Senior Lead, Research and Innovation Philanthropy

Senior Lead, Research and Innovation Philanthropy  Category:
Administrative Program:
Administration Jennifer Ganton Posted:
September 9, 2026 Submission
The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital  - one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals. We are proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. With more than 2,200 scientists, clinician investigators, trainees and staff, and total revenues of more than $120 million, we are one of the foremost Canadian hospital-based research institutes.

Our research spans more than a hundred different diseases, conditions, and specialties with an overall focus on translating discoveries and knowledge into better health.
The Senior Lead, Research and Innovation Philanthropy acts as a key liaison between The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and The Ottawa Hospital Foundation (TOHF), working closely with the Executive Vice-President, Research and Innovation (EVP), as well as other senior leaders and researchers to inspire and manage philanthropic donations in support of research and innovation.

Key Responsibilities Include   Work with Research and Innovation leadership (including the EVP, research administration, scientific program directors and department heads) and TOHF to develop priorities and processes for fundraising in support of research and innovation
Work with Research and Innovation leadership, researchers and TOHF to inspire, structure, manage and recognize philanthropic gifts in support of research and innovation
Negotiate with Research and Innovation leadership and researchers around designated and hyper-designated gifts, including complex negotiations regarding allocations
Review regular financial reports related to donations for research and innovation, ensuring accurate allocation
Work with Research and Innovation leadership to identify potential risks related to philanthropy and financial sustainability
Use knowledge of the Research and Innovation strategy, as well as existing communications products, scientific publications, research project summaries and leader input to support the development of fundraising proposals and impact reports
Organize, synthesize and refine input from Research and Innovation leadership and researchers on cases for support, fundraising proposals, gift agreements and impact reports
Assist with the development and implementation of a comprehensive philanthropy engagement and education strategy, including targeted approaches for researchers, staff and fundraisers
Assist with the development of a suite of communications and education materials related to philanthropy and how research and innovation are funded
Actively participate in reviewing the terms of reference and processes for research and innovation chairs, fellowships and endowment funds that are funded through philanthropy
Prepare for, coordinate and participate in donor meetings, tours and events and ensure that Research and Innovation leadership and researchers are appropriately briefed for these opportunities
Coordinate and present at TOHF staff meetings on strategic initiatives
Act as the primary liaison between Research and Innovation leadership, researchers and TOHF, being the key point of contact for all research-related business/activities of TOHF
Lead the refinement and implementation of a growing sponsorship program, which involves liaising with biomedical research supply companies and other vendors to secure support for institutional events.
Basic Requirements   Undergraduate degree in a relevant area such as business administration, public administration, communications, health or life sciences (advanced degree is preferred)
5-7 years of relevant experience working in a charitable non-profit sector in a variety of roles that represent increasing responsibility
Communications and relationship-building skills are key for this position. Specifically, we are looking for an individual who has the following skill sets in this area:  Gifted, savvy and clear communicator, both verbal and written
Ability to build and maintain strong co-operative relationships within the scientific community and with senior level leadership
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
Open and warm style
Authenticity inspires trust and confidence

Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team
Excellent ability to effectively provide high-level…