Advancement Manager, Bequests

Position Details

• Full-Time | Fixed Term (2 Years)
• Higher Education Officer Level 8 | $113,677 - $125,848 p.a.
• Location: Bedford Park
• View Position Description

About the Role

At the heart of this position is the responsibility to establish and pilot a comprehensive Planned Giving (Bequest) Program for Flinders University. Building on the foundation of existing legator relationships, you will develop a strategic and coordinated approach that seamlessly integrates broad marketing and engagement initiatives with tailored stewardship for individual donors. Your work will be pivotal in shaping the program’s framework, testing innovative engagement and stewardship methods, and offering recommendations to guide future operational decisions.

Key responsibilities include managing bequests, cultivating donor relationships, and collaborating across teams to analyse and report outcomes. The role requires a flexible mindset, exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to communicate with donors in a sensitive and authentic manner.

As you deliver projects and foster meaningful, long-term connections between Flinders University and confirmed or prospective legators, you will ensure every donor feels appreciated for the impact their support will have on the University’s future.

Key accountabilities include:

• Leading the strategic direction and annual planning for the University’s bequest program.
• Developing, implementing and periodically reviewing cultivation, solicitation and stewardship frameworks aligned to industry best practice (e.g., CASE, Fundraising Institute Australia), University policy and ethical standards.
• Conducting warm, values aligned donor conversations that explore philanthropic motivations and legacy aspirations.
• Facilitating bequest confirmations and documentation in partnership with Legal Services and Alumni & Advancement Operations.
• Collaborating with Alumni and Advancement colleagues, academic leaders, researchers and professional staff to create compelling engagement opportunities for donors.

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

About You

With experience in the Planned Giving space, you are calm and open minded, with interpersonal skills that are second to none. You are comfortable talking to people from all walks and different stages of life and possess the maturity to discuss sensitive topics. Using philanthropic client relationship management (e.g., Raisers Edge) to track, manage and report on planned giving programs and donor engagement activities comes easily to you, and you can demonstrate an understanding of relevant legislation, processes and procedures related to Planned Giving Programs.

Knowledge of estate planning, wills, trusts, charitable gifts or legal processes related to bequests and experience in a university environment or complex institution are desirable.

You will also need

• The ability to build trust, navigate sensitive conversations and engage with empathy. High-level of professionalism, discretion and judgment.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• High-level organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio, prioritise competing demands and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal stakeholders.

How to Apply and Information

You are required to submit a resume, along with a suitability statement of no more than 3 pages as a separate document, addressing the below Key Position Capabilities of the position description.

• Demonstrated experience in bequest fundraising and planned giving within the higher education or not for profit sector.
• Demonstrated experience implementing targeted Planned Giving outreach campaigns, including engagement events, personalised mailings, digital engagement and peer influence programs.
• High-level interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, navigate sensitive conversations and engage with empathy. High-level of professionalism, discretion and judgment.
• High-level organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio, prioritise competing demands and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
• Relevant experience using philanthropic client relationship management (e.g., Raisers Edge) to track, manage and report on planned giving programs and donor engagement activities.
• A demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation, processes and procedures related to Planned Giving Programs.
• Knowledge of estate planning, wills, trusts, charitable gifts or legal processes related to bequests. (Desirable)

For more information regarding this position, please contact Heidi Warren

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm: 26 Apr 2026