• Join a high-performing philanthropy team driving transformational impact across cancer research, treatment and patient care through major gifts fundraising.
• An exceptional opportunity for an experienced major donor fundraiser to step into a management role while building meaningful relationships with high-value supporters.
• Full time - Permanent - Based in Camperdown with hybrid work

Impact of the organisation

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is the only independent, not-for-profit, comprehensive cancer centre in NSW.

The organisation is redefining cancer care with a singular focus – to transform the lives of people affected by cancer, by bringing together all elements of cancer research, treatment, care, education and support within the one centre of excellence.

Join them in this mission to minimise the burden of cancer by providing integrated expert care, delivered with compassion and founded on research, innovation, education and training.

Impact you will have in this role

The Development Manager plays a pivotal role in driving significant philanthropic growth through the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors. Reporting to the Director of Development, this role is responsible for securing five- and six-figure gifts to support priority initiatives across the organisation, while contributing to principal gift opportunities and the broader growth strategy of the portfolio.

Working closely with world-leading clinicians, researchers and organisational leaders, the Development Manager will build and manage a high-value portfolio of donors and prospects, develop compelling funding proposals, and deliver exceptional donor engagement and stewardship experiences.

The role also provides leadership and guidance to a direct report responsible for managing the mid-level giving portfolio, ensuring strong performance against fundraising targets while fostering collaboration across the broader Development team to enhance overall campaign success.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished major gifts fundraiser to join a high-performing and ambitious team committed to best-practice fundraising and significant organisational growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to see the direct impact of their work every day, helping to advance life-changing cancer research, treatment and care.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, manage and grow a major gifts portfolio valued at over $4 million, securing five- and six-figure philanthropic gifts to support key organisational priorities.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward high-value donors and prospects through strategic relationship management, proposal development and targeted engagement activities.
• Prepare compelling major gift proposals and drive donor activity to achieve agreed fundraising targets and portfolio growth objectives.
• Work collaboratively with clinicians, researchers and organisational leaders to support fundraising initiatives and strengthen donor engagement opportunities.
• Provide expert guidance on major gifts fundraising and philanthropy engagement across the organisation.
• Lead and support the mid-level giving portfolio through the management and development of a direct report, ensuring achievement of KPIs and fundraising outcomes.
• Foster collaboration across the broader Development team to strengthen campaign success, donor engagement and portfolio growth.
• Maintain accurate donor records and reporting within Salesforce, ensuring best-practice stewardship and compliance standards are met.

Key Skills and Experience

• Previous fundraising experience with demonstrated success securing high-value major gifts.
• Proven ability to manage major gift portfolios, develop solicitation strategies and achieve fundraising KPIs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills across donors, clinicians, researchers and leadership.
• Experience in donor stewardship and delivering exceptional donor engagement.
• Previous experience in mentoring and managing staff or desire to step into a management role.
• Excellent organisational, project management and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including confidence engaging with Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM/database systems, preferably Salesforce.
• Collaborative and professional working style, with the ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex science-based content to a range of audiences.
• Innovative and strategic approach to fundraising, with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience within health, medical research, academic or university fundraising environments highly regarded.

Applications

Please click "Apply Now" and upload your resume.

Please direct all enquiries to Kristina Baric at Impact Advising on [email protected] using the subject line: Development Manager - Chris O'Brien Lifehouse enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and cultural background. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in the workforce