"Donor Relations Officer"

Role type: Full Time, Fixed Term position until January 2027

Department: Advancement, Communications & Marketing

Salary: UOM 6 - $100,847 - $109,163 p.a. plus 17% super

• Drive donor engagement excellence, craft impactful communications and shape philanthropic culture.
• Apply now to create meaningful donor experiences and strengthen philanthropic support at a leading university
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity
As a Donor Relations Officer at the University of Melbourne, you'll play a crucial role in nurturing and expanding the institution's philanthropic community. Working within the rapidly growing Advancement team, you'll support the development and implementation of donor engagement strategies that inspire increased giving and loyalty. This role offers you the chance to craft high-impact communications, lead stewardship programs for student awards and scholarships, and contribute to meaningful donor experiences. You'll be at the forefront of shaping the University's donor relations, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to deliver outstanding and consistent experiences for all philanthropic supporters.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Craft Donor Communications: Prepare high-quality impact reports, acknowledgment letters, and event materials that connect supporters with their giving impact.
• Lead Stewardship Programs: Take a lead role in delivering donor relations initiatives for supporters at all giving levels, with a focus on student awards and scholarships.
• Support Engagement Planning: Assist in developing and implementing bespoke engagement plans for significant donors.
• Manage Donor Enquiries: Monitor and respond to donor relations email enquiries, providing excellent customer service.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a detail-oriented professional with strong communication and project management skills, capable of crafting engaging donor experiences while navigating a complex university environment.

You may also:

• Have a tertiary degree with relevant experience in fundraising or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Demonstrate project and program management abilities, delivering initiatives on time and within budget.
• Show strong data manipulation and analysis skills related to donor programs.
• Excel in stakeholder management, building effective networks across internal and external contacts.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office suite and complex CRM systems.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Advancement

The Advancement Office aims to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its alumni, friends and benefactors. It is responsible for the management of programs relating to alumni and benefactors and provides services to and works collaboratively with faculties and other central administration areas.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au for further information and support.

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!
If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

For recruitment queries, email Walid hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Please note that interviews may take place during the advertising period. We recommend submitting your application at your earliest convenience.

Applications close: 14 December 2025 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-006601 Donor Relations Officer PD .pdf