Specialist, Donor Communications and Research

SPECIALIST, DONOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH

Be a part of Canada’s #1 charity devoted to Olympic Athletes and high-performance sport and help take Sport Philanthropy to the next level. The Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF) is the philanthropic fundraising arm of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) with the joint purpose to transform Canada through the power of sport. The COF is only Foundation in Canada that raises funds to support athletes at all stages of their Olympic journey – from the spark of an Olympic dream to the moment they step on the podium and beyond their competition days.

The Specialist, Donor Communications & Research is an organized and curious individual who helps drive revenue through quality research and the preparation of compelling proposals and reports that are informed through business intelligence, the philanthropic interest of the prospective donor, and are aligned with the funding priorities of the COF. Reporting to the Director, Fund Development and Operations, the Specialist, Donor Communications and Research is a self-starter who is organized, tenacious and creative with a drive to uncover connections and insights. This role works closely with the Major Gifts team and is responsible for conducting prospect research, identification and evaluation of potential prospects, and the creation of prospect profiles. They will couple these findings with strong persuasive communication skills to create personalized proposals aligned with the organization’s funding priorities to maximize support for the Foundation.

LOCATION

This position will be located in the COC office in Toronto, ON at 250 Yonge St. Suite 3000. We offer a hybrid work model that allows for up to two days of remote work each week.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIORITIES

• Identify, research and recommend current and potential prospects for major gifts.
• Evaluate prospective donors, their interests, relationships, inclination to give, and philanthropic capacity.
• Interest in and proficiency at datamining.
• Prepare research reports based on in-depth biographical and financial research on potential prospects for major gifts.
• Prepare briefings for Foundation events.
• Revise templates and compose documents (profiles, biographies) using style and content appropriate to specific audiences.
• Prepare dynamic and personalized proposals for Major Gifts donors that outline the opportunity and the positive impact of the gift on sport in Canada.
• Work collaboratively with the Design team in deliver final materials aligned with high quality and brand standards.
• Collaborate with COC departments and Sport Partners to gather information for writing projects.
• Be an active participant on the Major Gifts Team by providing insight on donors and prospects to help inform strategy and to enhance donor relationships.
• Conduct special research projects and respond to research requests from the Major Gifts team.
• Monitor and communicate digital and traditional news sources to identify prospective donors, stay current with existing donors and monitor philanthropic trends or impact fundraising priorities.
• Implement and track all research in the Foundation’s database, Tessitura, and ensure information is accurate and up to date.
• Synthesize information from many different sources in a timely manner.
• Write confidential research profiles and prepare briefing documents for events.

• Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CRITICAL SKILLS

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent experience (information studies, library science, social sciences)
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in a similar role
• Previous experience with a fundraising organization or in a business intelligence role in the private sector
• Experience working in design software such as Canva, InDesign, etc.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent knowledge of online search tools, commercial databases and search strategies with the ability to manipulate and retrieve data in a database structure
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on major gift proposal development and delivering presentations
• Strong research skills and excellent knowledge of electronic and print information sources, particularly financial, business and biographical sources
• Excellent communications skills, particularly in writing impactful, persuasive and inspiring proposals and reports.
• Self-assured, polished, flexible and works well under pressure
• Strong analytical, judgment, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Database proficiency and demonstrated strength in analyzing, interpreting and presenting data
• Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy
• Excellent project management skills and ability to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
• Demonstrates and embodies the COC values of Accountability, Excellence, Fun, Respect and Bravery

COMPENSATION

Competitive salary based on experience, excellent benefits package.

CONTACT

Please submit your cover letter and resume through ADP by November 5, 2025.

The COC is committed to ensuring our recruitment and selection processes and work environment are inclusive and barrier-free. At the COC, we celebrate and welcome the diversity of all employees and believe that having a team of individuals with different backgrounds, views, experience and capability working together makes us stronger and better as an organization.

Accommodation is also available upon request for individuals taking part in all stages of our recruitment and selection processes. Please advise the recruiter to ensure your accessibility needs due to a disability are accommodated. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.