About the Role Reports to the Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager and supports the Philanthropy team as the Philanthropy and Partnerships Coordinator. Responsible for nurturing current relationships and supporting acquisition activities for major philanthropic and corporate gifts.

Employment Type

Permanent full‑time Benefits - Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accommodation

- Ample opportunities for ongoing training and development
- Stimulating, diverse, highly international research environment
- Flexible work arrangements
- 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents (incl. superannuation)
- A range of additional leave types (cultural, conference, community service, study)
- Discounted health insurance and lifestyle discounts with community partners Key Responsibilities - Relationship Management - Proactively engage and nurture relationships with current and prospective philanthropic and corporate partners to inspire major and transformational gifts.
- Deliver meaningful partner and donor stewardship through personalized communications, acknowledgements and recognition activities.
- Coordinate partner and donor engagement activities, including events, tours, and meetings with researchers.
- Proactively identify, propose and execute new engagement opportunities.
- Support creation of high‑quality grant applications, partnership agreements, contracts, pitch presentations and tailored proposals.
- Partnership Program - Manage agreement renewals and track milestones within partner engagement plans.
- Coordinate development of partnership‑related content across digital platforms and print channels.
- Ensure best‑practice donor journeys for corporate partners and workplace giving organizations.
- Support strategies to grow in‑kind support and pro‑bono services, promote workplace giving and community fundraising initiatives.
- Monitor, analyse and prepare budget reports.
- Events and Tours - Plan and deliver high‑end, tailored corporate partner events.




- Coordinate logistics and stakeholder involvement to create high‑impact engagement opportunities.
- Represent Garvan at partner and donor meetings and events as required.
- Arrange research tours and lead engagement activities to connect donors with Garvan’s research.
- Assist in event preparation, guestlist management, RSVPs and day‑of support.
- Data & Administration - Maintain up‑to‑date records in Raiser’s Edge including communications, actions, attachments, supporter information.
- Extract donor data for communications, events and KPI tracking.
- Coordinate with other teams to ensure effective philanthropy and partnership processes.
- Collaborate with the Supporter Services Team and Finance team for accurate fund allocation and financial tasks.
- Utilize AI tools to streamline workflows and increase team efficiency.
- Advocate the impact of philanthropy within Garvan through stories and internal communication.

Qualifications - Tertiary qualifications in fundraising, business, marketing, communications or science and/or 2–5 years of related experience.

- Proven self‑starter who takes ownership and drives solutions.
- Experience building and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to lead projects, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Self‑motivated, proactive, creative problem‑solving.
- Practical experience planning, coordinating and executing high‑level events.
- Excellent attention to detail in data management, financial reporting and communications.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively.
- Proficient in AI tools, Microsoft Office Suite and donor CRM platforms (Raiser’s Edge).
- Deep understanding of and genuine commitment to the not‑for‑profit and medical research sectors.

Equal Employment Opportunity Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply.

📌 Philanthropy and Partnerships Coordinator (City of Sydney)
🏢 The Garvan Institute of Medical Research
📍 City of Sydney