Major Gifts Specialist

Cancer Council NSW is Australia's leading cancer organisation and our vision is to change the path of cancer and make sure no one walks alone. We are dedicated to meaningful careers where you will not only change the lives and futures of people affected by cancer, but you will work in a multi-award awarding winning culturally connected environment.

About us

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support.

At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia's leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you'll know that each day the work you're doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.

Together, we will work towards our goal of a cancer free future, while at the same time encouraging you to get the most out of your life with a supportive environment anchored in flexibility, physical and mental wellbeing to bring out the best of what makes you uniquely you. CCNSW we're here for meaningful careers that feel good.

About the team

The Philanthropy Unit plays a vital role in developing major gifts from individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations and through events. The growth in revenue through major gifts builds on our strengths in fundraising to ensure future growth of CCNSW by broadening and strengthening philanthropic support.

About the role

The purpose of the role is to steward, retain, and acquire financial support with the Major Gifts Lead role. You will support the activities of the Major Gifts Lead, with the objective of engaging donors, deepening relationships, and cultivating supporters to higher level of giving.

Working closely with the wider Philanthropy team, this position plays an integral role in ensuring the organisation has the funding it needs to work towards a cancer free future.

Key responsibilities of the role

• Work closely with the Major Gift Lead and Philanthropy Team to support and implement the Major Gifts strategy to secure donations for funding priorities.
• Maintain and develop process and procedures around best practice stewardship, timely thanking of donors, via phone, email and written correspondence
• Manage and maintain all donor receipting
• Work closely with Major Gifts Lead to support the development of campaign plans, cases for support, donor consultations, proposals and correspondence.
• Develop and steward relationships with major donors and donor prospects, in line with the major donor strategy, focusing on pipeline growth.
• Work closely with the Major Donor Lead to embed prospect research and processes to support a donor centric approach to portfolio growth.
• Support the high value recognition program focused on best-in-class stewardship and exceptional customer service.
• Collaborate as a member of the Philanthropy team with other team members to achieve shared team goals

About you

You are a relationship-driven individual with a deep understanding of donor psychology, skilled at building connections and securing major gifts. You can craft compelling and pursuasive proposals and presentations that resonate with donors.

As a strategic thinker, you can deliver a persoanlised approach to portfoliio management, understanding each donors motivations, and ensuring every interaction is meaningful.

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in relevant discipline and/or demonstrate transferable skills in a similar or related role
• 3+ years experience in relationship fundraising
• A proven track record in a relationship fundraising role.
• Exceptional customer service focus with the ability to build relationships.
• A high level of attention to detail, with exceptional research, writing and analytical skills.
• Strong relationship, influencing, networking and communication skills and proven ability to develop productive, results-focused relationships.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively.
• A collaborative working style, with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• High level of competency with excel, word, PowerPoint and basic understanding of databases.

About the benefits

• Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year.
• Recognised for Voice Project's 2021 and 2023 "Best Workplace" Award as well as Xref "Best Workplace" in 2025.
• A balanced organisational approach to WFH and office
• Additional performance-based leave available.
• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation.
• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness

CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work. We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work. As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch with us at

Apply online by visiting our website directly, copying the following link then click on the role title and submit your cover letter and resume.

Applications Close: 14 November 2025