Research Officer

Western University; London; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Research Officer to enhance fundraising efforts through strategic research on funding sources and donor profiles. This role, based in London, Ontario, requires a master's degree in library or information science and a minimum of 2 years in research. Responsibilities include analyzing potential donors, collaborating with development teams, and improving prospect research methods. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits in a vibrant, collaborative environment.

Benefits

Market competitive compensation

Benefits with employer-paid premiums

15 days per year vacation plus 2 paid personal days

Paid time off during the December holiday closure

Enhanced mental health benefits

Qualifications

• A university degree, preferably a master’s degree in library & information science.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a research environment, preferably in a university advancement department.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze funding sources for major philanthropic gifts.
• Prepare detailed prospect profiles assessing donor capacity.
• Collaborate with development team on donor cultivation strategies.
• Identify major gift prospects for specific projects.
• Develop and deliver training on prospect research techniques.

Skills

Proficient in information acquisition methods

Initiative in researching new information sources

Knowledge of North American business environment

Organization and project management

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Resourcefulness and independence

Familiarity with computer applications

Ability to handle sensitive information

Proactive in anticipating information needs

Data analysis and synthesis

Education

University degree, preferably master's in library & information science

Tools

ProQuest

Lexis-Nexis

Thomson One

Database software

Spreadsheet programs

Word processing applications

Job description

Position: Research Officer

Location: London, Ontario

Position Type: Full-time, temporary contract of 13 months with a target start date of February 2026.

Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy based on-site at our London office.

Hiring Range: $65,733 – $82,115

Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11:59PM.

About Ivey Business School

Ivey Business School acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron peoples, where Western University and Ivey Business School are located. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples, whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of the community.

Ivey Business School (www.ivey.ca) at Western University (www.uwo.ca) is Canada’s leading provider of real‑world, case‑based business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey’s faculty provides the best classroom experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they need to confidently take on today’s leadership challenges and opportunities through Case‑Method Learning. Ivey offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as Executive Education at campuses in London, Toronto, and Hong Kong.

The Advancement department plays a pivotal role in nurturing enduring relationships which foster meaningful engagement, financial support, advocacy and leadership among alumni and other stakeholders globally. The development team, within the Advancement department, raises philanthropic and sponsorship support for Ivey, generally raising over $15 million annually.

Position Overview

The Prospect Research Officer is an essential member of the Advancement Operations team. The role provides strategic information and informed assessments to prioritize and focus the efforts of Development staff on a discrete pool of individual, corporations, and foundation prospects. By augmenting knowledge of existing and potential future donors, using an increasingly diverse body of resources, the Prospect Research Officer enhances and enables efficiency for the school’s leadership, development, and alumni relations team at Ivey.

Responsibilities

• Research Profiles & Briefs
  • Researches and analyzes funding sources (individuals, corporations, and foundations) and their potential to give major philanthropic gifts to Ivey.
  • Prepares detailed, in‑depth prospect profiles which assess and calculate complex financial information relating to a prospect’s capacity to give, in addition to the tracing of a prospects’ connections to Ivey and Western, philanthropic history, family affiliations, and career path.
  • Evaluates and analyzes researched information to make strategic recommendations regarding abilities and desires of major donors within the prospect profile.
  • Consults and collaborates with development team on plans and strategies for the identification and cultivation of major donors.
  • Supports the Manager to develop and deliver technology and training initiatives to the development team on prospect research techniques and resources, ensuring that prospect information is made more accessible for fundraisers.
• Prospect Identification
  • Researches and analyzes funding sources (individuals, corporations, and foundations) and their potential.
  • Identifies major gift prospects for specific priority projects, geographic or faculty areas through complex constituent list segmentation and electronic database screening.
  • Suggest the top prospects for cultivation.
  • Conceptualizes and implements proactive prospecting methodologies to support fundraising goals to the Manager.
  • Identifies new information resources and practices to support fundraising efforts.
• Technology & Training
  • Supports the Manager to develop and deliver technology and training initiatives to the development team on prospect research techniques and resources, ensuring that prospect information is made more accessible for fundraisers.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• A university degree, preferably a master’s degree in library & information science.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a research environment, preferably in a university advancement department.

Skills and Abilities:

• Be proficient in the methods of information acquisition, including use of online sources (ProQuest, Lexis‑Nexis, Thomson One).
• Demonstrate initiative in researching new sources of information, as they become necessary and/or available.
• Have knowledge and understanding of the North American business environment and corporate management structures.
• Possess the ability to organize and manage a diverse range of assignments and projects with high efficiency, yet thorough attention to detail and follow through.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Display a strong attention to detail with the ability to persuasively and professionally communicate with external constituencies to secure meetings.
• Be resourceful and independent, but comfortable working within the framework of an integrated development program and team‑oriented environment. Able to adjust to changing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Have basic familiarity and appreciation of the mission, purpose and values of a comprehensive university and its responsiveness to the educational and research requirements of a sophisticated international business community.
• Possess competence in a variety of computer applications, including database, spreadsheet and word processing programs.
• Be able to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
• Be proactive in anticipating and researching information related to the immediate priorities of the development office.
• Demonstrate ability to analyze and synthesize data from a wide variety of sources and present the resulting information in a clear briefing.

What We Offer

• A bright, inclusive, and modern eco‑friendly working environment
• A collaborative and engaging work culture
• Opportunity to join a community of people‑focused professionals
• Market competitive compensation
• Benefits package with employer‑paid premiums and no waiting period
• Enhanced mental health benefits coverage and resources
• 15 days per year vacation plus 2 paid Ivey Personal Days
• Paid time off during the School’s December holiday closure
• Numerous campus‑wide arts, culture, and sport events
• Employee Assistance Program with family coverage

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Ivey

Ivey Business School is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Please explore Ivey’s EDI homepage for more information on Ivey's commitment to EDI, to read about Ivey’s progress in the EDI Update, and to meet Ivey’s EDI Advisory Council members.

Ivey Business School invites applications from all qualified individuals. Ivey is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodation

Accommodation Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Please contact us at [e-mail] to notify us of any needs related to completing the job application, and/or throughout the recruitment process.

Artificial Intelligence

AI‑supported tools may be used in parts of the selection process to help evaluate applications; however, our HR system itself does not include any AI functionality. All hiring decisions are made by people.

Application

If you're excited about joining Canada's leading business school and meet the qualifications, please submit your resume and cover letter via the Ivey Careers page by the application deadline.

*Please note only selected candidates will be contacted.