Join one of the world’s most respected cardiac research institutes during a period of philanthropic growth.

• Fantastic opportunity for a relationship fundraiser who wants to focus their career in philanthropy, and be developed by a highly supportive manager
• Work closely with major gift donors, scientists and senior leaders to secure philanthropic support
• Sydney-based - Hybrid - Full-time

Impact of the organisation

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is dedicated to finding cures for cardiovascular disease and is one of the most respected heart research facilities in the world.

Renowned for the quality of its breakthroughs, the Institute was established in 1994 and has grown to a team of almost 200 researchers from around the globe, working across five divisions.

As a global centre of excellence, the Institute brings together expertise in Cardiac Physiology and Transplantation, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics, Structural and Computational Biology, and Vascular Biology to drive innovations that improve outcomes for patients and their families. At the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, we rapidly translate discoveries into new diagnostics, preventions, and treatments for cardiovascular disease - reducing the incidence, severity, and impact of heart disease globally.

An exciting growth phase

The Institute is experiencing a significant period of strategic growth and investment in philanthropy, supported by a highly engaged CEO and Board.

Several newly created roles reflect this exciting phase, with a strong focus on national and global impact. New leadership is bringing fresh energy, and we’re building a world-class team to support this mission. There’s never been a more exciting time to join the Advancement team at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Impact you will have in this role

Advancement plays a strategic and integrated role in building understanding and support among key stakeholders, including philanthropists, foundations, trusts, policy makers and the broader community.

As Development Associate (Major Giving), you will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high-net-worth individuals to support the mission of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Reporting to the Director, Development (Major Giving), you will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, building long-term relationships and guiding supporters along a donor continuum that results in significant philanthropic support.

You will work collaboratively across the Institute to align donor interests with strategic research priorities, delivering personalised and meaningful donor experiences that support the Institute’s funding goals, while developing your major gifts capability under the guidance of an experienced senior leader within a high-performing major giving team.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation & Solicitation

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects with capacity to give $20,000+ per annum and $100,000+ pledged.
• Develop and implement tailored engagement strategies for individual donors.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings, donor visits and personalised outreach within a KPI framework.
• Identify, cultivate and solicit new and increased major gifts from the Institute’s supporter network.
• Regularly solicit six-figure gifts and support the progression of donors toward seven-figure giving, in partnership with senior major and transformational giving colleagues.
• Prepare and present compelling proposals, cases for support and impact narratives.
• Lead or support solicitation efforts, including major gift asks and gift-in-will conversations.
• Engage leadership, scientists and faculty to support donor cultivation and solicitation.

Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Work closely with the Donor Relations Manager to deliver timely, tailored stewardship activities.
• Support thank-you calls, impact reporting and donor recognition initiatives.
• Track donor preferences, giving history and engagement activity within the CRM system.

Strategic Planning & Collaboration

• Develop a strong understanding of the Institute’s research programs, funding needs and philanthropic impact.
• Translate research priorities into clear and compelling donor opportunities.
• Contribute to donor segmentation and pipeline development with the major and transformational giving team, working in partnership with prospect research colleagues.
• Participate in donor events, briefings and cultivation activities, including travel to national hub locations as required.
• Collaborate with major and transformational giving colleagues on shared donor opportunities.

Skills and Experience

You bring:

• Experience in major gift fundraising or a relationship-driven role such as sales, corporate partnerships, account management or business development.
• A proven ability to build strong relationships and secure significant gifts or revenue.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong stakeholder management capability and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to engage donors around the impact of philanthropy on medical research.
• Strategic thinking skills and a collaborative working style.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours to support donor meetings and events.
• You will demonstrate strong alignment with the mission and values of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and a genuine commitment to advancing cardiovascular research through philanthropy.

Applications

Please click "Apply Now" and apply by uploading your resume.

Please direct all enquiries to Nadia Pachon, [email protected] using the subject line: Development Associate, Major Giving - Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

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