Philanthropy Specialist

• Part time (0.8FTE), ongoing role
• Salary commensurate with experience: Professional Level 6 $94,693 - $102,502 per annum, pro rata plus super
• Hybrid WFH/Office model and generous salary packaging options available

About the team

The Philanthropy team at Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with donors and supporters to advance innovative research in eye health. This dynamic and collaborative team plays a vital role in securing philanthropic funding through donor engagement and stewardship, impactful storytelling and campaigns. With a focus on excellence and collaboration, the Philanthropy team ensures that every supporter feels connected to CERA's mission of improving lives through our research.

The role

The Philanthropy Specialist has a key role in growing major giving and building meaningful relationships that drive life-changing impact. You’ll manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, creating personalised engagement strategies that inspire new, repeat, and increased levels of support.

Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, you’ll lead all aspects of the donor journey, from prospect research and goal setting to proposal development, stewardship, and impact reporting. You’ll also help prepare submissions to trusts, foundations, and corporate partners, and coordinate donor meetings and events that connect supporters with CERA’s vision and research.

Working closely with senior leaders, researchers, communications, and fundraising colleagues, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference for people living with vision loss and blindness.

Your skills and experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in donor identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to attract new donors and grow existing donor contributions.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to network, influence, and negotiate to foster positive, lasting relationships.
• Experience using data to inform strategy and identify opportunities for income growth.
• Strong research, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, agile team and communicate effectively with internal stakeholders.
• Proficient in using fundraising databases and CRM systems.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check.

About CERA

The Centre for Eye Research Australia is a not-for-profit and an international leader in eye research with real world impact. We are an independent Medical Research Institute closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne within the discipline of ophthalmology in the Department of Surgery, Melbourne Medical School. Our staff and students are located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and 200 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne.

To learn more about our work, please visit our website.

Employee benefits

• Family-friendly workplace with flexible working
• Hybrid work from home and office model
• Supportive culture which encourages career development and fosters innovation
• Generous salary packaging options including general expenses, meals and entertainment and novated car leasing (Salary packaging allows staff to reduce the amount of tax they pay, thereby increasing their take home salary)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Leave loading of 17.5%
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Weekly fruit boxes in the office.

 How to apply

Submit a current resume and cover letter that details your interest and suitability for the role.

For more information about the role, please download the position description here or contact hr@cera.org.au.

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.

We will be conducting interviews whilst advertising is live and may conclude the job posting prior to the stated deadline should we identify a suitable candidate. We encourage you to apply promptly.