Job Title:
Prospect Research Officer (Temporary)
Company: Mdecins Sans Frontires (Doctors Without Borders) - United States
Location: New York City, NY
Created: 2026-03-07
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Prospect Research Officer (Temporary) Doctors Without Borders/Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients. MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF's social mission. Role Overview The Temporary Prospect Research Officer is responsible for helping to drive quality leads and improve the impact of fundraising and engagement for High Touch Audiences of MSF-USA, while also looking for new, integrated ways to build and better engage our current audiences. The Temporary Prospect Research Officer: Conducts comprehensive research on individuals in the Major Gifts, Mid-Level, Planned Giving, and/or among Corporations and Foundations and Carries out due diligence as needed. Share due diligence findings with fundraisers and/or senior colleagues for consideration on how to proceed with a gift/relationship, providing further context if required. Department Accountabilities Prospecting Pursue strategic opportunities in coherence with MSF-USAs strategy, that create long-term value for the movement by identifying and developing new audience segments or donors for its mission. Donor Cultivation, Engagement and Management Build trust and loyalty with potential and existing donors. At the simplest level, update donors on activities. At a more complex level, build long-term relationships with key donors and key donor segments. Take overall responsibility for designing, developing, and delivering the donor engagement strategy. May be through channels or through personal relationships. Fundraising Secure reliable, sustainable and efficient resources in alignment with MSF-US commitments. Brand Positioning Drive awareness and consideration through brand positioning based on the brand strategy and implement brand plans. Best-in-Class Fundraising Systems and Capabilities Deploy and champion the latest technological systems and capabilities that push the boundaries of what Development can produce for its donors. Roles Specific Outcomes Donor Experience Research Complete research and analyze data to develop and/or support a sound understanding of donor segments, trends, needs, expectations. Insights and Reporting Prepare and coordinate the completion of various data and analytics reports. Benchmarking Conducts detailed data analysis, identifies trends and patterns, prepares reports, and collaborates with various departments for comprehensive data insights. Data Collection and Analysis Conduct research using primary data sources and select information needed for the analysis of key themes and trends. Information and Business Advice Resolve queries from internal or external donors or suppliers by providing information on complex processes and the related policies, referring to others where necessary for interpretation of policy. These core accountabilities should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned. Complexity and Problem-Solving Skills Operates as a recognized expert to shift into and out of mental mindsets associated with assessing the facts and circumstances of the current situation and/or environment and making the appropriate/innovative adjustments to thinking and work habits to thrive in any scenario. Typically known as a subject matter authority. Applies expertise to act as an authority to accurately identify and understand the key donation influences pertaining to an opportunity. Applies expertise to act as an authority to orient MSF-USA around delivering to the key needs of their donors. Behavioral Competencies Thought How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different. People Focus Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs. Manages Complexity Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms. Global Perspective Takes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges. Cultivates Innovation Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them. Results MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs. Drives Results Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way. People MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals. Collaborates Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input. Values Differences Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating. Communicates Effectively Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing. Self MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. Instills Trust Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions. Manages Ambiguity Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness. Situational Adaptability Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately. Technical Competencies Plans and Aligns Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals. Financial Acumen Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions. Tech Savvy Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications. Data Collection and Analysis The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making. Project Management Skills The ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters. Presentation and Written Communication Skills Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to