•  ​​Based at our Melbourne, Burwood Campus​ or Geelong Waterfront location+ hybrid work arrangements 
•  Full-time and continuing 
•  ​​HEW 6 $92,573 - $99,972​   + 17% Superannuation (pro rata, part time)  

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

• Plan, organise, and oversee a variety of donor-focused events, such as campus tours, VIP dinners, graduation activities, and other special events to enhance donor engagement. 

• Develop and deliver compelling donor communications, including student introduction letters, videos, stewardship emails (eDMs), impact reports, and other personalised content that highlights the impact of giving. 

• Collaborate with the Donor Relations Manager to create and execute key program elements, including the dKin Difference annual publication, milestone giving acknowledgments, and tailored stewardship activities across diverse donor segments such as principal gifts, major gifts, bequests, workplace giving. 

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, academic staff, and external partners, to enrich the donor experience and support the University’s mission of impact and engagement. 

• Maintain accurate donor engagement records using the Deakin Advancement CRM (Deakin Blackbaud ARMS) to ensure timely and effective tracking of donor interactions, while providing administrative support to enhance overall donor experience goals. 

 In a typical week, you will: 

• Prioritise tasks and critical activities, evaluate progress, and overcome barriers to achieve desired outcomes, while proactively seeking improvements and incorporating feedback from colleagues and stakeholders. 

• Actively support team members to facilitate and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment while offering guidance across teams. 

• Build strong, respectful relationships with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating an understanding of how different areas of the University interrelate and how your role contributes to the broader mission. 

• Adapt positively to change and manage stress, leveraging self-awareness and feedback to improve personal impact and emotional well-being. 

• Seek to understand and respond to donor feedback, ensuring follow-through on commitments and building productive relationships to enhance service and support across diverse stakeholder groups. 

To be successful, you’ll have:  

• A degree with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent, combination of relevant knowledge, training and/or experience.  

• Experience in a fundraising environment.  

• Experience with Donor, Alumni, Student, Customer or similar client relationship management databases.  

• Experience in event management including preparation of high-end documentation to deliver events such as comprehensive event briefings, orders of proceedings, speaker request forms and critical paths.  

• Experience working in an environment which dictates high standards of project management.  

• Experience/proficiency in Excel (data handling) and InDesign (essential)   

• Experience working in higher education or in a larger complex organisation (preferred)  

Here's how to apply:  

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.  

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Rachel Weston, Manager Donor Relations on 03 9246 8010 or via email Rachel.weston@deakin.edu.au   

For a copy of the position description, please see below: 

 PD,Donor Relations Associate HEW 6.pdf.pdf

Applications for this position close at 5:00pm, Sunday 5 January 2025. 

Are You Ready? 

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.