Development Support Officer

The University of Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Western Australia is seeking a donor relations professional to support cultivation, stewardship and engagement of donors, with a focus on scholarships and annual giving. You will build meaningful donor relationships, prepare funding proposals, and partner with Schools to identify opportunities that align with University priorities.

Join a collaborative philanthropy team for a fixed term of 8 months with a base salary in the low to mid six figures AUD pro‑rata plus 17%

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes.
• Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in higher education fundraising or donor relations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the cultivation, stewardship and engagement of donors and prospective donors.
• Build donor relationships and prepare funding proposals and gift documentation, and partner with schools and stakeholders.
• Contribute to fundraising campaigns, donor recognition activities and stewardship programs.
• Maintain accurate donor records and support governance and administration.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Prioritization

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

About The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is one of Australia's leading universities and has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research.It has almost 24,000 students enrolled across four...

• Develop meaningful donor relationships and help create life-changing opportunities for students through scholarships and prizes.
• Join a collaborative fundraising and philanthropy team at one of Australia's leading universities.
• Full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis for 8 months.
• Base salary range: $86,540 – $95,920 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) leads the University's alumni, philanthropic and community engagement strategies. Working across the University, DAR strengthens relationships with donors, alumni and community partners to support UWA's strategic priorities and long‑term impact. The team plays a critical role in building a culture of philanthropy that advances student success, research excellence and community outcomes.

About the opportunity

• Support the cultivation, stewardship and engagement of donors and prospective donors, with a particular focus on scholarships, prizes and annual giving initiatives.
• Build and maintain meaningful donor relationships, prepare compelling funding proposals and gift documentation, and partner with Schools and stakeholders to identify philanthropic opportunities aligned with donor interests and University priorities.
• Contribute to fundraising campaigns, donor recognition activities and stewardship programs while maintaining accurate donor records and supporting best‑practice fundraising governance and administration.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualification or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination, administration or relationship management within a complex organisation, ideally within higher education, fundraising, advancement, donor relations or a similar environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing reports, correspondence, proposals or stakeholder communications for diverse audiences.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, build effective relationships and deliver outcomes collaboratively.
• Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications, combined with a proactive, team‑oriented approach and the ability to work independently when required.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday 21 st August 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.