Prospect Development for Beginners

Prospect Development for Beginners 

Friday, November 13, 2026

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM ET

Online

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: 

Calling on all those who have an interest in learning more about prospect development!  Come join us for this FREE webinar where we will provide a basic introduction to the field meant to spark interest, share some simple research techniques, and offer advice on how to begin a career in prospect development.  Attendees will come away with:

• A basic understanding of what tasks and skills are involved in prospect research, prospect management, and data analytics
• Tips and tricks for finding contact information and biographical data on prospects
• Advice for entering the field of prospect development and job searching

Anyone who conducts research as part of their current role and wants to learn more should attend this program.  If you manage or interact with interns, student workers, and volunteers, please encourage them to attend!

PRESENTERS:

Emily Donohue has been Senior Director of Prospect Management and Research at UMass Boston since 2019. Previously, she was Director of Prospect Development at Simmons University. Emily has also been Director of Development Research and Prospect Management at Emmanuel College. She began her career in advancement as a Development Officer for Research at Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Emily is a former Vice President of the NEDRA Board of Directors and past co-chair of the Programming Committee. She currently serves on NEDRA’s Advocacy and Professional Development Committee. Emily has presented programs for NEDRA, CASE, AFP Massachusetts, Women in Development, and the Northeast Annual Giving Conference. She received a BA in History from Kenyon College and an MLS from Simmons University.

Meredith Sloan is the Associate Director, Prospect Management at Northeastern University. She has 15+ years of experience in prospect development and has held roles at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), the University of Southern California, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Meredith earned a BA in Anthropology from UC Berkeley and an MPA, with a focus on non-profit management, from USC. She currently serves on NEDRA’s Advocacy and Professional Development Committee.

COST:

In the spirit of inclusion and bringing a more diverse community into the field of prospect research and development, we are offering this program at no cost.

LOCATION:

Attendees will receive a Zoom link a day before the event; this program will  not be recorded.  

DEADLINES:

Registration for this event closes on November 12, 2026 at 3 PM.

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