Philanthropic Project Manager

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You'll find we're about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you'll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

The Biomedical Research and Health Sciences fundraising team within the Advancement Office exists to generate philanthropic funding to support those areas of the Griffith University. The Philanthropic Project Manager – Biomedical Research and Health Science is responsible, under broad direction, for providing high level operational and project management support to the Head, Development (Health Sciences and Medical Research) and across the Biomedical Research and Health Science portfolio.  This role involves a combination of administrative and internally focussed support as well as external engagements with donors and potential donors, particularly those making leadership ($100k+) and principal ($1m+) gifts The contributions of this position will be crucial in fostering relationships, managing projects, and contributing to the growth and success of portfolio specific programs across a dynamic and multi-faceted portfolio. 

As a Philanthropic Project Manager, you will work in close partnership with the Head, Development (Health Sciences and Medical Research) to plan, execute, and evaluate fundraising approaches and plans for significant donors in the Biomedical Research and Health Science portfolio. The main focus will be on supporting gifts above $100k, with some independent work on gifts over $25k. 

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Assist in preparing and submitting funding proposals for major gifts.
• Support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and special events (including occasional after-hours work).
• Maintain relationships with donors and prospects through regular communication and stewardship activities.
• Draft and manage donor communications, including impact reports and research updates, in collaboration with the Donor Relations Team.
• Respond to donor and stakeholder enquiries professionally and promptly.
• Develop and manage timelines, task lists, and status reports for philanthropic projects.
• Ensure accurate and current CRM records, including pipeline and activity tracking.
• Build strong relationships across Advancement to identify and communicate impactful research initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to highlight the value of the Biomedical Research and Health Science portfolio.
• Assist senior colleagues with meeting briefs and donor communications related to fundraising projects.
• Assume other responsibilities, commensurate with the expectations of a role at this level, which contribute to the overall objectives of the Advancement portfolio.

About you

The successful candidate will hold relevant tertiary qualifications in business; administration; marketing and communications; or biomedical or health sciences with at least four years' relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience. 

You will also have:

• Experience preparing funding proposals and grant applications for major gifts.
• Ability to coordinate fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and events, including occasional out-of-hours work.
• Strong relationship management skills with donors and prospects.
• Skilled in preparing donor communications, impact reports, and research updates.
• Professional and timely handling of donor and stakeholder enquiries.
• Proven project management skills, including timeline and task tracking.
• Proficient in CRM systems and maintaining accurate donor records.
• Collaborative approach to identifying and communicating philanthropic impact.
• Ability to promote research initiatives within Biomedical and Health Sciences.
• Experience supporting senior staff with meeting briefs and donor communications.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term (parental leave backfill until October 2026), full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan), with a preference for the appointee to be based at the Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University's campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range

The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 7 is in the range $101,068 - $109,496 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $118,249 - $128,110 per annum.

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements and leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply

At Griffith, we're committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you're from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Allan McLardy, Associate Director, Development at [email protected]

For application support, please contact People Services on and quote reference number REF8301P.

Closing date:  Sunday, 28 September 2025 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.