Title: Research Officer

Department: Knowledge &Systems

Reports to: Manager, Research

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Duration: 2 years

Location: 2075 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M5

Sunnybrook Foundation inspires lasting support for Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada’s largest and most dynamic health science centres impacting the lives of the more than 1.3 million patients it sees each year. Sunnybrook has ranked #2 in Canada, and #30 worldwide, in Newsweek’s annual World’s Best Hospitals 2024 list.

Together with our donor community, Sunnybrook Foundation raises critical funds for Sunnybrook’s world class academic health sciences centre to achieve our shared vision to invent the future of health care. With ambitious goals ahead, the Foundation is committed to continuing to grow our results and impact as we help Sunnybrook to raise sights, uncover new possibilities, develop talent, and deliver exceptional care.

We are one team in pursuit of a common purpose – to inspire lasting support for Sunnybrook – and we are guided by our values: Build Connectedness, Act with Integrity, Meaningful Collaboration and Strive for Excellence.

Position Overview

As the Foundation embarks upon a three-year growth plan, the Research Officer will work with the Manager, Research on prospect and volunteer research, identification and qualification activities in support of Foundation’s fundraising initiatives. The incumbent will also work collaboratively with team members across the organization to identify areas for growth and recommend strategies for process improvement. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of philanthropic giving and donor engagement principles, along with ownership, entrepreneurship, and a service mindset. The ideal candidate for this role is an individual who is strategic, innovative, proactive, adaptive and possesses strong teamwork and communication skills.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Prospect Identification and Qualification

• Leverage advanced tools and methodologies, including data analytics and predictive modeling, to identify and qualify high-potential prospects for major gift fundraising and other hospital priorities.
• Develop and implement innovative prospect identification strategies to expand the donor pipeline and align prospect research with organizational goals.

Advanced Research and Analysis

• Lead the creation of comprehensive, high-quality research briefs on donors and prospective donors, incorporating financial, philanthropic, and social data to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Analyze and synthesize complex data from diverse sources to provide relevant and actionable insights on donors and prospective donors.
• Act as a strategic partner to fundraisers, providing actionable insights and research prospect strategy development and engagement opportunities

Data Management

• Develop and maintain a robust rating system for donors and prospects, including Gift Capacity, Inclination, and Target Gift Range, to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Ensure consistency and accuracy in major giving data, providing guidance and training as needed.

Media Monitoring and Environmental Scanning

• Monitor and analyze news, events, and trends that may impact the Foundation or the broader philanthropic environment, providing timely and actionable insights to leadership and Foundation staff.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of prospect research and donor management.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and tools to streamline workflows and improve data accuracy and accessibility.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in prospect research and recommend new tools, techniques, and best practices to enhance research capabilities.

Qualifications and Competencies

Below are qualifications and competencies we believe the successful candidate will need for this role:

• A minimum of two years of experience in prospect research in a not-for-profit organization or equivalent experience
• A Master’s degree in Information Sciences is considered an asset
• A strong understanding of traditional and emerging sources of information for identifying, qualifying, rating and researching major giving prospects
• Excellent knowledge of the prospect fundraising cycle with demonstrated capacity to create and maintain tools that accurately reflect, monitor, and interpret the activity of the prospect pipeline
• Proven ability in reading and interpreting financial and trade documents for the purpose of wealth assessment, including annual reports, Factiva, SEDAR and SEDI
• Demonstrated professionalism in handling highly sensitive and confidential information ethically and with discretion
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and multi-task, and work cross-functionally while being organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow through
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure, proven ability to set priorities, complete work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines
• Extensive computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office software, Raiser’s Edge and Power BI will be an asset

Total Rewards Package

The hiring range for this position is $65,000-73,000. The salary will be determined based on the successful candidate’s years of experience, qualifications and competencies that are relevant to this position.

In addition to salary, our competitive compensation package also includes, HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan), hybrid work environment with a minimum of two (2) days in office and additional Sunny Days (long weekend closures in advance of summer long weekends and Christmas Eve).

We thank all applicants in advance. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

​​​We know that everyone’s career journey looks a bit different and experience comes in many forms. If you’re unsure whether your experience matches all of the requirements but still think this would be a great fit, we encourage you to apply.

Sunnybrook Foundation values equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace and is committed to fostering a work environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work, are valued for their diversity, and feel a sense of belonging.

Sunnybrook Foundation is committed to providing accessible employment practices. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment process, please advise us when submitting your application and email FoundationHR@sunnybrook.ca.