Development Lead – Prospect Research, New Business Development

RMI

. Lead and evolve RMI's prospect research and prospect development work across the revenue portfolio .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $76,030 - $93,707 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in prospect research and development, utilizing Salesforce for data management and reporting. Proficient in applying Apra-informed practices and leveraging AI tools to enhance prospect discovery and streamline processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Prospect ResearchSalesforce ManagementApra-Informed PracticesData FluencyAI-Enabled Research Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Prospect DevelopmentFundraising OperationsData MiningPipeline ReportingDue DiligenceRelationship MappingData HygieneSegmentationFinancial Pipeline AnalysisProject Management

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsCollaborationStakeholder ManagementSound JudgmentDisciplined Prioritization

Tools & Technologies

SalesforceDonorSearchWealthXFoundation DirectoryRelationship ScienceAI ApplicationsAutomation ToolsData Enrichment Services

Certifications & Qualifications

Apra MembershipProfessional Development Training

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit DevelopmentEnvironmental SectorClimate SectorClean Energy SectorDonor Services

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and evolve RMI's prospect research and prospect development work across the revenue portfolio
Maintain centralized prospect lists and pipelines incorporating inputs from business development, Program teams, Development staff, events, executive engagement opportunities, and funding landscape changes
Identify, evaluate, and recommend U.S. and global prospects for unrestricted, flexible, general operating, or priority program support
Apply Apra-informed practices in capacity, inclination, affinity, and readiness analysis; relationship mapping; ethical research; due diligence; reputational judgment; and privacy-conscious documentation
Own cross-vertical new business development workstreams, including research delivery, reporting, meeting facilitation, accountability tracking, process improvements, and prospect briefings
Manage program-specific and cross-program prospect pipelines, tracking opportunity status, movement, accountability, next steps, and follow-up
Conduct pipeline analysis, reporting, and financial pipeline reviews
Partner with Relationship Managers and program colleagues to prioritize prospects, identify engagement gaps, and support follow-up
Translate prospect and pipeline data into recommendations for relationship-building time and senior leadership attention
Steward prospect and pipeline data in Salesforce, including relationship data, ratings, attribute coding, opportunities, tasks, moves management, prospect status, and next steps
Strengthen the prospect research data model in Salesforce or related data warehouse/reporting environments
Develop standardized rating practices and evaluate research resources, datasets, AI applications, automation tools, data enrichment services, and vendors
Use AI and automation responsibly to reduce manual work, improve prospect discovery, increase reporting speed, and support prioritization
Improve processes across research requests, qualification, outreach handoffs, data flow, reporting, and knowledge management
Promote knowledge-sharing and consistent adoption of prospect research and new business development processes
Train Development, Strategic Engagement, and Program colleagues on prospect research tools, data practices, and partnership with Development
Guide staff, contractors, interns, or vendors on repeatable research or data tasks as needed
Report to the Director of New Initiatives & Partnerships (Strategic Services)

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
5 years of dedicated experience in prospect research, prospect development, fundraising operations, donor services, advancement services, or a related nonprofit development function
Familiarity with the Apra Body of Knowledge, Apra-informed ethical research standards, and current prospect development practices
Experience identifying and qualifying prospects across individuals/HNWIs, family offices, family foundations, donor-advised fund holders, institutional foundations, corporate philanthropy or fee-for-service partners, and public-sector funders
Experience with DonorSearch, WealthX, Foundation Directory/Foundation Center, Relationship Science, Salesforce, screenings, relationship mapping, public records, due diligence, and moves-management support
Strong data fluency, including Salesforce reports/dashboards, segmentation, data mining, database overlays, data hygiene, pipeline reporting, and Salesforce or data warehouse improvements
Experience using or evaluating AI-enabled research tools, workflow automation, data enrichment tools, or vendor systems
Analytical, project management, writing, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills
Sound judgment with sensitive information, disciplined prioritization, due diligence, and judgment
Ability to build shared ownership of next steps across a matrixed team
Current, independent authorization to work in the U.S. without present or future sponsorship from RMI
Experience in the environmental, climate, clean energy sector, or adjacent mission-driven sector is preferred but not required
Apra membership, training, or equivalent professional development is preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision insurance
403b retirement match with immediate vesting
Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability
Optional voluntary life, AD&D and accident plans
Health savings or flexible spending accounts
Fertility and hormonal health support
Mental health and wellness support
Comprehensive leaves of absence, including generous parental leave
Generous paid time off and sick leave
Paid sabbatical leave
Regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography
Work from home and home technology allowances
Learning & development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget
Annual bonus target of 5%
Merit-based increases
Discount marketplace, including gym memberships and pet insurance
Hybrid / remote work options
Team retreats and geographic meetups
Rewards and recognition programs
Essential IT equipment
Travel costs covered for occasional in-person meetings