Ever wondered who tracks down the wealthy people who give away millions to universities, charities and causes? This week on The 20 Minute Career, Jane talks to Stephanie Papadopolous who works in Prospect Development/Research at the University of Sydney, uncovering and researching the donors behind major philanthropic gifts a career almost nobody knows exists.

Steph's path in was anything but linear. She studied journalism, then made a pivot to veterinary science. Decided to do some travelling and did some marketing in Spain before returning to Sydney and landing ther job in Prospect development where she researches and identifies potential donors for one of Australia's largest university advancement teams.

In this episode, Steph breaks down what Prospect Development/Research actually involves, why due diligence is becoming a bigger part of the job, and how AI is already shifting her team's work from generating information to reviewing it. Underneath it all, she's clear that people skills and human judgement are what keep the role from ever being fully automated and that watching a gift finally land, like a recent $100 million donation for STEM scholarships, is what makes the work worth it.

What we cover:

• How Steph landed in a career she'd never heard of, via journalism, vet science and a stint in Spain
• What Prospect Development/Research actually is, and how it fits into the philanthropic funnel
• Why due diligence and risk assessment are a growing part of the role
• The difference between fundraiser personalities and prospect development personalities
• How AI is shifting her team from generating content to reviewing it
• The $100 million gift that reminded her why she loves the job
• Her honest take on pressure and working in the not-for-profit space
• Advice on aiming for 70% done, and why she wishes she'd found a mentor sooner

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