Research And Development Manager Jobs in Waterloo, ON

The Institute has recently marked its 25th anniversary and is now looking ahead to its next chapter. At this exciting moment, we are expanding our Advancement team to help build the programs that will support new breakthroughs in theoretical physics.

We are seeking a Manager, Prospect Research & Pipeline to contribute to this next phase of growth and play a key role in advancing the Institute’s mission.

The Manager, Prospect Research & Pipeline plays a critical role in driving sustainable philanthropic revenue generation by leading prospect identification, research, portfolio management, and pipeline integrity. This role ensures advancement staff maintain balanced, strategic portfolios aligned with annual revenue targets and institutional priorities. Key responsibilities include gathering, verifying, and analyzing information used to develop connections and affinity with prospective donors and volunteers to advance Perimeter’s mission and campaign priorities. You deliver insight-driven intelligence, support board and volunteer engagement, and enable a high-performing, data-informed fundraising culture.

What You Will Do:

Prospect Identification and Research

• Identify and proactively qualify potential transformational and major gift prospects aligned with fundraising priorities and other Institute needs

• Conduct high-quality research on donors and prospective donors to identify key connections, assess affinity and capacity, and provide strategic recommendations

• Use a range of resources and methods to gather, verify, analyze, and communicate relevant information on individual, foundation, and corporate prospects

• Monitor and communicate relevant news, events, trends, and issues that may affect Perimeter Institute, its prospects, or the broader philanthropic environment

Prospect Management and Pipeline Support

• Support advancement staff in moving prospective donors through the pipeline, from discovery and qualification through cultivation and solicitation readiness

• Provide timely research support for Board of Directors, Committees and Executive leadership through the preparation of Briefing materials, “Quick snapshot” and full profiles and Strategic backgrounders for meetings and solicitations, events and other activities

• Track prospect identification, qualification, and pipeline activity to support portfolio planning and follow-up

• Analyze complex information and synthesize findings into clear, actionable reports that support development strategy and decision-making

Database Governance and Advancement Support

• Lead database integrity practices for the Advancement team, ensuring information is accurate, consistent, current, and managed in accordance with APRA Canada’s ethics and professional standards

• Develop, document, and reinforce data entry, maintenance, and governance standards that support reliable donor, prospect, alumni, board, committee, and awards records

• Ensure timely data entry and regular updates to support accurate reporting, prospect management, and Advancement decision-making

• Analyze Perimeter Institute’s donor and supporter database to identify potential high-value prospects and support development activities as required

Systems Optimization and IT Collaboration

• Work with Perimeter’s IT team to maintain the Advancement database and related donor and prospect systems, including duplicate resolution, record updates, and routine annual maintenance

• Collaborate with IT to optimize database use, improve reporting capabilities, troubleshoot data issues, and implement system improvements

• Recommend new Salesforce-compatible system solutions that strengthen Advancement operations and support team needs

Training and User Support

• Onboard new Advancement team members to use the database effectively and provide ongoing training to support accurate, consistent data practices

Reporting, Analytics, and Decision Support

• Develop and maintain operational and performance reports that support Advancement planning, portfolio management, and fundraising strategy

• Provide accurate, timely, and clearly presented reporting to senior leadership and other key stakeholders

• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and performance indicators that inform decision-making

• Translate findings into actionable insights and recommendations that support strategic planning and operational improvements

• Ensure reporting processes, definitions, and outputs are consistent, standardized, and reliable across Advancement activities

What You Bring:

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Master’s level degree in a relevant field, particularly Library Sciences or Information Management is preferred

• Five (5)+ years in prospect research, advancement services, or fundraising analytics

• Experience in Canadian charitable or post-secondary sector preferred

• Strong knowledge of CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Blackbaud)

• Proficiency in research tools, data analysis, and reporting

• Demonstrated knowledge of research strategies using commercial and public online services which may include but are not limited to: iWave PRO, CharityCan, INK Research, Imagine Canada, Marquis Who's Who, DowJones, SEDAR, BIG Online

• Able to maximize use of online databases, tools, and resources to locate and compile business and biographic information; familiarity with biographical and corporate resources, databases, and other reference materials and the ability to read and interpret financial information

• Exceptional writing, analytical, and organizational skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Able to manage confidential information in an appropriate manner, and to use judgment in the wording and inclusion of pertinent and sensitive information

• An understanding of relevant privacy legislation and ethical obligations under the Donor Bill of Rights and APRA’s ethics and professional standards is desirable

The starting salary range for this position is $75,600 to $79,800, with opportunities for advancement and growth within the full base salary range as you progress in your role. Salary will increase over time based on performance, experience, and contributions to the organization. Perimeter’s compensation approach is designed to promote fairness and transparency, ensuring alignment with internal equity and external market benchmarks.

Location: Waterloo, ON

Work Arrangement: hybrid work options available, in alignment with operational needs.

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Employment Term: Full Time

Position Start Date: September 1, 2026

Position Reports To: Head, Strategic Philanthropy

Number of Vacancies: 1

Please submit your resume and expression of interest by July 27, 2026 in order to ensure full consideration of your application. The posting will remain live until the position is filled. We appreciate your interest in supporting Perimeter Institute’s mission. While we thank all applicants, only select individuals will be contacted.

We are committed to creating an exceptional workplace where innovation, growth, and well-being thrive.

Here’s how we do it:

Flexible, Hybrid Work Environment: We offer the flexibility you need to balance work and life, with options for hybrid arrangements.

Comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits: Your well-being matters to us. We provide extended health benefits that support you and your family in maintaining a healthy and balanced life.

Employer-Matched Pension Plan: We invest in your future by offering an employer-matched pension plan, ensuring financial security for the years to come.

Generous Time-Off Policy: We provide ample vacation, personal time, and other leave options so you can recharge and focus on what matters most.

Personal and Professional Development: We support your growth with dedicated funding for training, certifications, and professional development tailored to your goals.

Dynamic, One-of-a-Kind Facility: Work in a cutting-edge facility unique to Canada, designed to produce scientific breakthroughs by fostering collaboration, creativity, and a vibrant workplace culture.

If you're looking for a place where your contributions are valued, your development is supported, and your work environment inspires you, Perimeter is the place for you.

Perimeter Institute is committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Perimeter Institute provides support throughout the application process for applicants with disabilities. We work with you to understand the impact of your disability to appropriately accommodate you during the application/interview process. Please contact accessibility@perimeterinstitute.ca for assistance.