Philanthropy Specialist, Research & Proposals

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

PHILANTHROPY SPECIALIST, RESEARCH & PROPOSALS

LOCATION: REMOTE (CANADA) OR HYBRID (TORONTO, ON)

DATE ISSUED: January 21, 2026

Do you have a passion for personal giving and helping donors achieve the impact they want to have on the world? Do you strive to exceed expectations every day in every way? Are you seeking a role that allows you to make a meaningful impact, combining compassion, resilience, and integrity? If this is you, read on!

Operation Smile Canada is seeking a development professional to join our dynamic team of accomplished fundraisers.

The ideal candidate for this position is driven to dig deeper and solve problems. You excel in a fast-paced work environment and are confident in taking initiative. You are a critical thinker who enjoys developing proposals and discovering new funding opportunities. You take pride in supporting your fundraising team, managing details, and being part of an organization that makes a difference.

OPERATION SMILE

We are a volunteer-delivered global medical nonprofit that provides free, safe surgery and comprehensive care to patients with cleft conditions and craniofacial differences in 37 countries around the world. Operation Smile Canada raises funds from our donor partners who want to directly impact the lives of children living with cleft conditions and other facial differences. Our partners are as committed as we are to a world where health and dignity are improved through safe surgery and complete care.

We have a plan for the next decade to increase access to essential surgical care for one million more patients living in low- and middle-income countries. Achieving this goal requires more people caring for more patients in more places. It also requires us to broaden the awareness of our great brand and raise more funds through our diverse fundraising programs.

Operation Smile Canada (OSC) is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a qualified workforce. By valuing diversity, OSC commits to hiring practices that are fair, equitable and accessible and will always hire the most qualified candidate for a position. We will ensure the search and hiring process is fair and impartial, so the appropriate qualifications of each candidate are the only criteria upon which a hiring decision is made. You can learn more about Operation Smile Canada by visiting: www.operationsmile.ca. 

THE ROLE

As part of a highly collaborative team, the Philanthropy Specialist, Research & Proposals, is responsible for identifying new funding opportunities, developing grants and funding proposals, guiding prospect and portfolio management, and providing strategic prospect research to support the Philanthropy team and drive revenue growth.

As part of a national team, you have a history of collaborating effectively with remote team members.

YOUR KEY FUNCTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assist in developing and writing grants, proposals, and solicitation materials for foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities, including corporate partners, foundations, and government/global affairs agencies.
• Maintain program clearance and discovery lists to support coordinated and strategic donor outreach.
• Proactively identify, assess, and qualify prospective donors and partners using internal and external sources, providing strategic recommendations to the Philanthropy team.
• Conduct prospect research and maintain accurate donor information within the donor database (Raiser’s Edge / RE NXT).
• Prepare donor and prospect research profiles for fundraisers and organizational leadership.
• Advise fundraisers on prospect and portfolio management, using best practices and data insights to advance donors through the pipeline.
• Develop and document guidelines, processes, and tools to support effective prospect and portfolio management.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure partners have a rewarding philanthropic experience through their support of Operation Smile Canada.
• Actively participate in team meetings, contributing to the broader team strategy.
• Other duties as required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• General knowledge of fundraising practices, procedures and standards as evidenced by a combination of relevant work, education and professional development.
• Knowledge and experience of prospect research and proposal development.
• Knowledge and understanding of relationship-based fundraising, including annual giving, mid-level giving, and/or major giving, is an asset.
• Exceptional aptitude for digital technologies, including video conferencing and Microsoft Office software is essential.
• Experience using a donor or CRM database is required. Raiser’s Edge NXT knowledge is highly desirable. Experience with a donor research database (iWave, etc.) is also an asset.
• A dedicated, private and furnished workspace with reliable internet service is required for hybrid or remote positions.
• The ability to travel and provide own transportation, as required.

CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS

• Interest and appreciation of Operation Smile Canada’s core mission and ability to communicate that mission across different platforms and audiences.
• Is an ambassador, in the workplace and community, and embodies the core values of our organization – Compassion, Integrity, Resilience & Impact.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are essential to foster and nurture relationships both internally and externally.
• Outstanding written communication skills with the ability to influence, inspire and engage our partners. Proficiency in a second language is considered an asset.
• Well-honed time management skills, highly organized, and the ability to effectively prioritize.
• A flexible team player with a demonstrated ability to collaborate and support colleagues across the organization.
• Proven capacity for independent, self-initiated action, demonstrating a high degree of accuracy with minimal supervision.
• A poised, tactful, and professional communication style that is responsive and courteous.
• An open mindset, focused on continuous improvement and actively contributing to a learning organization.
• Ability to consistently maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion, always ensuring the highest standards of professionalism.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE WORKING HERE

You'll love working with us because we're a team driven by purpose and passion. At Operation Smile, every day brings the opportunity to make a real difference in the world, while growing both personally and professionally. We foster a supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas are valued, and your efforts directly contribute to creating brighter futures for children and families. Join us and be part of something truly meaningful!

We are a learning organization that values each other and our collective abilities to meet and exceed expectations in everything we do.

We are committed to supporting flexible work arrangements and investing in technology or other resources to enable you to effectively work from your home office.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• The hiring salary range for this position is $58,000-$68,000, including paid vacation time.
• A highly competitive benefits package including an RRSP matching program.
• This is a full-time permanent position.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume or CV along with a cover letter (together as one PDF document) to: ca-careers@operationsmile.org. Please ensure the subject line of your email contains the position title: Philanthropy Specialist.

Address your cover letter to:

Tenley Soares

Director. Philanthropy

Operation Smile Canada

Please note:

• Only applications that follow the instructions outlined above will be considered.
• This position is for a current vacancy.
• Artificial Intelligence will not be used for the screening of candidates.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Friday, February 6, 2026 (by 5pmET)

Operation Smile Canada thanks all applicants in advance. Operation Smile Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

Thank you for your interest in being part of our smile movement at Operation Smile Canada. We look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, keep smiling - a child is counting on it!