Advancement Researcher

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 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.

Key responsibilities

Prospect research & insights

• Conduct in-depth biographical, financial, philanthropic, and relational research to identify, qualify, and prioritize prospects for major gifts, leadership gifts, corporate partnerships, and planned giving.
• Analyze wealth indicators, giving capacity, and affinity to build accurate capacity ratings and engagement recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality donor briefs, research profiles, briefing notes, and strategy memos for senior leadership, fundraisers, physicians, and campaign volunteers.
• Monitor news, corporate activity, real estate, business holdings, and community involvement to identify timely cultivation opportunities.

Pipeline development & campaign strategy

• Partner closely with fundraisers to build a robust donor pipeline for the new hospital campaign.
• Support portfolio optimization through moves-management recommendations, proactive prospecting, and identifying prospects aligned with cancer, cardiac, mental health, kids' care, and regional priorities.
• Map networks and family connections of high-value prospects and donors to support peer-to-peer cultivation and volunteer engagement.
• Conduct research to support campaign planning, including benchmarking, environmental scanning, and community philanthropic trends.

Data, analytics & reporting

• Maintain accurate data within Raiser's Edge, ensuring timely updates to ratings, strategies, prospect stage, and donor intelligence.
• Produce dashboards and reports that inform leadership decisions, campaign readiness, and portfolio performance.
• Track giving patterns, likelihood models, and capacity bands to guide fundraising strategies.
• Implement best practices in data governance, privacy, and ethical research standards (APRA, AFP, Imagine Canada compliance).

Collaboration & culture

• Work cross-functionally with fundraisers, events, communications, and senior leadership to ensure research supports organizational priorities.
• Participate in campaign meetings and strategy sessions, offering evidence-based insights.
• Contribute to a culture of philanthropy, curiosity, creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.

What we're looking for

(Adapted with required research competencies)

• Post-secondary education in library science, information studies, business, nonprofit management, analytics, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years experience in prospect research, advancement services, campaign support, or fundraising analytics (hospital or higher-ed preferred).
• Strong analytical thinker with demonstrated experience in wealth screens, research methodologies, synthesizing complex data, and connecting patterns and disparate relationships.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication — able to translate dense information into clear, actionable insights.
• High attention to detail, discretion, and sound judgement with confidential information.
• Comfortable with digital tools, CRMs—experience with Raiser's Edge strongly preferred.
• Adaptable, curious, resourceful, and self-directed.

Bonus points for

• Experience supporting a major capital campaign.
• Familiarity with iWave, DonorSearch, CharityCAN, Windfall, or comparable tools.
• Knowledge of Ontario philanthropy, hospital fundraising, and major gift cycles.
• APRA membership or CFRE-related learning.

What we offer

• Salary range: $62,000 – $72,500, 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.