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. We will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous as we strive to achieve our vision to transform lives and add to human knowledge and understanding in a way that creates a future that benefits all.

The Advancement portfolio exists to actively seek philanthropic support from individuals, charitable trusts and foundations, and corporations, as well as to maintain relationships with alumni and support the overall goals of the University. Within Advancement the fundraising team engages with individuals, organisations and community groups who want to support Griffith's educational programs and research. Griffith University’s success depends not only on the future generosity of governments and industry partners, but on philanthropic support.

This role is pivotal in growing philanthropic funds secured for our Brighter Futures Campaign for the Health Group and Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG). The Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics and the Heath Group are home to projects supported already by many of Griffith’s most generous donors. This includes the quest for vaccines for a range of infectious diseases, progress towards human clinical trials to repair spinal cord injury, and extensive work on understanding chronic fatigue. The impact on projects supported by this work will be significant and will have make a tangible difference to individuals and society.

The Senior Development Manager (Health Sciences/Biomedical Research) will be expected to manage a portfolio of very significant donors (all six and seven figure gifts) and will be measured by annual KPIs.  As an ambitious and relationship focussed Senior Development Manager, you will support and provide the senior members of the Health Group Executive and IBG Director with strategic advice and leadership on the design and implementation of fundraising strategies that support key priorities aligned with the University's Strategic Plan.

The role is part of the fundraising leadership team, alongside the Associate Director, Advancement and Director of Development. This leadership team focuses on principal gifts ($1m+) and the development of fundraising strategy and the fundraising teams.

Within the fundraising team, leading and overseeing Advancement’s specialist health sciences and biomedical research fundraisers (two people), you will play to Griffith strengths and ensure that synergies across the groups and greater donor-centricity in aligning to donor needs is realised. Building and maintaining key relationships with a wide range of VIP prospects and donors, locally, regionally and internationally will be integral to your success in this role.

You and your team will work alongside the University fundraising team and will work in an integrated way to maximise funds raised for the University, regardless of area of intended support.

About you
The successful candidate will preferably hold relevant tertiary qualifications and/or will have extensive experience in fundraising in the health and medical fields within the tertiary education sector.

You will also have:

• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or grant management within the health sciences, medical research, or non-profit sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in securing major gifts, grants, and philanthropic funding from government agencies, corporations, and foundations.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising strategies, including capital campaigns, endowments, donor relations, and planned giving.
• Expertise in grant writing, proposal development, and budgeting.
• Strong leadership and ability to mentor junior development staff; experience of working to KPIs.
• Experience in developing and executing strategic plans for fundraising and donor engagement.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to engage with senior executives, researchers, (B2B), donors, and government agencies (B2C).
• Familiarity with medical research funding cycles, clinical trials, and healthcare innovation.
• Passion for health sciences, medical research, and philanthropy.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

What we can offer
This is a continuing, full-time position primarily based at Griffith University 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 9 is in the range $129,419 - $134,047 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $151,421 - $156,835 per annum.

Why join 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 including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• 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 for the duration of this appointment.  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 Ms Nathalie Trott, Director, Development at n.trott@griffith.edu.au 

For application support, please contact People Services on (07) 373 54011 and quote REF7218G.

Closing date:  Sunday, 30 March 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.