Application Guide

How to Apply for Development & Partnerships Prospect Research Associate (Contract)

at Acumen

🏢 About Acumen

Acumen is unique as a global impact investor that combines philanthropy with business principles to tackle poverty through early-stage clean energy investments in low-income communities. Founded on Jacqueline Novogratz's radical vision of 'moral imagination,' the organization has impacted over half a billion lives since 2001 by scaling companies in hard-to-reach regions. Working here offers the chance to join a mission-driven team of entrepreneurs and social innovators building a more just world.

About This Role

This 12-month contract role supports Acumen's $250M fundraising campaign by providing operational and research support to the Development & Partnerships team. You'll develop proactive prospecting methodologies, conduct sophisticated constituent data queries, and help identify potential donors who align with Acumen's mission. Your work directly enables the team to secure funding that powers clean energy solutions for low-income communities globally.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves conducting sophisticated data queries to identify potential donors for the $250M campaign, analyzing philanthropic trends in clean energy investing, and preparing research briefs for the Development team. You'll collaborate with colleagues across time zones while spending three days in Acumen's NYC office, balancing independent research with team meetings to support fundraising strategy.

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🎯 Who Acumen Is Looking For

  • Has 1+ years of US non-profit fundraising/philanthropy experience with proven ability to mine donor data and develop prospecting methodologies
  • Is a highly organized self-starter comfortable working in Acumen's entrepreneurial hybrid environment (3 days/week in NYC office)
  • Possesses strong analytical research skills with interest in technology and ability to work across multiple geographies
  • Demonstrates genuine passion for Acumen's mission of combining business with moral imagination to address poverty

📝 Tips for Applying to Acumen

1

Quantify your research experience with specific examples of prospecting methodologies you've developed or data mining techniques you've used

2

Highlight any experience with clean energy, impact investing, or global development sectors that aligns with Acumen's focus areas

3

Demonstrate understanding of Acumen's hybrid work model by mentioning your NYC availability and comfort with remote collaboration

4

Show how you've worked effectively in small, entrepreneurial teams similar to the 'small and mighty' Development & Partnerships team

5

Connect your non-profit fundraising experience specifically to prospect research rather than general fundraising activities

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with prospect research methodologies and data mining in the US non-profit sector', "Understanding of Acumen's unique model combining philanthropy with impact investing in clean energy", 'Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and work independently while supporting a global team', "Passion for Acumen's mission of using business to address poverty with 'moral imagination'"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Acumen's portfolio companies in clean energy and understand their impact on low-income communities
  • → Research Jacqueline Novogratz's concept of 'moral imagination' and how it applies to Acumen's work
  • → Review Acumen's previous fundraising campaigns and major donors to understand their philanthropic network
  • → Explore the Development & Partnerships team's public-facing materials to understand their specific fundraising approach

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a specific prospecting methodology you developed and how it increased fundraising effectiveness
2 How would you research and identify potential donors for a $250M clean energy fundraising campaign?
3 Describe your experience working in hybrid environments and collaborating with colleagues across multiple geographies
4 What about Acumen's model of combining philanthropy with business most resonates with you?
5 How do you stay organized and prioritize research tasks when supporting multiple fundraising initiatives simultaneously?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic fundraising experience without highlighting specific prospect research or data mining skills
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of Acumen's unique hybrid philanthropy/investment model
  • Not addressing the contract nature of the role or the NYC office requirement in your application

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Acumen!

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