• Secure transformational major gifts for world-class medical research
• Partner with leading researchers to translate science into donor impact
• Westmead precinct | Senior role in a growing development function

The Organisation

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is a leading Australian medical research institute delivering world-class discoveries a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, kidney disease, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and mental health challenges.

Located in the heart of Western Sydney, one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most diverse regions, WIMR sits within the dynamic Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct — a globally significant hub of research, healthcare and education. Under the leadership of Professor Philip O’Connell, WIMR is driving an ambitious vision for integrated research, clinical care and community impact.

WIMR brings together a community of researchers, clinicians and partners committed to translating scientific discovery into improved health outcomes. Philanthropy is increasingly central to enabling this work, with strong executive support and a clear focus on building sustainable, long-term funding through major gifts.

Benefits & Culture

• Join a thriving organisation driving innovation, health and impact
• Backed by executive leadership who value and champion philanthropy
• Contribute to world-class medical research delivering real impact for patients and communities

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Development & Engagement, the Senior Development Manager is a key role responsible for securing significant philanthropic support and advancing WIMR’s major gifts program.

You will lead the development and management of a high-value donor pipeline, identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding support from individuals, families, trusts, foundations and corporate partners. Working closely with researchers, clinicians, senior leadership and the Board, you will shape compelling, donor-centred funding opportunities aligned to WIMR’s strategic priorities and scientific strengths.

This is a hands-on, relationship-led role requiring the ability to translate complex research into clear, inspiring narratives and build deep, enduring partnerships that deliver sustained impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing a robust major gifts pipeline from identification to stewardship
• Securing high-value philanthropic support aligned to research priorities
• Partnering with researchers and leadership to develop compelling cases for support
• Preparing high-quality proposals, reports and donor communications
• Enabling senior stakeholders to engage confidently in donor relationships
• Contributing to fundraising strategy, pipeline development and performance insights
• Working collaboratively across development, engagement and communications

Skills Required

You are an experienced major gifts fundraiser with a strong track record of securing significant philanthropic support and building trusted relationships.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising across individuals, trusts & foundations and/or corporates
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and partner with senior leaders
• Experience developing compelling donor propositions and communications
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging narratives
• Strong organisational and pipeline management capability, delivering consistent results
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach and commitment to best practice fundraising

next steps

If you are inspired by the opportunity to secure transformational philanthropic support for leading medical research, we would welcome your application.

Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your CV and covering letter or contact Judith Marks or Richard Green at NGO Recruitment on (02) 8243 0570 for a confidential discussion.

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.