Bequests Manager – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

• Join Australia’s Number 1 university
• Negotiate complex, high-value bequests
• Enjoy a vibrant culture that encourages work-life balance

Reporting to the Head of Bequests, you will contribute to the University-wide program to solicit, secure and manage Gifts in Wills and other planned gifts from alumni, staff and members of the wider University community and public. These will chiefly support Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Melbourne Law School and the Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. The University Library and cultural collections, the Ian Potter Museum of Art, Asialink and Melbourne University Sport will also be included in your portfolio.

Your responsibilities will primarily focus on relationship management and will incorporate

• the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of over 700 individuals;
• securing, building and managing relationships with prospective and confirmed bequestors and their intermediaries, and
• developing relationships with internal stakeholders including Deans, Associate Deans, Advancement, Head of School, and colleagues across the Faculties and associated bodies.

Experiences and skills required

Ideally you have a successful track record in Bequests. Alternatively you are a senior fundraiser with experience in other kinds of planned or major gifts, or currently work in the trusts/grant-making/ philanthropy advisory spaces.

You will require

• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a complex environment;
• the ability to champion your mission both externally and internally;
• exemplary interpersonal skills, including effective listening, empathy and diplomacy, and the ability to build relationships within confidential and sensitive settings;
•  a demonstrated ability to plan and implement complex programs and projects; and
• a track record in meeting and exceeding key performance indicators.

Experience with bequests and other planned gifts within a higher education context will be highly regarded. An affinity for, or experience of working in, philanthropy in the humanities, social sciences, creative arts or associated fields will also be an advantage.