Philanthropy Manager

Posted: 9 May 2025
Closing Date: 5pm AEST Monday 26 May 2025
Job Type: Ongoing
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time or Part Time
Location: Canberra or remote location on consideration
Salary Classification: Level AAS 8 $128,477 – $142,855 including up to 17% superannuation

About the Australian Academy of Science

The Australian Academy of Science is a national learned academy of distinguished Australian scientists. For over 70 years the Academy has championed science for the benefit of all.

We are a non-government not-for-profit organisation convening the country’s leading experts from broad scientific fields to provide independent evidence-based advice and advocacy that informs government policy, aids decision making across industry, guides public debate, supports STEM education outcomes and contributes to global science.

The Academy’s offices are located in Canberra in the ACT, operating out of two iconic heritage listed buildings, the Shine Dome and Ian Potter House in the centre of the city.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the Academy Fellows and employees live and work, and to their elders, past and present.

Our culture

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust. The Academy is independent, non-partisan and ethical; acts with integrity, honesty, and transparency; supports diversity and inclusion and is respectful of sources of knowledge, such as those of First Nations people.

We offer a safe, flexible and inclusive work environment and strive to create an environment that connects, respects and values staff. We promote a culture that supports collaboration, initiative and ingenuity, investing in staff to nurture and develop them as professionals.

Employee benefits

The Academy strives to provide its staff with exceptional benefits and support. Staff benefits available to staff at the Academy include:

• Free parking in the city
• Up to 17% superannuation
• Salary packaging options
• Flexible working hours
• Paid Christmas closedown
• Employee assistance program
• Professional Development support

About the role

This position is part of a Secretariat that works as a team to support activities undertaken by the Academy. Join us at one of Australia’s most respected scientific organisations and help shape the future of science through impactful philanthropy.

The Australian Academy of Science is seeking a skilled and passionate Philanthropy Manager to lead and grow key philanthropic programs—including major gifts, bequests, and annual giving initiatives—in support of our Strategic Plan 2023–2028.

Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Chief Executive, you will play a central role in designing and delivering innovative fundraising strategies that engage donors and deepen their connection to science in Australia.

Applications for part-time and flexible work arrangements will be considered. The preferred location for the role is Canberra, however applications for remote working arrangements will be considered.

In this role, you will lead and grow the Academy’s bequest and planned giving program—developing strategic campaigns, engaging directly with potential donors and working with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to philanthropy as part of an organisation that is nationally focused with a global outlook.

Access the full position description.

About you

• You are a relationship-driven fundraising professional with a proven track record in securing major gifts and managing donor programs.
• Your strategic mindset is matched by your ability to build trust, foster long-term connections and communicate with influence.
• Whether it’s stewarding high-net-worth individuals or delivering compelling bequest strategies, you bring creativity, professionalism and purpose to your work.
• You’re confident using CRM tools to drive data-informed decisions and are highly organised in managing multiple priorities.
• Most importantly, you’re motivated by the opportunity to advance science for the benefit of all Australians.

Qualifications and experience

• Proven experience of working in a fundraising environment with a strong record of securing gifts.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in major gifts, bequests, public relations, membership programs, fundraising and marketing.

Selection criteria

• Proven experience in bequest program management with track record of developing and implementing successful bequest and/or philanthropic programs.
• Excellent relationship management skills working sensitively with a portfolio of confirmed and prospective bequest donors, high net worth individuals, philanthropic donors and/or other stakeholders.
• Strong numeracy and analytical ability with experience in prospecting and pipeline development to drive donor acquisition.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills in order to develop high quality written materials and relate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Highly developed knowledge of CRM systems.
• Sound project and budget management capability with the ability to analyse and report on results to achieve revenue and other KPIs to grow revenue from these fundraising streams.
• Highly organised, able to manage numerous projects simultaneously and good attention to detail, while also understanding the bigger picture.
• A commitment to workplace diversity, workplace participation, WHS and equity principles.

Contact details

Further information on the position is available from Kate Groves, Head of Philanthropy at hr@science.org.au

Applications

If this sounds like a great fit for you, please apply including:

• your resume
• a cover letter explaining why this role is for you and how you’ll contribute to our team. Refer to the selection criteria and ‘About you’ section of this advertisement (max 2 pages).

Please apply via our HR Management system

Note that the Video Interview is OPTIONAL and will not be used for shortlisting purposes

Applications close 5pm AEST Monday 26 May 2025

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability. The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment.  The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.