Legacy Giving Strategist

About Us :

The Australian Academy of Science is a national learned academy of distinguished scientists. For over 70 years, the Academy has championed science for the benefit of all.

We are a non-government not-for-profit organisation that convenes leading experts from various scientific fields to provide independent evidence-based advice and advocacy. Our goal is to inform government policy, aid decision-making across industry, guide public debate, support STEM education outcomes, and contribute to global science.

Our offices are located in Canberra, operating out of two iconic heritage-listed buildings: Shine Doe and Ian Potter House, situated in the city centre.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands on which our Fellows and employees live and work. We also recognize their elders, past and present.

Our Culture :

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust. We are independent, non-partisan, and ethical; act with integrity, honesty, and transparency; support diversity and inclusion; and respect sources of knowledge, such as those of First Nations people.

We offer a safe, flexible, and inclusive work environment and strive to create an environment that connects, respects, and values staff. We promote a culture that supports collaboration, initiative, and ingenuity, investing in staff to nurture and develop them as professionals.

About You :

We seek candidates with proven experience working in bequest and/or development environments, demonstrating a strong record of securing gifts. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in bequests, Wills/Estates, public relations, membership programs, fundraising, and/or marketing are essential.

Position Summary :

The Australian Academy of Science is seeking a Bequests and Planned Giving Lead to enhance and expand its bequest and development program. The role involves developing and implementing innovative philanthropic strategies to increase revenue in support of the Academy's mission and Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028.

This position will work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and the Chief Executive to achieve fundraising objectives and provide input to the Academy's fundraising strategy, focusing on bequests and planned giving through implementation, cultivation, and stewardship.

You will have the opportunity to build on philanthropic efforts and contribute to the Academy's legacy of national scientific excellence.

This fixed-term role offers a unique chance to drive meaningful impact and make a lasting difference in Australia's scientific landscape.

Key Requirements :

• Proven experience in bequest program management, with a track record of developing and implementing successful bequest, planned giving, and/or philanthropic programs.
• Excellent relationship management skills, enabling you to work sensitively with confirmed and prospective bequest donors, high net worth individuals, philanthropic donors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong numeracy and analytical abilities, with experience in prospecting and pipeline development to drive donor acquisition.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, allowing you to develop high-quality written materials and relate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Highly developed knowledge of CRM systems.
• Sound project and budget management capability, with the ability to analyse and report on results to achieve revenue and other KPIs, driving growth in fundraising streams.
• Highly organised, able to manage numerous projects simultaneously, and good attention to detail, while understanding the bigger picture.
• A commitment to workplace diversity, participation, WHS, and equity principles.

Job Responsibility :

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy:

1. Develop, refine, and deliver a strategic bequest acquisition program to drive ongoing growth in bequest revenue aligned to the Academy's strategic plan and philanthropy KPIs.
2. Interrogate existing donor data and giving history of donors to help grow the planned giving and 'living bequests' program.
3. Identify new opportunities to increase bequests and grow awareness of the bequest program options, such as planned giving, living bequests, online wills.
4. Proactively engage with the Academy's Council and Secretariat to identify and leverage relationships with Fellows and donors, aiming to grow the bequest prospect pool, ensuring a strong pipeline of bequests.
5. Develop and assist with bespoke proposals to suit donor capacity and areas of interest.
6. Increase the visibility of the Academy's philanthropy program to potential donors and stakeholders by collaborating with the Communications and Outreach teams to develop, clearly articulate, and promote the various options for bequests and planned giving.
7. Act as an ambassador at events and programs with internal and external stakeholders, strengthening the profile of bequests and planned giving.
8. Report on the effectiveness of activities, evaluate the success of programs, and undertake analysis of prospect acquisition and conversion success.
9. Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Academy Council, Secretariat, Fellowship, major donors, planned giving prospects, estate executors, legal philanthropic, and trustee organisations, and philanthropic and fundraising industry groups.
10. Develop and agree a bequest recognition program that honours bequest donors and demonstrates the Academy's commitment to honour all forms of giving.
11. Ensure impeccable governance and administration of all Estates and realised bequests, ensuring timely and appropriate distribution, liaising with estate executors, legal advisers, and finance teams, and ensuring compliance across relevant legislation, standards, and industrial instruments.
12. Manage budgets, forecast income and expenditure for bequests and planned giving activity, including projections for new activity to enable effective budget controls.

Benefits :

As a valued member of our team, you can expect a competitive salary package, including:

• A salary of approximately AU$120,000 - AU$150,000 per annum, depending on your level of experience and qualifications.
• Up to 17% superannuation guarantee.
• Salary packaging options.
• Flexible working hours.
• Paid Christmas closedown.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional development support.

Contact Information :