• Based at our Melbourne, Burwood Campus or Geelong Waterfront campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and continuing
• HEW 6 $96,276 - $103971 + 17% Superannuation

As a Trusts & Foundations Associate you will:

• Support the management of major gift donor portfolios by conducting market research, identifying funding opportunities, and contributing to coordinated donor strategies across Deakin.
• Build strong relationships with academic and professional staff to develop compelling, high-quality funding applications that reflect Deakin’s community impact.
• Maintain accurate donor engagement data in the CRM and ensure alignment with Deakin’s philanthropic policies and strategic objectives.
• Represent Advancement at internal and external events, while demonstrating leadership through awareness of best practice and emerging trends in philanthropy.
• Apply analytical thinking and creative problem-solving to improve fundraising processes and outcomes, including across scholarships, awards, and other initiatives.

To be successful, as Trusts & Foundations Associate, you’ll have:

• Relevant qualifications and/or extensive experience in a technical, administrative, or philanthropic setting.
• A strong track record of achieving ambitious financial targets, ideally at the 6-figure level in a complex environment.
• Proven ability to develop compelling pitches, proposals, and funding applications for Trusts and Foundations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience leading purposeful, outcome-driven conversations.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience. For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Vanessa Meachen, Trust and Foundations Manager via vanessa.meachen@deakin.edu.au or by calling 0409 471 933 .

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 Associate, Trusts and Foundations.pdf

Applications for this position close at 11:55pm, Tuesday 15^th July 2025.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.