Our vision is simple: HAPPY HEALTHY KIDS.
The Kids Research Institute Australia is
one of the largest and most successful medical research institutes in
Australia. We are dedicated to improving the health and lives of children
everywhere through groundbreaking research. Our new Research Reimagined
2025–35 Strategic Plan will amplify our impact over the next decade,
ensuring our discoveries make a real difference to children and their families
both in our community, and around the world.
The
Opportunity
At The Kids Research Institute
Australia, our Development team plays a vital role in connecting our community
with our research. We collaborate with a diverse community of
philanthropic partners – including individuals, families, foundations,
corporates, community groups or schools – to foster their connection to the
Institute and keep them engaged in our research.
Our
Head of Development position is a key leadership role in driving our
philanthropic vision. Responsible for building a sustainable and engaged donor
community, this role leads the design and delivery of innovative, data-driven
fundraising strategies that fuel life-changing research and impact for children
and families.
The
Head of Development sets the agenda for major giving, bequests, campaigns, and
new revenue streams. By inspiring trust and investment, this role ensures the
Institute’s bold research agenda is matched by equally bold philanthropic
support.
In this role, you will:
- Partner with our leadership team to shape and deliver a clear philanthropic vision aligned with our mission and strategy.
- Position the Institute as a trusted partner for philanthropy by strengthening relationships across community, corporate, government, and foundation sectors, leveraging both in-person and digital engagement.
- Build a diversified fundraising strategy that balances immediate revenue with long-term donor pipeline growth, using data insights and CRM tools.
- Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts, planned giving, and high-impact campaigns.
- Design and implement new initiatives that expand philanthropic income, including digital campaigns, list growth strategies, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
Conveniently based in our modern offices within Perth
Children’s Hospital, this full-time role will be offered on an ongoing basis.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will hold a relevant tertiary
qualification within marketing, public relations, or communications. You will
also possess the following skills and experience:
- A proven history in delivering major philanthropic revenue, ideally in a complex organisation or research/health setting.
- Expertise in modern fundraising technologies, including CRM systems, donor analytics, and digital campaign management.
- Strong networks across philanthropic, corporate, and community sectors, with the ability to open doors and build influence.
- Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
- Proven success in leading teams, driving results, and inspiring a culture of ambition, collaboration, and care.
At The Kids Research Institute
Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects
the communities we serve. We actively recruit support and welcome applications
from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability,
culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of
all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable
adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring
everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you meet many, but not all, of
the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to
mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your
journey.
Our commitment to diversity and
inclusion is reflected in how we:
- Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
- Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
- Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
- Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
- Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
- We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.
Alongside our inclusive culture,
you’ll enjoy:
- Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
- Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
- Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
- Flexible and hybrid working options.
- Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
- Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
- Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.
How to
apply
If this role feels like the right fit and an
exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our
Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.
Please include a cover letter (no more than 2
pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the
“About You” section.
Applications will only be accepted through our career
portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require
reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contactrecruitment@thekids.org.au.
Click here for the Job Description
Contact Name: Recruitment Team
Contact Email: recruitment@thekids.org.au
Closing Date: 26/10/2025 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.
