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.

The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program.

We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health.

The Kids Research Institute Australia jobs

Head of Development - Partnerships and Philanthropy