Donor Relations Manager

Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term until 1st of March 2027
Department: Advancement, Communications & Marketing
Salary: $122,736 - $132,847 p.a. plus 17% super  

• Design bespoke donor experiences, enhance philanthropic impact and drive strategic donor engagement
•  Apply now to lead innovative donor relations strategies that will inspire generosity and deepen connections at one of the world's leading universities
• 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 Manager at the University of Melbourne, you'll be at the forefront of developing and implementing strategies to inspire and engage major and principal gift donors. You'll have the opportunity to design bespoke donor experiences, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and play a crucial role in nurturing a culture of philanthropy. Your work will directly impact the university's ability to achieve its philanthropic goals, making this a key position for those passionate about donor stewardship and higher education advancement.

Your responsibilities will include: 

•  Manage Donor Portfolios: Deliver tailored donor relations strategies for significant supporters, including gift acknowledgment, communications, and impact reporting.
• Design Engagement Experiences: Create and implement meaningful donor experiences that deepen connections to the university.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with fundraisers, leadership, and faculty to deliver cohesive donor engagement activities.
• Develop Stewardship Frameworks: Contribute to strategic development of stewardship approaches for principal and major gift donors.

You may be a great fit if:  

You are an experienced relationship manager with a strong background in donor or stakeholder relations, excellent communication skills, and a passion for nurturing philanthropic connections in a complex higher education environment.

You may also:  

• Have a tertiary qualification with significant relevant work experience in donor or stakeholder relations.
• Demonstrate experience in delivering donor, membership, or loyalty programs.
• Show ability to think strategically and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Exhibit close attention to detail and high standards of accuracy in work.

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 are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.  

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods.  To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker – 0478 269 660 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au.  You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers  

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants  
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.  

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring  

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.  

Working at the University – what you need to know  
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.  

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

Join Us and unlock your career potential!  
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:  

• Resume  

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience  

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.  

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Walid via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.  

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.  

Applications close: ​22 August 2025 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.  

Position Description:  JR-002865 Donor Relations Manager Candidate Pack .pdf