About the role

Mater Foundation is seeking an experienced Senior Manager Philanthropy to grow major, leadership and transformational philanthropic support for some of Mater’s most important health, research and education priorities

You will build meaningful relationships with donors, families, and supporters, translate Mater’s strategic priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities, and connect people with the impact of Mater’s work. Working across a portfolio of established and prospective relationships, you will steward existing support while creating new opportunities for philanthropic investment.

This is a permanent, full-time position based at Newstead.

Salary: Commensurate with experience plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900  + access to many staff benefits!  

What you’ll be doing

As a senior philanthropy professional, you will help shape the future growth of Mater’s philanthropy program, strengthen portfolio performance and contribute to a collaborative culture of philanthropy across Mater Foundation and the wider Mater organisation.

You will take ownership of a strategically focused portfolio, developing tailored engagement and stewardship plans that recognise each donor’s interests, connection and story.

This role combines relationship leadership with strong portfolio discipline. You will build a sustainable pipeline, use data and insight to progress opportunities, maintain accurate forecasts and ensure every donor interaction reflects their intent and the high standards expected of Mater.

In addition to the above, you will:

Lead and nurture a portfolio of important donor relationships, creating thoughtful and tailored pathways for engagement, solicitation and stewardship.

Secure significant philanthropic support through values-aligned conversations and major, leadership and transformational gifts, including multi-year commitments.

Build a strong future pipeline by identifying, researching, qualifying and progressing prospective donors through supporter pathways, referrals, professional networks and community connections.

Create compelling opportunities for investment, including donor-centred proposals, cases for support, reports and personalised stewardship experiences.

Connect donors with Mater’s impact, working with clinicians, researchers, educators and leaders to bring complex priorities and opportunities to life.

Provide strategic portfolio leadership through disciplined relationship management, accurate reporting, revenue forecasting and clear next actions.

Enhance the supporter experience by applying donor insights to philanthropy planning, campaign development and ongoing improvement.

Collaborate across Mater Foundation, identifying opportunities across Major Gifts, Gifts in Wills, Trusts and Foundations, Corporate and Community Engagement, Marketing, Events and Supporter Services.

Represent Mater Foundation at donor meetings, stewardship activities, events and relevant community engagements.

Share your experience and expertise, contributing to a positive, accountable and collaborative Philanthropy team.

About you

You are an accomplished philanthropy, fundraising or relationship-management professional who understands how to build trust and sustain meaningful relationships over time.

You bring the confidence to lead complex and sensitive conversations, but you also know when to listen. You are thoughtful and highly organised, with the judgement to balance immediate revenue opportunities with the long-term value of donor relationships.

You will bring:

Extensive experience in major gift fundraising, business development, relationship management or a closely related field.

A demonstrated record of securing significant commitments and personally leading complex asks.

Experience building a qualified pipeline and managing a strategic portfolio.

Exceptional relationship-building, listening, questioning, influencing and negotiation skills.

The ability to create persuasive, donor-centred investment propositions and translate complex information into clear and compelling cases for support.

Strong commercial and analytical capability, including revenue forecasting, opportunity assessment and performance reporting.

The confidence and credibility to engage with donors, families, advisers, clinicians, researchers and senior executives.

Sound ethical judgement and a strong understanding of discretion, privacy, confidentiality, donor intent and responsible fundraising.

The ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and maintain accurate donor and opportunity records.

High-quality written, verbal, presentation and facilitation skills.

A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience is desirable.

Experience within healthcare, medical research, higher education or another complex, purpose-led environment will be highly regarded.

Experience using fundraising and customer relationship management systems is required, with experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 considered desirable.

Why join Mater Foundation?

At Mater Foundation, philanthropy helps make extraordinary things possible.

Mater Foundation conducts long-term fundraising programs that enable people to support health, education and research at Mater. Through this work, philanthropic support helps advance the prevention and treatment of disease and improve quality of life across the community.

This role offers a rare opportunity to work alongside donors who are passionate about making a difference and to connect them with meaningful opportunities across Mater’s health, research and education priorities.

You will join a team that values strong relationships, shared purpose, professional excellence and genuine collaboration. Your work will contribute not only to today’s philanthropic outcomes, but also to the enduring relationships and future opportunities that will support Mater’s Mission for years to come.

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit network of public and private hospitals and healthcare services, bringing together world-class expertise across healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research. With more than 14,000 employees, 13 facilities and almost 700,000 patients cared for each year, we're committed to empowering people to live better lives through improved health and wellbeing.

At Mater, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You'll join a values-driven organisation that combines compassionate care with innovation, education and research, creating meaningful career opportunities while making a genuine difference in the communities we serve.

What’s in it for you?

• Career growth opportunities across healthcare, corporate, research and leadership pathways
• Professional development and learning through Mater Education and internal development programs
• Generous salary packaging to help maximise your take-home pay
• Health and wellbeing support, including EAP, pastoral care and discounted private health insurance
• Fitness Passport access and a range of lifestyle, retail and travel discounts
• Discounted parking and reduced prices at Mater cafés and coffee outlets
• A supportive culture where your contributions are recognised and your development matters

Whether you're looking to grow your career, develop new skills or be part of something meaningful, Mater provides the opportunity to thrive while making a lasting impact.

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GetBetterWithMater

Applications close 18th October 2026 –please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW. Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre‑employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage.  

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.