We have an opportunity for an outstanding communicator and strategic relationship-builder with strong digital capability and leadership potential, who will contribute to WIMR’s philanthropic growth through sophisticated, professional, and thoughtful donor engagement.

Reporting to the Head of Westmead Institute for Medical Research Foundation, you will work collaboratively with the Foundation team to develop and manage the Philanthropy program, with a focus on Major Gifts and Trust and Foundation revenue - an essential element of the overall Development strategy. You will build strong and enduring relationships with key stakeholder groups, with a focus on prospecting and developing relationships with new donors, with significant capacity, pre-existing donors and members of the community with a strong connection to the cause and a desire to support through active alignment and with the intention of making large gifts on a sustained and ongoing basis.

You will apply your well-developed relationship management skills to identify, evaluate and pursue major gifts prospects. You will relish the challenge of building relationships from the ground up, working closely with the Head of Foundation to develop, maintain and implement an ongoing targeted major gifts engagement strategy.

You will have the capacity to independently research key prospects, to engage and identify donors’ critical priorities, to represent the Westmead Institute for Medical Research effectively, informing the existing and potential donor base of the Institute’s scope of service and opportunities for involvement and financial support. Importantly, you will steward donors effectively, building trust and confidence, ensuring their long-term commitment to supporting the Institute’s work.

The successful candidate will be capable of persuasive and strategic engagement not only through personal interaction but also through writing. They will demonstrate exceptional emotional intelligence, tailoring their approach to each donor with authenticity and respect, and cultivating long-term philanthropic partnerships.

You will bring:

Exceptional persuasive writing and communication skills, with a proven ability to craft compelling grant applications, donor proposals, prospecting letters, speeches, newsletters, and other donor communications. Outstanding storytelling ability is critical, with the skill to faithfully, professionally, and inspiringly represent WIMR’s research to a variety of audiences.

Proven experience in cultivating and stewarding relationships with high-net-worth individuals, using a confident, emotionally intelligent, and highly tailored approach that respects each donor’s preferences and motivations.

Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of major donors and foundations, including identifying prospects, developing engagement strategies, securing gifts, and ensuring long-term stewardship and renewal.

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build authentic, confident, and enduring relationships with donors, researchers, senior executives, board members, and key institutional partners.

Experience designing and executing sophisticated donor cultivation activities and events, strategically leveraging limited resources to maximise engagement and outcomes.

High level of emotional intelligence, tact, and discretion, with the ability to engage thoughtfully and respectfully across a broad and diverse donor and stakeholder community.

Strong organisational skills and self-management, with a proven ability to prioritise competing demands, work independently in a dynamic environment, and maintain excellent standards of output while meeting deadlines.

Demonstrated resourcefulness and strategic problem-solving skills, with the ability to creatively leverage WIMR’s existing assets and work smart within a small, evolving team environment without large marketing budgets.

Demonstrated leadership potential, with the confidence and capability to represent and deputise for the Head of Foundation when required, and to contribute positively to the leadership culture of the team.

Strong digital literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), confidence in working with CRM/donor database systems, and the ability to leverage digital tools — including AI platforms — to enhance communications, donor engagement strategies, and workflow efficiency. Familiar with GEMS portal.

Experience in the NFP sector, preferably within a Medical Research or health related environment.

Qualifications in Communications, Fundraising, Business, Arts, S or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.