Donor Relations Manager

The Team and Role

The SVI Foundation is dedicated to advancing SVI’s vision of transforming lives through groundbreaking medical discoveries. Our mission is to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and stakeholders, inspiring greater involvement and investment to support our researchers in improving the health of Australians.

SVI are seeking a full-time (part-time arrangement of 4 days will be considered) Donor Relations Manager to join its dynamic Foundation Office. This hands-on, relationship-focused role is central to nurturing and strengthening meaningful connections with donors, with the goal of securing significant philanthropic support for world-class medical research.

This role will see you working closely with the Head of Fundraising, researchers, program managers and other internal stakeholders to articulate funding priorities and align them with donor interests. This role is central to creating a culture of gratitude, identifying major gift and bequest prospects, and translating complex research initiatives into compelling donor propositions.

The position is ideal for someone who is proactive, thoughtful, and genuinely passionate about the life-changing potential of medical research.

Who we are seeking

To excel in this role, you will have:

• Experience in donor relations, fundraising, or stakeholder engagement,
• Excellent writing and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail
• A collaborative mindset and a team focussed approach
• CRM experience (e.g. Raiser’s Edge) is a plus
• A genuine passion for improving lives through research
• Current driver’s license and willingness to travel, as well as flexibility for after-hours work when required

To be considered for this role you shall be required to provide evidence you have permanent working rights in Australia. You will also be asked to undergo a police check.

Salary Range: $106,322 to $110,600 per annum (this will be pro rata for part-time), plus 12% superannuation. Salary applied will be dependent upon successful candidates’ current level, experience and qualifications. In addition to your base salary, we offer up to $15,900 FBT exempt salary packaging and up to $2,650 FBT exempt meals and entertainment packaging.

Position Description: Please click on the ‘Apply’ button to be taken to our recruitment portal where you can download a copy of the full position description

To apply: All applications must include the following:

i) A current CV

ii) Cover letter addressing the criteria listed under the ‘Experience, knowledge and Qualifications’ heading of the position description

Applications Close: COB Monday, 8 September 2025; however, applications will be considered as they arrive, and the position may be filled ahead of the closing date.

Enquiries: Kathleen Lambrick – Head of Fundraising: kathleen.lambrick@svi.edu.au