Philanthropy Manager - Engagement

Murdoch University; Perth; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Cultural Load and allowance - up to $8

Salary packaging options

Employee Assistance Program

On-campus services and facilities

Job summary

Murdoch University seeks a Philanthropy Manager - Engagement to strengthen donor relationships and showcase the impact of philanthropy across the University.

You will deliver engagement initiatives, manage donor communications and events, and collaborate with alumni, donors and internal stakeholders to foster ongoing support and lasting connections.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and minimum five years' experience, or equivalent.
• Proven experience building and managing meaningful donor, alumni, or stakeholder relationships.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to create engaging donor-focused content.
• Strong project management and event coordination skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering outstanding stakeholder experiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver donor engagement, stewardship, and recognition programs.
• Build and manage meaningful relationships with an allocated portfolio of donors.
• Create impactful donor communications, reporting, events, and engagement activities.

Skills

Donor relations

Stakeholder management

Nonprofit fundraising

Written communication

Project management

Event coordination

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Job description

About The Team

The Alumni & Philanthropy Office is a collaborative and dedicated team committed to driving the University's philanthropic vision. Together, they lead and deliver a wide range of initiatives, including major gifts, bequests, endowments, annual giving, capital campaigns and corporate and foundation grant programs, while ensuring thoughtful and impactful donor stewardship.

The team works closely with alumni, donors and the broader community, creating meaningful connections through engaging communications, events and programs. Their shared focus is on building strong, lasting relationships that inspire giving and strengthen the University's community.

Your New Role!

As the Philanthropy Manager - Engagement, you'll play a key role in strengthening relationships with donors and showcasing the impact of philanthropy at Murdoch University. Working closely with donors, alumni, and internal stakeholders, you'll deliver meaningful engagement initiatives that inspire ongoing support and create lasting connections with the University.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and deliver donor engagement, stewardship, and recognition programs.
• Build and manage meaningful relationships with an allocated portfolio of donors.
• Create impactful donor communications, reporting, events, and engagement activities.

Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Continuous, Full Time (37.5 hours per week) position attracts a remuneration of $116K - $133K (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Salary packaging options - such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

What you'll bring to the role:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and minimum five years' experience, or equivalent
• Proven experience building and managing meaningful donor, alumni, or stakeholder relationships.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to create engaging donor-focused content.
• Strong project management and event coordination skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering outstanding stakeholder experiences.

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record in accordance with the University's Employee Background Checks Procedure.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Brooke Webb, Senior Philanthropy Manager, [e-mail] and quote JR105315 as the reference.

Applications Close on 17 September 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.