Our Gifts-in-Wills Manager is responsible for the development and management of WIMR's Gifts in Wills program, which underpins our sustainable fundraising strategy. A hands-on role requiring strategic leadership, proven fundraising capability, exceptional relationship skills, and high-level communications expertise.

This role sits within the Development & Engagement team and works collaboratively with the Development Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Community Manager, Fundraising Coordinator and Content Specialist to promote the impact of Gifts in Wills at WIMR to meet research funding goals.

The successful candidate will establish a clear and compelling donor value proposition and engagement strategy to attract and retain supporters who leave a gift in their will to WIMR. This role requires long-term relationship building and stewardship, as well as strict adherence to rules and regulations around wills and estate management.

A critical part of the role is building on WIMR’s outstanding reputation for excellence in medical research and clinical translation, reflecting this in the organisation’s Gifts in Wills communications and interactions. The Gifts in Wills Manager will position WIMR confidently and consistently in the medical research landscape, ensuring our external presence matches the quality and impact of our scientific achievements.

The Gifts in Wills Manager will steward a community of supporters who recognise both our track record of delivering impact and the remarkable potential still to be realised in this vibrant, pivotal part of Sydney.

To be successful in the role you will bring:

Knowledge & Skills

• Proven experience in fundraising, planned giving, development, or advancement within research, health, higher-education, or similar complex organisations.
• Demonstrated success in securing major Gifts in Wills, cultivating legacy donors relationships, and building sustainable bequest pipelines.
• Strong background in communications, marketing, or brand management, with experience developing compelling legacy giving propositions and campaigns.
• Experience working effectively with Boards, senior executives, and governance structures, with a clear understanding of fundraising ethics and compliance.
• Ability to interpret and communicate scientific and clinical concepts to diverse audiences, including donors and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability in building effective systems and processes that support scalable Gifts in Wills engagement, stewardship, and administration.

Personal Qualities

• Exceptional written, visual, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive legacy narratives and support organisational storytelling.
• Strong relationship-building capability, with a collaborative and empathetic approach to engaging donors in sensitive legacy conversations.
• High integrity, initiative, and sound judgment, with the ability to manage sensitive information and complex estate matters.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, excellence, and high-quality execution across all engagement and development functions.

About WIMR

At the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR), we are dedicated to transforming medical research into meaningful health outcomes. Our researchers tackle some of the world’s most complex health challenges, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and neurological disorders, with the aim of translating scientific discoveries into innovative treatments that improve lives.

Through our focus on precision medicine and advanced technologies, including gene and cell therapies, genomics, bioinformatics, regenerative medicine, and biomedical research platforms, WIMR drives discoveries from the laboratory to clinical application. Working closely with the Westmead Health Precinct, clinical partners, and industry collaborators, we accelerate the development of new therapies and solutions that have a global impact.

Why join us?

• Be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment working alongside leading scientists and clinician-researchers.
• Access world-class facilities, advanced technologies, and specialised research platforms that support groundbreaking discoveries.
• Work in an award-winning research facility designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Enjoy professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, salary packaging benefits, paid parental leave, employee assistance programs, and access to convenient transport links including the Parramatta Light Rail.

WIMR is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where people’s unique experiences, perspectives, and talents are valued. We believe an inclusive environment enables us to unlock potential, strengthen our research impact, and achieve our vision of improving health outcomes for communities worldwide.

A position description is attached.