Reports To: AVP, Campaign
Position Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Make a Meaningful Difference in Local Health Care
Are you a curious, analytical thinker who loves turning information into insight - and insight into impact?
The Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation (WRHNF) is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented Advancement Researcher and Manager to drive prospect intelligence, pipeline growth, and data strategy in support of our transformational capital campaign and philanthropic priorities.
This is a pivotal role that strengthens our ability to inspire generosity and secure the resources needed to shape the future of health care for our community.
This position will support the prospect pipeline to achieve a new acute hospital and redevelopment of our existing hospitals, and 10% of Ontarians - the 1.4 million people that depend on WRHN health services.
Key Responsibilities
- Collect information, interpret, analyze, assess, evaluate and synthesize data into a coherent and accurate report to support planning and decision-making by fundraisers.
- Consult with fundraisers to establish timeframes and clarify research requirements.
- Collaborate with the Foundation leadership, Development and Strategic Initiative teams to build/create prospect identification strategies to meet overall organizational goals.
- Conduct strategic prospecting using proprietary information, demographic data, business intelligence, analytics, and/or electronic/print resources to identify major gift prospects and potential sponsors.
- Ensure that relevant information regarding donors and prospects is up-to-date and accurate on the donor database and track strategic research data on the database to facilitate ongoing and future prospect identification.
- Share relevant information with the Foundation’s fundraisers to facilitate the development of prospect management strategies to better cultivate and solicit major gift prospects.
- Collaborate with fundraisers to maintain prospect management procedures and initiatives, and to support prospect portfolio management goals.
- Monitor major news publications and digital media for announcements and news items concerning major gift donors, prospects, and the Foundation.
- Produce dashboards and reports that inform leadership decisions, campaign readiness, and portfolio performance.
- Implement best practices in data governance, privacy, and ethical research standards (APRA, AHP, AFP, Imagine Canada compliance).
- Contribute to a culture of philanthropy, curiosity, creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.
Planning and Risk Management
- Contributes to broader, annual departmental planning including identification of goals, targets, and outcomes.
- Directs annual unit-level planning, identifies need for modifications, determines implications and options, and prepares recommendations for the Foundation’s prospect research and pipeline management programs for capital campaign and annual programs.
- Manages the development and implementation of strategic plans and service standards for prospect research and pipeline management to align with the Foundation’s fundraising and engagement goals and priorities.
- Manages ongoing annual operational planning and/or projects including prioritization, resource allocation, and scheduling; seeks opportunities for improvement in program and service delivery through program evaluation and research.
- Develops, monitors, and reports on performance targets and service levels
- Identifies operational risks, completes program/service reviews, and develops recommendations and action plans.
- Ensures legislation, governance structures, policies and procedures are adhered to; contributes to development and alignment of internal policies and procedures
- Develops Foundation policies and procedures and processes for prospect research, and pipeline oversight.
People & Unit Leadership
- Manages the unit-level workforce planning with a focus on resource and talent. Today, the unit has one direct report today and plans for growth by an additional resource in the future.
- Manages recruitment and staffing actions.
- Manages all operations for prospect research, and pipeline management and communication by prioritizing and delegating work, developing and implementing training plans and programs, ensuring work quality and completion, and managing scheduling, attendance and performance.
- Provides guidance and advice on escalated and challenging issues.
- Ensures an effective organizational model and clarity in roles and responsibilities.
- Conducts on-going performance management and annual reviews.
- Monitors office culture and productivity and intervenes when necessary.
Financial Management
- Develops and maintains annual operating budget and completes monthly account reconciliation and variance analysis.
- Approves expenditures and arranges for payments to level of authorization.
- Negotiates and reviews service provider contracts and recommends authorization following Foundation business practices.
- Purchases goods and services following procurement policy and procedures within limits of authority including specifications, sourcing, request for quotations, evaluations, and implementation.
Stakeholder Relationships
- Together with the Foundation leadership, provides strategic oversight of the fundraising and engagement pipelines which includes regular reviews across the hospital with the aim of providing regular accountability both to individuals and to senior leadership around pipeline movement, trends, and barriers.
- Establishes and maintains effective communication with stakeholders, hospital partners, grateful patients and families, and vendors to coordinate and complement prospect research and management programs and services.
- Participates and leads committees and working groups as required, provides input and advice, and undertakes research and information gathering to inform decisions
- Collaborates with other managers and professional staff to resolve issues and challenges and to deliver programs and services.
- Provides detailed interpretation and recommendations on demographic and giving trends to assist in the prioritization and identification of prospects for fundraising and engagement in Canada and Ontario hospital foundation sector.
Operations
- Develops and implements systems and sets standards for assessing prospects and donors’ affinity, giving capacity and inclination to give as well as alumni and other stakeholder engagement.
- Leads the identification, selection, and implementation of systems and practices that improve prospect identification and ensure accurate pipeline tracking and forecasting.
- Trains and provides on-going coaching to Foundation staff on advancement research policies and processes.
- Supports prospect clearance and prospect management guidelines.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 5+ years of work experience related to prospect research and/or prospect management;
- Master of Information & Library Science a strong asset;
- Proven record of accomplishment in a fundraising research environment;
- Experience working Raisers Edge database management and online subscription services/databases;
- Exceptional technical skills, including data analysis, segmentation and screening;
- Familiarity with database querying and other tools to identify prospects and evaluate pools and portfolios;
- Excellent analytical, verbal and written skills.
- Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and create accurate profile reports that support planning and decision-making;
- The ability and adaptability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while working in a changing and fast paced environment with tight deadlines.
What We Offer
- Salary Range: The target hiring range for this role is $73,950- $86,700 with ability to progress commensurate with experience and success
- Vacation: 4 weeks vacation plus 4 summer wellness days and additional float days
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, HOOPP defined benefit pension, computer and mobile device provided.
- Work Culture: We offer a hybrid and flexible work environment, with regular in-person team strategy sessions and a minimum of one day per week in the office to support collaboration and connection.
- A mission-driven team where your voice matters and your professional growth is supported.
The Process
We’re looking for someone who brings heart, hustle, and humility. If that sounds like you - apply in the way that best showcases your passion and strengths. Whether that’s a traditional resume and cover letter or something more creative (video, portfolio, or personal story), we’re excited to meet you.
We are committed to barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and encourage applicants to inform us of any accommodations they may require.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.
