to new supporters, deepen our understanding of emerging opportunities, and equip global fundraising teams to build transformative partnerships. This is a high-impact position for someone who is motivated by purpose and energized by transforming data into strategic direction.

Essential Functions:

1. 1. Prospect Research & Philanthropic Landscape Analysis
2. 2. Global Fundraising Support & Collaboration
3. 3. Research Infrastructure & Oversight
4. 4. Due Diligence & Risk Management

• Conduct in-depth research on prospective funders (HNWIs, family offices, foundations, corporations, multilaterals, and government agencies) to assess capacity, giving interests, philanthropic history, networks, and alignment with Operation Smile’s work.
• Deliver thorough, insightful narrative-style prospect profiles, data, and landscape analyses to support frontline fundraisers and leadership.
• Analyze public sources, proprietary databases (e.g., iWave, RelSci, Foundation Directory), and internal systems to develop robust, actionable insights.
• Map high-potential fundraising markets, philanthropic ecosystems, and regional trends to inform prospecting priorities and long-term planning.
• Provide insights to global philanthropic trends, sector news, and donor behaviors.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to fundraising teams in global markets (Operation Smile partner and programmatic countries), helping identify new prospects for all fundraising teams.
• Identify areas for cross-team philanthropic collaboration and act as an information conduit for fundraising teams, including supporting opportunities for blended giving.
• Support fundraising portfolio reviews, campaign strategy sessions, and opportunity prioritization by providing data-driven insights.
• Ensure fundraising opportunity pipeline health, reporting on metrics and regularly surfacing areas in need of action.
• Operationalize and oversee centralized tools (e.g., prospect tracking systems, due diligence logs, research request intake workflows) to support scalable service delivery and help market teams understand their local fundraising landscapes and identify where to focus cultivation efforts.
• Support the exploration and implementation of AI-driven tools and other technologies to automate workflows for research and other fundraising activities.
• Work with external providers and internal systems to develop visualizations and dynamic maps of global fundraising opportunities and funder alignment.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging research tools and practices, including representing Operation Smile in professional networks, including Apra and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
• Conduct reputational, ethical, and compliance-focused research to inform risk assessments of potential funders, particularly corporations and high-net-worth individuals.
• Work with Finance to ensure global due diligence practices align with organizational values, donor policies, and regional regulations.

5. Systems Management

• Help develop and implement standard operating procedures, templates, and taxonomies for prospect research and intelligence across the organization.
• Contribute to knowledge management and shared learning around prospecting practices across global teams. 
• Facilitate opportunity matching process – assessing and linking program priorities and funding needs with potential donor interests and philanthropic landscape trends.

Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in prospect research, donor intelligence, fundraising operations, or related roles in a nonprofit, academic, or philanthropic setting.
• Deep experience researching a wide range of funder types (HNWIs, foundations, corporations, institutional funders).
• Proven ability to synthesize complex data into clear, concise, and strategic insights, including through written reports (both technical and summary reports) as well as via compelling presentations and visualizations.
• Experience with research tools such as iWave, Wealth-X, Foundation Directory, LexisNexis, or RelSci.
• Excellent written communication, analytical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders across global time zones.
• Fluent written and spoken English language.

Preferred:

• Experience in a federated or international nonprofit organization.
• Understanding of international development, global health, and philanthropic funding trends.
• Familiarity with GDPR and ethical standards in prospect research.
• Multilingual skills or cultural fluency is a plus.

Key Competencies:

Data Analysis & Interpretation - Strong capability to analyze large data sets, extract key insights, and identify patterns that inform decision-making.

Process Orientation & Continuous Improvement – Continuously applies and evaluates existing processes to identify inefficiencies, gaps, or risks. Leverages data, feedback, and best practices to recommend and implement improvements that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and drive operational excellence. Encourages innovation and collaboration to create more effective and scalable workflows. 

Technological Acumen - Demonstrates a strong understanding of current and emerging technologies and their application to business needs. Quickly adapts to new tools, systems, and digital solutions, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation. Anticipates technological trends and integrates them strategically to create value and maintain a competitive edge. 

Confidentiality & Ethical Standards - Consistently demonstrates integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information. Protects confidential data, respects privacy, and upholds the highest ethical standards in all interactions and decisions. Acts as a trusted steward of information and models ethical behavior that aligns with organizational values and professional responsibilities. 

Relationship Building - Developing and nurturing positive, long-term relationships with key stakeholders by understanding their needs, providing excellent service, building trust, and consistently delivering value. 

Compensation:

Operation Smile is committed to pay transparency. The anticipated salary range for this position is  $63,200 to $79,800, which may vary slightly based on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Why Operation Smile?

Meaningful Work - At Operation Smile, you will engage in meaningful work that transforms lives, providing essential medical care to children and contributing to global health and well-being.

A Brighter Future - Make saving for the future easy with Operation Smile’s 401(k) plan, featuring Safe Harbor and employer matching. Cha-ching!

Happy and Healthy - Kick back and relax with Operation Smile's all-in-one health plans! We've got your health, pharmacy, dental, and vision needs covered for you and your loved ones. No worries, just smiles!

Worry-Free Insurance - Enjoy true peace of mind with 100% paid premiums for life and AD&D insurances. We've got you covered, no matter what!

Take Your Time (Off) - Flexible time off and celebrate with company-paid holidays! More time for fun and relaxation.

Work it, Flex it - Enjoy flexible work arrangements that fit your lifestyle, with remote, on-site, and hybrid work arrangements.

Travel Minus Stress - See the world through our unique employee programs, which offer opportunities to participate in international medical trips, community outreach, and global health initiatives.