Overview
Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) — Sydney. Posted on: 3 February 2026. Closing date: 2 March, 2026. Lead the campaign for Australia's top neuroscience medical research institute. Report to the CEO and join the Executive team. Executive role – competitive package, Randwick precinct, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney.
The Organisation
Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) has been at the forefront of neuroscience discovery for over 30 years, and is Australia's leading independent medical research institute focused on brain health: creating advances in dementia, mental health, chronic pain and falls prevention. NeuRA has world-class research facilities based at the Randwick precinct occupied by a community of 450: staff, honorary appointments, students and visitors.
Under its new research strategy, NeuRA Forward 2025–2030, NeuRA is entering a significant new phase of growth, with philanthropy playing a central role alongside grant and industry income. The Executive Director, Philanthropy & Fundraising will shape and lead NeuRA's first philanthropic campaign, including testing feasibility in the market and setting realistic ambitions for success.
Benefits & Culture
Join a purpose-led, intellectually rigorous organisation where world-class research translates into real-world impact for brain health.
Work in a collaborative, high-trust culture with direct access to the CEO, Board and leading researchers.
Competitive salary and benefits including on-site parking and 3 days additional leave.
The Role
Reporting to the CEO, Scientia Professor Matthew Kiernan AM, and as part of the senior leadership team, this is a newly created position driven by the recent creation of 'NeuRA Forward 2025-2030'. As the Executive Director, Philanthropy and Fundraising you will lead on the planning, development and implementation of a philanthropic campaign in line with the new research strategy, ensuring each of its three brain health missions are underpinned by principal gift and major philanthropy, complementing other revenue.
In this role you will have the presence to be regarded as NeuRA's greatest ambassador. You will work closely with the Fundraising Committee of the Board, CEO, research community and Philanthropy Manager to identify supporters of the campaign. Apart from leading the campaign, you will also manage a small portfolio of principal gift prospects and have responsibility for the whole Fundraising team working across all income streams: bequests, major gifts, trusts and foundations, individual giving, corporate and community.
Fundraising Leadership
* Set the overall fundraising and campaign strategy, including timelines, phasing and targets
* Lead delivery of the strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders
* Build, mentor and lead a high-performing philanthropy team, modelling best practice
* Identify and develop scalable fundraising initiatives, including community-based opportunities
In relation to the 'NeuRA Forward 2025-2030' campaign you will:
* Lead the campaign feasibility study and finalise a compelling case for support
* Explore collaboration with UNSW Development to raise philanthropic funds
* Design and execute principal and major gift strategies aligned to NeuRA's brain health missions
* Secure principal gifts from individuals, trusts and foundations
* Work closely with researchers and your team to develop high-quality, fundable proposals
* Coach and choreograph engagement between NeuRA leadership and key prospects
Skills Required
You bring extensive experience leading a philanthropic campaign within a tertiary, charitable or comparable mission-driven environment, alongside a strong track record of senior leadership and team management. Experience within a research-intensive environment would be advantageous.
You are a confident and credible partner to Boards, CEOs, researchers and senior executives, with the presence and judgement to influence complex stakeholder groups and inspire major philanthropic investment.
You Will Also Bring
* Deep understanding of best-practice ethical philanthropy, including feasibility studies and cases for support
* Proven ability to articulate organisational mission and research impact in ways that inspire commitment
* Experience designing and delivering successful fundraising campaigns and portfolios of philanthropic products
* Capability in working with volunteer fundraising committees and governance bodies
* Strong knowledge of Australian philanthropy, with exposure to Asia Pacific markets advantageous
* Expertise in prospect research, pipeline development and moves management
* Outstanding leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and inclusive style
* Strong organisational and analytical capability, using data and metrics to drive performance
If you are a senior fundraising and philanthropy director with demonstrated success securing large gifts and motivated by the mission of NeuRA, please apply by submitting your cover letter responding to the skills required above, along with your resume to cv@ngorecruitment.com quoting ref 1415536. For further information or for a confidential discussion, contact Judith Marks, Executive Consultant on 02 8243 0570.
To request a full information package please email: officeadministrator@ngorecruitment.com (no applications here please).
Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.
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