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 Major Gifts Officer to contribute to this next phase of growth and play a key role in advancing the Institute’s mission.
As Major Gifts Officer, you will play a key role in advancing Perimeter Institute’s mission by building meaningful relationships with donors and securing major philanthropic support. Reporting to the Head, Strategic Philanthropy, you will develop tailored cultivation strategies, lead proposal development for high-impact gifts, personally solicit major donations, and steward donors whose generosity helps fuel world-leading research in theoretical physics.
In this role, you will manage a high-value portfolio of current and prospective donors across Ontario, with a focus on the GTA. You will strengthen donor relationships, identify new opportunities for engagement, and secure major gifts that support Perimeter’s priorities. The role focuses on gifts in the $25,000–$249,999 range, with a primary emphasis on gifts of $100,000 and above.
What You Will Do:
Major Gifts
- Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and manage a portfolio of 100+ current and prospective major gift donors annually
- Support Perimeter Institute’s private fundraising goals by meeting or exceeding annual personal revenue and activity targets
- Create strategies to identify, engage, solicit, retain, and advance intermediate ($10K–$100K) and major ($100K+) donors through the giving pipeline
- Build solicitation strategies for intermediate and major gifts by developing prospect and donor relationships, recommending gift purposes and levels, identifying appropriate participants for cultivation and solicitation, ensuring solicitations are completed, and supporting related cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities
- Lead proposal development for assigned prospective donors and partners giving $10,000+, including individuals, corporations, and foundations in Canada and globally
- Personally solicit and secure annual revenue of $1,000,000 by year two (2), subject to annual review
Strategic Collaboration & Donor Engagement
- In coordination with other key Perimeter leaders, act as a passionate ambassador for Perimeter with important external constituents. Work proactively, openly and productively with members of the senior leadership team, faculty, leadership volunteers and partners
- Collaborate with the Head, Strategic Philanthropy and the CAO to support strategy, planning, prospect development, and activities involving leadership volunteers, including board members, Leadership Council members, and Emmy Noether Council members
- Support the Associate Director, Donor Relations & Operations by helping develop and implement tailored stewardship plans for assigned major gift donors
- Maintain current knowledge of fundraising best practices, sector trends, and institutional priorities, including programs, research, and key initiatives, to effectively engage and inspire donors and stakeholders
What You Bring:
- Completed postsecondary education in a relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience
- Five (5)+ years of demonstrated, successful experience in direct intermediate and major gift fundraising
- A solid understanding of fundraising best practices (including CRA guidelines) and experience with major gift giving vehicles
- Demonstrated experience working within the philanthropic landscape and donor networks in Ontario, including familiarity with the depth and density of the GTA’s philanthropic community
- The candidate must be comfortable in an environment comprised of a unique mix of entrepreneurs, scientists, and educators
- Ability and experience connecting high level institutional priorities to practical and efficient day-to-day objectives
- Excellent organizational and verbal and written communications skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work comfortably and with discretion with high level donors and volunteers
- Organized and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment
- Reputation and experience working within a collaborative senior management team.
- Direct experience as a sophisticated and diplomatic lead contact for donors and volunteers and a track record of raising funds from varied sources
- Able to work independently while also working as a member of the Perimeter advancement team
- Familiarity with CRM systems and reporting tools
- Willingness to work flexible hours and to travel when necessary for donor meetings and/or fundraising events across the country
The starting salary range for this position is $87,300 to $92,150, 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 [email protected] for assistance.
