• Part-time, ongoing role (0.6 FTE)
• Salary $104K (pro-rata) plus superannuation and generous salary packaging

About the team

The Communications, Fundraising, and Advocacy Team at CERA plays a vital role in driving engagement, awareness, and support for our groundbreaking research. Dedicated to building lasting connections with donors and stakeholders, the team is committed to growing the resources needed to advance our mission of saving sight and transforming lives.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, this team leads innovative campaigns, fosters meaningful relationships, and stewards donor journeys with a focus on integrity, creativity, and impact.

The role

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Gifts in Wills & Donor Relations Lead to join our team and play a pivotal role in supporting CERA’s sight-saving research. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and implement strategies that build long-term relationships with donors and bequestors, ensuring their generous support leaves a lasting legacy.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of CERA’s bequest and donor uplift strategies to grow philanthropic support.
• Foster strong, meaningful relationships with donors, providing exceptional care and personalised engagement.
• Plan and deliver effective donor campaigns, communications, and events to inspire and retain support.
• Collaborate across the organisation to enhance donor journeys and build a robust donor pipeline.
• Track and report on donor acquisition, retention, and program outcomes, using insights to refine strategies.

About you

You are an empathetic and strategic relationship manager with a track record of delivering successful fundraising initiatives. You understand the importance of creating tailored donor journeys and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. Your excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to inspire support will help drive CERA’s vision forward.

Selection Criteria

• Proven ability to nurture long-term donor relationships by understanding their motivations and designing customised donor journeys to enhance engagement and drive financial growth.
• Demonstrated experience in meeting strategic and financial goals through the development and implementation of bequest and mid-level donor strategies, including direct mail campaigns, acquisition, and retention efforts.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills with the ability to develop and map mid-level donor and bequestor journeys, and experience in implementing best practice moves management strategies to maintain a healthy donor pipeline.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing donor engagement events, including mid-level donor, bequestor, and community forums.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to generate donor communications and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using CRM systems to manage donor information, identify prospective donors, and ensure data integrity.
• Strong administrative skills, providing professional support for philanthropy and fundraising activities.

About CERA

The Centre for Eye Research Australia is a not-for-profit and an international leader in eye research with real-world impact. As an independent Medical Research Institute affiliated with the University of Melbourne, we are committed to saving sight and transforming lives through our innovative research. Located in East Melbourne, our staff and students work collaboratively to achieve breakthroughs in eye health.

Employee benefits include:

• Family-friendly workplace with flexible working arrangements.
• Supportive culture encouraging career development and innovation.
• Generous salary packaging options to increase take-home pay.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Leave loading of 17.5%.
• Annual flu vaccinations and regular office fruit boxes.

How to Apply

Submit a current resume that clearly demonstrates your experience and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and suitability for the position.

For more information about the role, please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Gifts in Wills & Donor Relations Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with CALD backgrounds, people with a disability, people from the LGBTQIA+ community and women and gender diverse people.

If you require an adjustment to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our HR team.

A position description is attached.