Philanthropy Officer – Legacy
Murdoch University
Murdoch, WA
Posted on: 27 January 2026
Closing date: 11 February, 2026
About The Team
Following a momentous year celebrating our 50th Anniversary and receiving a $100mil gift – the largest gift for a WA university to receive, the Murdoch University Alumni and Philanthropy team are continuing to shape the next 50 years.
You’ll be part of a dynamic and dedicated group managing various philanthropic initiatives, including major gifts, bequests, annual giving, capital campaigns, and research support. We’re committed to enhancing alumni engagement by expanding networks and using innovative communication, events, and programs.
Join us in creating a lasting impact as we chart a new course in Alumni and Philanthropy!
Your New Role!
Working alongside the Senior Philanthropy Manager, the incumbent will develop and implement a sophisticated, high-value bequest program aligned with the University’s strategic plan and philanthropic objectives.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Develop and deliver a best-practice bequest program, including portfolio management, prospect identification, stewardship, communications, and alignment with major gift opportunities
- Build and convert bequest relationships through targeted research, personalised engagement, and face-to-face activity to achieve KPIs and philanthropic targets.
- Support estate administration with Governance and Legal, maintain accurate CRM reporting, and actively contribute to team culture, planning, and broader initiatives. Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further details.
https://www.murdoch.edu.au/careers-docs/pd/Candidate_Pack_PhilanthropyOfficer_Jan2026.pdf
What We Offer You!
This Continuous | Part time (22.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $99,697.00– $109,844.00 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.
You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.
As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:
- Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026
- Flexible work arrangements
- Cultural Load and allowance – providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
- Indigenous Language Allowance
- Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
- Employee Assistance Program
- On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic
For further information, check out our benefits and services page!
https://www.murdoch.edu.au/explore/work-at-murdoch/benefits-services
Join Us!
Please APPLY ONLINE HERE via Murdoch Careers, along with submitting the following documents to support your application –https://murdoch.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/MurdochCareers/job/Perth-WA/Philanthropy-Officer—Legacy_JR104748
- A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
- Your most recent resume (CV)
What You’ll Bring to the Role:
- Relevant undergraduate qualification with 3–5 years’ experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, or a related role (higher education experience preferred).
- Demonstrated experience coordinating and managing bequest programs or similar fundraising initiatives, with knowledge of best-practice fundraising, tax, privacy, and CASE guidelines.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive writing, storytelling, presentations, and stakeholder engagement at all levels.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal partners, alumni, donors, volunteers, and the wider community.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail; service-oriented, solutions-focused, outcome-driven, and able to work autonomously while contributing positively to team culture.
Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check in accordance with the University’s Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.
Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.
Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.
Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.
Contact Us
For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Brooke Webb, Senior Philanthropy Manager, Brooke.Webb@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR104748 as the reference.
Applications Close on 11 February 2026 (11:59pm AWST)
The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.
Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.
