Philanthropy Support Assistant

Job Description

• Entry-level gift processing position
• Data entry experience or knowledge of fundraising software a plus
• Develop your skills in philanthropy and fundraising with a dynamic, energetic and supportive team

An excellent opportunity is available for a Philanthropy Support Assistant to join the Fundraising and Philanthropy department at WEHI.

About the position

The Philanthropy Support Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the efficient operations of the Fundraising and Philanthropy (F&P) department. Working in collaboration with the Database Specialist and Philanthropy Services Officer, this position’s primary responsibilities include:  1) processing donations, generating acknowledgement and receipt letters, updating constituent records and general maintenance of the donor database (Raiser’s Edge); and 2) providing general administrative support for the F&P department, including responding to donor phone calls and emails, ordering supplies, and assisting with purchasing and invoices as required for the various fundraising programs.

About WEHI

Established in 1915, WEHI (the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) is Australia’s oldest medical research organization, with a strong national and international reputation for basic and translational research. The Institute’s main laboratories are located in Melbourne’s Parkville precinct, a vibrant and collaborative life science research, education and healthcare hub.

With more than 1,100 staff and students, WEHI is committed to addressing some of the major health challenges of our time. The Institute is organized around five themes; Cancer Research and Treatments; Infection, Inflammation and Immunity; Healthy Development and Ageing; New Medicines and Advanced Technologies and Computational Biology.

Selection Criteria

Knowledge and skills

• Experience with gift processing using Raiser’s Edge (or similar donor management database) highly desirable
• Excellent customer/donor service, preferably in a fundraising office
• Experience using Microsoft Office software, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Written communication skills, able to draft correspondence and procedure documents
• Organisational abilities, able to prioritise work and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and build positive relationships with a wide range of people
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and practice preferred

Personal qualities

• Attention to detail – focus on accuracy, and ensuring a high quality of work
• Positive and energetic, ‘can do’ approach to work, and strong work ethic
• Initiative and good judgement – to manage confidential and sensitive information/issues
• Interpersonal communications skills – able to liaise with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Flexibility to take on new tasks, and interest in continuous improvement

If you want a rewarding career that makes a difference and feel you meet the above key criteria’s but not all, we still want to hear from you!

Terms of appointment

To ensure ongoing and consistent support for the F&P department, the Philanthropy Support Assistant is a full-time role, working five days per week during regular office hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

This position is an ongoing role in a full-time capacity.  Salary is Professional Services Employee Level 4 ($68,078 – $72,254)   Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to Eleanor Hing Fay at [email protected]