Senior Manager, Donor Relations

“At Perimeter, I have found that on timescales of months, you can execute the kinds of projects that would otherwise take many years elsewhere. Anything can happen at Perimeter.” 

– Avery Broderick, Associate Faculty member, Perimeter Institute

Scientists at Perimeter Institute explore the cutting edge of modern theoretical physics. They grapple with everything from the mind-bending mysteries of the quantum realm to fundamental questions about the universe that inspire awe in people of all ages and backgrounds. As the Institute approaches its 25th anniversary and looks ahead to the next 25 years, we’re seeking an innovative relationship-builder that can apply similarly ambitious thinking to Perimeter’s vital advancement efforts.

Reporting to the Director, Advancement, the Senior Manager, Donor Relations will directly engage and grow a committed donor base that is passionately invested in what makes Perimeter unique. They will connect these visionary philanthropists with Perimeter’s world-class researchers, sparking the memorable exchanges that will ultimately fuel the next chapter of the Institute’s made-in-Canada success story.

Perimeter is not a place for rote repetition of annual events or a rehashing of tired ideas. The successful candidate will have the freedom to focus on long-term donor stewardship and major gifts, the creativity to dream up tailored events and activities that reflect the Institute’s unique place in the world, and the autonomy to execute on that vision – all from within an inspiring, award-winning facility with the support of an agile administrative team.

“Perimeter is a long-term investment that will pay off exponentially. The work we do here will yield profound results – not only for the future of technology, but for the future of Canada and all of humanity.” 

– Michael Serbinis, Board Chair, Perimeter Institute

More about Perimeter Institute

In less than 25 years, Perimeter Institute has grown into the world’s largest independent research hub devoted to theoretical physics, competing for talent with storied institutions like Stanford, Princeton, and Cambridge. Founded with a vision of fostering breakthroughs in our fundamental understanding of the universe, Perimeter provides the ideal environment for brilliant young minds seeking to make rapid advances in nascent research areas. Located in the dynamic, entrepreneurial Region of Waterloo, the not-for-profit Institute is a unique public-private endeavour that enables cutting-edge research, trains the next generation of scientific pioneers, and shares the power of physics through award-winning educational outreach and public engagement.

It’s an exciting time to join Perimeter. The arrival of the Institute’s new Executive Director and planned 25th anniversary celebrations in 2025 will both provide natural catalysts for new and renewed donor stewardship activities. In addition, Perimeter Founder and Board Chair Emeritus Mike Lazaridis has committed to provide $30 million in matching funds to attract and retain top talent.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work closely with Perimeter’s strategic philanthropy team and directly manage the Advancement Coordinator, Events and Special Projects. They will collaborate with scientists and staff across the Institute to deliver meaningful experiences that connect with donors’ individual interests.

Program and Strategy Development and Execution

• Lead an enhanced stewardship program with a focus on exceptional, highly customized stewardship plans for top-tier donors and an integrated donor relations program to recognize and steward all donors
• Work directly with senior leadership and relationship managers to ensure that communications, activities, and events are fully integrated with overall campaign strategy and goals
• Assist in the development of funding agreements and ensure that agreement obligations are fulfilled
• Coordinate and manage stewardship/recognition visits, calls, updates, and events, along with relationship managers and other staff/volunteers – including preparation of briefing notes as required
• Work with the Training, Educational Outreach, and Scientific Programs team to manage donor-supported student awards 
• Develop metrics and mechanisms for monitoring outcomes of donor relations programming to maximize efficiencies and to ensure accurate and timely gift recognition, record keeping, and pledge fulfillment

Communication and Events related to Donor Stewardship and Recognition

In coordination with relevant teams at Perimeter, the successful candidate will:

• Manage recognition in both print- and web-based publications, including donor lists, digital signage, and donor profiles
• Orchestrate ongoing communications/touchpoints with donors, taking advantage of existing Perimeter publications, events, and activities
• Coordinate the design and production of meaningful, personalized impact reports on a regular cadence
• Collaborate and consult on internal and external publicity and news releases related to major gifts
• Support the planning and execution of top-tier events and integrate donor recognition opportunities into existing Perimeter events, where appropriate

Required Education, Skills, and Experience

• Completed postsecondary education in fields related to business, fundraising, or events management – or equivalent professional experience
• A minimum of five to six years of experience in development, donor relations, advancement services, and/or special events
• Demonstrated experience and ability to develop, execute, and/or support a complex donor relations program, including recognition and stewardship activities
• Proven expertise managing multi-phase projects from inception to completion, with an emphasis on optimizing efficiencies through the strategic use of CRM software and other technologies
• Demonstrated ability to interact comfortably, tactfully, and effectively with donors and volunteers, varied internal and external constituencies, and a wide range of stakeholders
• Adept at problem solving and comfortable operating within a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, focused, and energetic
• Proficient with MS Office (particularly Word and Excel), CRM fundraising databases, and online research

To ensure full consideration of your application, please submit your resume and cover letter by June 5, 2024. The posting will remain live until the position is filled. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, but will only be connecting with select individuals.

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.