Bequests and Planned Giving Lead

About Us :

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

We are a non-government not-for-profit organisation convening the country’s leading experts from broad scientific fields to provide independent evidence-based advice and advocacy that informs government policy, aids decision making across industry, guides public debate, supports STEM education outcomes and contributes to global science.

The Academy’s offices are located in Canberra in the ACT , operating out of two iconic heritage listed buildings, the Shine Doe and Ian Potter House in the centre of the city.

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

Our Culture

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust. The Academy is independent, non-partisan and ethical; acts with integrity, honesty, and transparency; supports diversity and inclusion and is respectful of 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 are seeking candidates with proven experience of working in a bequest and/or development environment with a strong record of securing gifts. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in bequests, Wills/Estates, public relations, membership programs, fundraising and/or marketing is 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.

The role 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 with a particular focus on bequests and planned giving through implementation, cultivation and stewardship.

As a key member of the philanthropy team, you will have the opportunity to build on philanthropic efforts and contribute to the Academy’s legacy of national scientific excellence.

The role is available on a 2-year fixed term contract. Applications for part-time and flexible work arrangements will be considered. The preferred location for the role is Canberra, however applications for remote working arrangements will be considered.

Key Requirements :

• Proven experience in bequest program management with track record of developing and implementing successful bequest, planned giving and/or philanthropic programs.
• Excellent relationship management skills working sensitively with a portfolio of confirmed and prospective bequest donors, high net worth individuals, philanthropic donors and/or other stakeholders.
• Strong numeracy and analytical ability with experience in prospecting and pipeline development to drive donor acquisition.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills in order 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 to grow revenue from these fundraising streams.
• Highly organised, able to manage numerous projects simultaneously and good attention to detail, while also understanding the bigger picture.
• A commitment to workplace diversity, workplace 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 with the objective of identifying and growing 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 working closely 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. Reporting on effectiveness of activities, evaluating the success of programs and undertaking analysis of prospect acquisition and conversion success.
9. Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Academy Council, Secretariat, Fellowship, major donors and 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 to ensure timely and appropriate distribution of liaising with estate executors, legal advisers and finance teams, 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.

Contact Details

Further information on the position is available from Kate Groves, Head of Philanthropy at hr@science.org.au

Applications

If this sounds like a great fit for you, please apply including:

• • Your Resume; and 
  • A statement of claims summarising how you believe your skills and experience would be a good fit for the role (max 2 pages please)

Please note the Video Interview is OPTIONAL and will not be used for shortlisting purposes

Applications close 5pm AEDT Monday 18 November 2024

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability. The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment. The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.

Job Functions :

Fundraising

Job Benefits :

The Academy strives to provide its staff with exceptional benefits and support. Staff benefits available to staff at the Academy include:

• Free parking in the city
• Up to 17% superannuation
• Salary packaging options
• Flexible working hours
• Paid Christmas closedown
• Employee assistance program
• Professional Development support

Selling Point :

Opportunity to contribute to the Academy’s legacy of national scientific excellence

Contact :

Shauna Mckay