Gifts in Wills Manager - The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

Build lasting relationships that create a legacy of life-changing medical research.

Impact of the organisation

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is one of Australia's premier medical research institutes, bringing together more than 400 researchers who are tackling some of the world's most significant health challenges.

Working across cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, neuroscience, genomics and regenerative medicine, WIMR translates groundbreaking scientific discoveries into better treatments, improved healthcare and longer, healthier lives.

Located within the internationally recognised Westmead Health Precinct, WIMR collaborates with leading hospitals, universities and industry partners to accelerate research from the laboratory to the bedside.

Philanthropic support plays a vital role in making this work possible. Every gift helps researchers pursue discoveries that would otherwise not be possible, creating better health outcomes for people across Australia and around the world.

The Impact you will have in this role

In this role you will lead and grow WIMR's established Gifts in Wills program, building meaningful relationships with supporters who want to leave a lasting legacy through medical research.

This is a highly relationship-focused fundraising role where you'll spend time meeting with supporters, hosting events, facilitating behind-the-scenes research tours and helping donors connect personally with the extraordinary impact their future gift can make. You'll guide supporters through thoughtful legacy conversations with warmth, empathy and professionalism, creating personalised stewardship experiences that foster long-term engagement.

Building on an already successful program, you will develop and implement strategies to grow the bequest pipeline, strengthen supporter engagement and increase future legacy income. Working closely with researchers, senior leaders and the wider Development & Engagement team, you'll bring the stories of WIMR's world-leading research to life and demonstrate the transformational impact of philanthropic investment.

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who genuinely enjoys building authentic relationships, proactively engaging with the local community and helping supporters create a legacy that will improve the lives of future generations.

Whether your experience comes from Gifts in Wills, major gifts, philanthropy, fundraising or another relationship-based environment, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference through one of the most meaningful forms of giving.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ongoing development and growth of WIMR's Gifts in Wills program, delivering strategies that strengthen long-term philanthropic support.
• Build, manage and steward a portfolio of confirmed and prospective bequest supporters through personalised engagement and relationship management.
• Develop compelling legacy giving communications, campaigns and donor journeys that inspire supporters to leave a gift in their Will.
• Proactively identify, cultivate and engage new Gifts in Wills prospects through community engagement, events, referrals and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and execute initiatives that increase enquiries, conversions and long-term pipeline growth.
• Coordinate supporter meetings, research tours, events and engagement opportunities that deepen donor connection to WIMR's mission.
• Work collaboratively with researchers, senior leaders and internal stakeholders to showcase the impact of philanthropy through powerful storytelling.
• Develop stewardship plans that recognise and celebrate legacy supporters while encouraging ongoing engagement.
• Maintain accurate donor records, pipeline reporting and forecasting using CRM systems.
• Ensure all Gifts in Wills activities are managed with sensitivity, professionalism and in accordance with fundraising best practice and relevant legislation.
• Contribute to the broader Development & Engagement strategy and support cross-functional fundraising initiatives.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in relationship fundraising, philanthropy, major gifts, gifts in wills, donor relations or another relationship-development focused environment.
• Proven ability to build trusted, long-term relationships with donors, clients or stakeholders.
• A background in proactively generating new opportunities, building pipelines and growing relationships that lead to long-term outcomes.
• A natural networker who enjoys being out in the community, attending events and representing an organisation with authenticity and enthusiasm.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the confidence to identify opportunities and take initiative to grow a program.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage people through authentic conversations and compelling storytelling.
• Experience developing donor communications, stewardship materials or other supporter/client/partner engagement content.
• High level of organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Experience using CRM systems to manage relationships, pipeline activity and reporting.
• A collaborative, proactive and relationship-focused approach with excellent planning and stakeholder management skills.
• A current driver's licence and willingness to travel locally to meet supporters and attend events.
• A genuine passion for making a difference through philanthropy, with an interest in medical research, healthcare or a similarly purpose-driven cause.

Applications

Please apply by uploading your resume. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with conversations progressing with suitable candidates throughout the recruitment process. Interviews may commence prior to the closing date, so we encourage early applications.

Please direct all enquiries to Nadia Pachon at Impact Advising on nadia@impactadvising.com.au using the subject line: Gifts in Wills Manager - The Westmead Institute for Medical Research enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds, including people with lived or living experience of refugee backgrounds. We value a range of experiences, perspectives and career pathways. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in the workforce.