Philanthropy Team Coordinator

Garvan Research Foundation’s income has grown from a fundraising base of $110,000 in its first year to more than $47 million in 2026 – approximately half of the Institute’s total income. The remarkable success of the Foundation’s activities is having a catalytic impact on our researchers’ ability to make scientific contributions that will lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatments and ultimately prevention or cure of the diseases that have the deepest impact on our community.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Philanthropy Team is focused on the retention, stewardship and acquisition of ‘Major Gift’ donors (generous individuals, families, and trusts and foundations), corporate partners and community event fundraisers. The Philanthropy Team Coordinator role is a vital position within the Garvan Research Foundation providing specialist administrative support to the Philanthropy Team. This role will suit a talented administrative professional who is interested in a diverse role with the opportunity to develop skills and experience in the Philanthropy and Medical Research Sector.
Salary: $70,000 + 11.5% super + salary packaging
Employment Type: Permanent full time opportunity
SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS
Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,+00 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
Discounted Health Insurance
Lifestyle discounts with our community partners
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Database administration and information sharing:
Maintenance of detailed and accurate donor records in the CRM database (Raiser’s Edge experience preferred but not essential) and on the server;
Updating philanthropy files on the server as required, including templates, media articles, administrative documentation;
Donor support:
Provide exceptional relationship management and customer service to a portfolio of individual donors, and trusts and foundations
Manage the review of major donors’ distribution lists such as for the delivery of appeals, Garvan’s ‘Breakthrough’ magazine and the Annual Report mailing;
Contribute to the delivery of a defined schedule of donor, corporate and community-fundraising events, including but not limited to:
Preparation of guestlists and management of event RSVPs
Facilitation of guest research prior to the event;
Provide exemplary and specialised donor care/customer service expertise to the overall Foundation, including but not limited to:
Respond to ad-hoc requests for assistance from the Foundation Director and Foundation Executive Management Committee
Monitor and manage stock of major donor-related collateral; e,g. folders, Annual Report, information flyers, invitations, thank you cards, etc.
Raising invoices and purchase requisitions for the Philanthropy Team
Provide administrative and day-to-day support to the Philanthropy team for high-value donor engagement requirements such as:
Provide meeting and tour support
Other ad-hoc duties as required by the Philanthropy team
ABOUT YOU
At least 2-3 years of administrative experience desired
Experience or work experience in a fundraising or not-for-profit environment a bonus but not a requirement
Excellent database skills (Raiser’s Edge experience desired but not essential);
Can work effectively and independently with minimum supervision;
Demonstrates good judgement in decision making and high level of professionalism;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills (able to engage with internal/external stakeholders and high net worth individuals);
Excellent relationship-building skills;
Demonstrates consistent ability to perform to expectations and to manage time effectively;
Able to be flexible with time and prioritise urgent tasks accordingly;
Very high level of computer skills (MS Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and Zoom);
A flexible thinker, can modify their position depending on the circumstances;
High level of accuracy and attention to detail
ABOUT GARVAN
Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.
Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.
We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.
Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.