Bequests and Major Gifts Specialist

Bequests and Major Gifts Specialist – Lung Foundation

• Play a key role in transforming lung health outcomes across Australia.
• Be part of an award-winning, purpose-driven, and supportive team.
• National reach with offices in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne (hybrid work).

This is your chance to take the lead and have real autonomy in driving Lung Foundation Australia's bequests and major gifts program, shaping its direction and growth. You'll have the opportunity to make the role your own by building and nurturing lasting donor relationships and designing initiatives that create a meaningful legacy.

As a fantastic step-up role, it offers the chance to grow your career and deepen your fundraising expertise within a supportive, values-driven organisation making a real difference to the lives of Australians living with lung disease.

Impact of the organisation

Lung Foundation Australia is the leading national charity dedicated to improving lung health and supporting Australians living with lung disease and lung cancer. They are bold advocates for research, programs, and policy change, with a vision of healthy lungs for all. Named Non-Government Organisation of the Year (2020 & 2023) and recognised as one of the Best Places to Work, they are in an exciting period of growth and impact.

Impact you will have in the role

As Bequests and Major Gifts Specialist, you will have the autonomy to drive the growth of Lung Foundation Australia's bequest and major donor programs. Reporting to the General Manager of Development, you'll play a pivotal role in building meaningful, long-term relationships, designing and delivering inspiring stewardship initiatives, and cultivating new prospects while strengthening existing supporter connections to secure sustainable income for the future.

An exciting opportunity for someone looking to advance their career by developing their relationship fundraising skills while enjoying genuine autonomy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver fundraising targets by growing bequestors and major gift revenue, while monitoring and reporting on performance.
• Execute the bequest strategy with an annual activity plan, managing the pipeline from prospect to confirmed and providing personalised stewardship.
• Proactively manage and expand the major gift pipeline, develop campaigns, and build strong donor relationships supported by accurate recordkeeping.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to produce impactful, on-brand donor communications, campaigns, and collateral.
• Support operational management through budget planning, reporting, and ensuring high standards of supporter care.
• Contribute positively to team culture, work collaboratively across the organisation, and uphold Lung Foundation Australia's values and compliance obligations.

Skills and Experience:

You are a confident and empathetic relationship builder who thrives in donor engagement and stewardship. You bring a mix of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery, with the ability to inspire generosity.

• Tertiary qualifications in fundraising, communications, marketing, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in bequests, major gifts fundraising or similar within the not-for-profit sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills with emotional intelligence, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive conversations with care and respect.
• Proven experience managing donor pipelines and delivering high-quality stewardship programs.
• Strong planning, organisational, and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work both autonomously and collaboratively across teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and CRM systems (ideally Salesforce) with strong data management skills.
• A genuine interest in and commitment to the mission and work of Lung Foundation Australia.

Applications

Please apply by uploading your resume. 

Please direct all enquiries to Kristina Lesko at Impact Advising on

Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are a representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and cultural background. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in workforces.