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.

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.
• Our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders initiative.
• 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).

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is 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

• A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. 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 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**.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

26 Apr 2026

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.