Major Gifts Associate

About QIMR Berghofer QIMR Berghofer is a world‑leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Brain and Mental Health, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non‑research staff.

About The Engagement And Advancement Department The Engagement and Advancement team plays a critical role in securing philanthropic investment to support the Institute’s research priorities. Working closely with researchers, clinicians and supporters, the team builds long‑term relationships that enable breakthrough medical discoveries to reach patients faster.

Role Purpose / Responsibilities Applications are invited for a Major Gifts Associate to support the growth of QIMR Berghofer’s major gifts program through donor acquisition, cultivation and stewardship. Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy Associate, this role works closely with researchers and internal stakeholders to identify philanthropic opportunities, prepare compelling proposals, and deliver exceptional donor experiences.

This role is responsible for securing Major Gifts within the QIMR Berghofer philanthropic program to maximise philanthropic revenue to support the Institute’s strategic objectives.

Identify, research and engage prospective major gift donors aligned to the Institute’s mission and research priorities, supporting targeted acquisition and cultivation strategies.

Build and manage strong donor relationships through coordinated engagement activities, including meetings, briefings, lab tours and events, in partnership with researchers and clinicians.

Prepare high‑quality cases for support, proposals, briefings and donor communications that clearly articulate the impact of philanthropic investment.

Deliver effective stewardship for major gift donors, including personalised acknowledgements, impact reporting and ongoing communications to support long‑term relationships and repeat giving.

About You You are a relationship‑driven fundraising professional with a passion for connecting people to meaningful causes. You bring relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience, along with proven success in major gifts, partnerships or relationship‑based fundraising.

You have strong experience across the full donor lifecycle, including acquisition, cultivation, stewardship and retention, and are confident managing donor relationships through structured moves management. You are an excellent communicator, with the ability to write compelling proposals, donor reports, and to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Highly organised and detail‑oriented, you are comfortable juggling multiple priorities while consistently delivering high‑quality work to deadlines. Experience in a medical research, research or higher education environment, along with familiarity using CRM systems (preferably RE NXT), will be highly regarded.

Please refer to the position description on the QIMR Berghofer Careers website for a full list of responsibilities and key selection criteria.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Remuneration Salary range is $122,262 to $130,923 per annum plus super and generous salary packaging. This is a full‑time, permanent appointment.

For further information Please contact Senior Philanthropy Associate, Natalie Shillitto via email Natalie.shillitto@qimrb.edu.au.

Closing Date Thursday, 12 March 2026

To submit an application Use the APPLY button. All applicants must supply the following documents: Resume and Cover letter addressing the selection criteria outlined in the Position Description.

What We Offer

Salary Packaging

State of the art facilities

Stimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical research

Supportive and collaborative team environment

Parental Leave provisions

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