Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager

Animal Welfare League of South Australia (AWL) is seeking an experienced and relationship-focused Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager to lead the growth of our major giving, Gifts in Wills and institutional funding programs.

This is an influential role for an accomplished philanthropy professional who can build trusted relationships, inspire meaningful investment and connect supporters with opportunities that create lasting impact for animals and the South Australian community.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the implementation and continued development of AWL’s Major Giving and Gifts in Wills Strategy.

You will personally manage relationships with significant donors while strengthening AWL’s broader philanthropy program. Working closely with the Executive team and teams across the organisation, you will identify and develop opportunities that support AWL’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Develop and deliver strategies that grow major giving, Gifts in Wills and institutional philanthropic income.

• Manage a portfolio of major donors through tailored cultivation, engagement and stewardship.

• Lead face-to-face donor meetings, presentations, tours and other engagement opportunities.

• Develop compelling and bespoke philanthropic proposals aligned with AWL’s priorities.

• Partner with the CEO, COO and Board to activate networks and strengthen high-value donor relationships.

• Grow the Gifts in Wills pipeline through effective acquisition, stewardship and donor journeys.

• Build relationships with philanthropic trusts, foundations and institutional funders.

• Oversee major and multi-year funding proposals in collaboration with operational teams.

• Establish effective donor stewardship and recognition practices across AWL.

• Monitor pipeline performance and provide revenue forecasts, portfolio analysis and strategic insights.

• Lead, coach and support the Philanthropy Coordinator.

• Help foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organisation.

About you

You are an accomplished relationship builder who combines genuine warmth and emotional intelligence with strategic thinking and commercial acumen. You understand that successful philanthropy is built through trust, careful stewardship and a strong connection between a donor’s interests and an organisation’s impact.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading donor engagement strategies.

• Experience developing or delivering philanthropic growth strategies.

• Strong experience establishing, cultivating and maintaining long-term supporter relationships.

• Knowledge of Gifts in Wills programs, estate processes and relevant legislative considerations.

• An understanding of trusts, foundations and major campaign development.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong proposal writing, presentation and public-speaking capabilities.

• Commercial acumen and the ability to convert insights and opportunities into sustainable revenue.

• Analytical and reporting skills, with experience using data to guide and monitor strategy.

• Advanced planning, organisation and prioritisation skills.

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent demonstrated experience.

• A current driver’s licence.

Experience using a customer relationship management system, particularly Salesforce, and previous people leadership experience will be highly regarded.

Why join AWL?

At AWL, our vision is a South Australia where every pet has a loving home. Our work connects pets, people and community, and our team is united by a shared commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact.

Our beliefs guide how we work: Create Opportunities, Show Compassion, Be Optimistic, Share Knowledge and Walk the Talk.

This is an opportunity to shape and grow a significant philanthropy program while helping secure the future of an organisation that makes a genuine difference to animals and people every day.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and what attracts you to this opportunity.

For further information about the position, please contact Davina Carne, Head of People Experience on 04•• ••• 125. To obtain a copy of the position description please email ••••@awl.org.au.

Applications close Friday 4th September. AWL retains the right to proceed to review applications and commence interviews before the closing date. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

AWL is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace. The successful applicant will be required to hold or obtain a satisfactory National Police Check.