KITTIWAKE is a strategic philanthropic consultancy rooted in East Coast values, specializing in fundraising strategy, campaign counsel, + leadership development. We embed ourselves within our client organizations—working alongside leaders, staff, + volunteers to deliver measurable impact + sustainable growth.
We are committed to helping mission-driven organizations reach new heights through tailored philanthropic strategy, hands-on leadership support, + an unwavering focus on impact. Proudly rooted in East Coast values of adaptability, connection, + resilience, we believe in working side-by-side with our clients to achieve lasting change.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The FRACTIONAL PROSPECT RESEARCHER will play a critical support role in Kittiwake’s major gift + campaign strategy work. Reporting to the Strategic Growth Director, this contract-based role will provide high-quality, ethical, + actionable research to inform client strategy, deepen donor engagement, + support effective fundraising decision-making.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
This is an ideal role for an experienced, detail-oriented researcher who enjoys digging into data, uncovering opportunity, + translating findings into clear, concise donor insights that inform strategic action.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prospect Research & Strategy (90%)
As a key contributor to our fundraising + campaign planning work, you will:
Identify, qualify, + evaluate prospective individual, corporate, + foundation donors using a variety of online tools (e.g., iWave, public databases).
Prepare in-depth donor profiles + briefing notes tailored to project + client needs.
Assess philanthropic capacity + affinity, providing strategic insight into giving potential + alignment.
Conduct relationship mapping + identify potential warm introductions through internal + external networks.
Support the development + maintenance of major gift prospect pipelines across client engagements.
Provide environmental scans + philanthropy landscape summaries, as needed.
Collaboration & Communication (10%)
Work closely with the Strategic Growth Director + project teams to prioritize research deliverables + timelines.
Attend virtual team check-ins + contribute research insights to strategy discussions.
Ensure all deliverables meet Kittiwake’s standards for clarity, professionalism, + discretion.
Requirements
Minimum 3 years of experience in prospect research, fundraising analytics, or a related role in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector.
Proficiency with prospecting + research tools such as iWave, FoundationSearch, + LinkedIn.
Strong understanding of Canadian philanthropy, giving trends, + indicators of wealth +influence.
Skilled at synthesizing + analyzing data with clarity, accuracy, + insight.
Excellent writing + communication skills, with a proven ability to create clear +actionable profiles.
Familiarity with ethical standards in prospect research (APRA, Donor Bill of Rights, etc.).
Self-motivated, dependable, + comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, remote environment.
Benefits
$30.00 - $40.00 an hour, based on experience.
Remote position.
This is a flexible sub-contractor role with assignments offered on a per-project basis based on client needs.
Must be available for virtual collaboration + meetings during Atlantic time zone business hours.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only candidates that we determine are best aligned to the role will be contacted for initial discussions.
*Please note, candidates must be located in Canada + legally eligible to work on a permanent basis, as sponsorship for this opportunity is unfortunately not an option.*