Patrick Nicholas “Nick” Leary is a higher-education advancement professional specializing in prospect research, prospect management, and data-driven fundraising strategy. He has worked in fundraising since 2010 and in prospect research for more than a decade, with expertise in philanthropic capacity and affinity analysis, proactive identification of high-potential major gift prospects, and portfolio and pipeline optimization through close partnership with frontline fundraisers and senior leadership.

He currently serves as Director of Prospect Management and Campaign Strategies at Hebrew Union College, where he leads efforts to identify, evaluate, and manage major and principal gift prospects in support of the institution’s philanthropic priorities. In this role, he oversees systems and strategies that help fundraising teams prioritize prospects, strengthen donor pipelines, and align institutional fundraising goals with data-informed insights.

Prior to joining Hebrew Union College, Leary worked in advancement and development operations at both University of Pennsylvania and Temple University in Philadelphia (his alma mater), where he contributed to prospect research, portfolio strategy, and advancement analytics supporting large-scale principal gift fundraising initiatives. His work has focused on developing prospect identification methodologies, improving data quality and reporting practices, and partnering with frontline fundraisers to support major gift cultivation and stewardship.

Throughout his career, he has built expertise in prospect management systems, donor analytics, and strategic research that help institutions strengthen fundraising infrastructure and deepen engagement with philanthropic supporters.

He resides in Philadelphia, PA with his wife, daughter, three cats and a turtle.

https://huc.edu/directory/patrick-nicholas-leary/