* Higher Education Officer Level 7 | $100,233 - $110,954 p.a.
* Location: Bedford Park
* View Position Description
About the Role
Join a team that makes a true impact. From increasing access to education and supporting student success to enabling ground-breaking research, our work changes lives! In this role, you will contribute significantly to the ongoing work of Flinders' Alumni and Advancement team during the development and activation of the Flinders HealthCARE Centre Project. The position will manage increased activity demands by delivering high quality donor engagement, stewardship and event coordination tailored to a growing donor base. You will design and implement personalised engagement pathways for mid-tier donors, establish scalable stewardship practices and build long-term donor relationships that strengthen the base of future major gift prospects. You will also contribute to the broader donor pipeline strategy by activating engagement opportunities aligned to university wide philanthropic priorities.
This is achieved by being accountable for:
* Fostering meaningful relationships with donors giving below the major‐gift threshold, with a focus on retention, satisfaction and long‐term engagement.
* Working collaboratively across the Advancement ecosystem, particularly with Advancement team members (for donor engagement strategy), Alumni Relations (for aligned engagement opportunities), and Alumni & Advancement Operations (for data, gift processing, and reporting support).
* Coordinating recognition and engagement touchpoints for donors to scholarships, prizes, annual giving programs, and other identified areas, ensuring donors feel informed, valued and connected to their impact.
* Supporting data‐informed decision‐making by maintaining accurate donor records, interaction notes and engagement data.
For a comprehensive list of Key Position Responsibilities, please view the Position Description
About You
You are the consummate fundraiser and know your way around appeals, events and the communications that go with them. Your interpersonal and relationship building skills ensure you engage confidently and warmly with donors, which is demonstrated with your previous experience in donor stewardship, client relationships, community engagement and events, or similar relationship focused roles. Ideally, you will be coming from the non‐profit or education sector, with a good understanding of philanthropic principles and donor management systems.
Key to your success will be:
* Well‐developed to high‐level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to guide the development of compelling donor communications.
* High‐level of organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver timely stewardship.
* Proven experience in event design and management.
* Your collaborative nature, which ensures your ability to work in a team environment and engage professionally with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Completion of a degree with subsequent relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education and/or training is desirable.
About the Office of Alumni and Advancement
The Alumni and Advancement team exists to foster enduring relationships with alumni, community members, donors, and stakeholders, thereby enhancing Flinders University's impact locally and globally. Through a whole‐of‐university approach, we champion a vibrant culture of philanthropy and engagement, securing vital financial support for students and pioneering research and adding value to our graduates' lives at every stage of life. In alignment with the University's overarching vision, the Alumni and Advancement team is dedicated to building a connected, supportive, and influential Flinders community.
Life at Flinders
We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.
Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.
So, why work at Flinders?
* 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
* Flexible working arrangements
* Our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders initiative
* Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers
* We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards
* Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia)
Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment
Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.
* Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
* Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy
Prescribed Conditions for Employment
* A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.
How to Apply and Information
* To apply online, please visit the Jobs@Flinders website via the job portal: JR0000016108 Donor Relations Partner
* You are required to submit a resume, along with a suitability statement of no more than 3 pages as a separate document, addressing the below Key Position Capabilities of the Position Description
* Well‐developed to high‐level interpersonal and relationship building skills, with an ability to engage confidently and warmly with donors.
* Demonstrated experience in donor stewardship, client relationships, community engagement and events, or equivalent relationship focused roles.
* Demonstrated experience in event design and management.
* Well‐developed to high‐level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to guide the development of compelling donor communications.
* High‐level of organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver timely stewardship.
* Experience in the non‐profit or higher education sectors. (Desirable)
* For more information regarding this position, please contact Heidi Warren
Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) Sunday 19 April 2026
Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.
At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
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