Advancement Manager (Major Gifts)

Position Details

• Full-Time | Continuing

• Higher Education Officer Level 8 | $116,349 - $128,806

• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country

• View Position Description

About the Role

This position offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of realising Flinders University’s vision of changing 10 million lives for the better by 2035, as you cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors, while taking exception care of our existing donors.  You will also develop ideas for new means of connecting with donors, including graduates of Flinders at all stages of their careers.

Our researchers are making phenomenal change right now and will continue to do so in the years that are to follow.  We are turning resources into real societal benefits, and opening doors for students from non-traditional backgrounds.  Much of this would not be possible without our generous donors – join us and put your values into practice and realise your purpose.

For a comprehensive list of Key Position Responsibilities, please view the Position Description 

About You

Your experience in relationship-based fundraising has given you a solid grounding in major gift cultivation.  You understand the philanthropy experience and excel in writing to a prospective donor audience.  Your interactions with donors and stakeholders alike are polished and professional, while building trust and engaging with empathy.

You will have experience using philanthropic client relationship management (e.g., Raisers Edge) to track, manage and report on donor engagement activities, and a commitment to working as part of a successful fundraising team. With exemplary interpersonal skills, you can provide examples of previous teamwork in meeting KPIs and personal/professional values, and are poised to put these values into practice and make a true impact for our students and researchers.

It is expected that the successful candidate will show progress towards postgraduate qualifications and have extensive relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education and/or training.

Experience in a university environment or similarly complex institutional environment is desirable.

About the Office of Alumni and Advancement  

The Alumni and Advancement team exists to foster enduring relationships with alumni, community members, donors, and stakeholders, thereby enhancing Flinders University’s impact locally and globally. Through a whole-of-university approach, we champion a vibrant culture of philanthropy and engagement, securing vital financial support for students and pioneering research and adding value to our graduates’ lives at every stage of life. In alignment with the University’s overarching vision, the Alumni and Advancement team is dedicated to building a connected, supportive, and influential Flinders community.

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options

• Flexible working arrangements

• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program

• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers 

• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.

• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

• Recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice 

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proudly committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy and we strive to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan 

• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy 

Prescribed Conditions for Employment
 

Flinders University is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, free from gender‑based violence. Appointment to this role is conditional on the completion of required pre‑employment checks and declarations, each of which must be satisfactory to the University.

This includes a Gender‑Based Violence declaration, in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑Based Violence (2025), and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role. 

How to Apply and Information

You are required to submit a CV, a cover letter including a proactive statement about why you are suitable for the role and a Suitability Statement as a separate document, which addresses the below Key Position Capabilities of the position description:

• Demonstrated success in relationship-based fundraising and securing significant gifts, preferably within higher education

• Demonstrated ability to engage senior leaders and donors in philanthropic conversations.

• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, navigate sensitive conversations and engage with empathy. 

• Demonstrated high-level of professionalism, discretion and judgment.

• Demonstrated high-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.

• Demonstrated high-level organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio, prioritise competing demands and maintain meticulous attention to detail.  

For more information regarding this position, please contact Heidi Warren

Flinders University is committed to providing an environment where staff with disability are valued, supported and encouraged, and are able to, as far as practicably possible, participate fully and independently in the life of the University. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, including being accompanied by an accredited assistance animal with public access rights as per the Disability Policy, please advise the contact the Recruitment Team so that we can make appropriate arrangements through [email protected] or call 08 8201 2383.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.