Head of Planned Giving (Gifts in Wills & Lifetime Gifts)

North Melbourne, VIC

Full-time

About Lort Smith

Lort Smith Animal Hospital is Australia’s largest not‑for‑profit animal hospital, dedicated to keeping pets and their people together. Since 1936, we have provided compassionate, accessible care to more than 16,000 animals each year through veterinary services, rehoming programmes, and community support initiatives. We are committed to ensuring no pet is left behind, offering flexible payment options and emergency assistance to support people and their pets during times of need.

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and strategic Head of Planned Giving to lead and grow Lort Smith’s Gifts in Wills and Lifetime Gifts programme. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for building sustainable, short‑ and long‑term income that supports our mission for generations to come. You will drive strategy, deepen supporter relationships, and oversee thoughtful and respectful donor journeys centred on legacy giving.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

- Lead the development and growth of Lort Smith’s Planned Giving programme, driving both Gifts in Wills and lifetime giving opportunities.
- Develop strategic initiatives that position Lort Smith as a leader in planned giving and charitable gift planning.
- Identify growth opportunities, emerging trends and innovative approaches to strengthen programme performance and long‑term sustainability.
- Develop compelling cases for support and giving propositions aligned with organisational priorities.

Lifetime Giving

- Lead the growth of Lort Smith’s living gifts programme, creating opportunities for supporters to make significant philanthropic contributions during their lifetime.
- Build and manage a pipeline of prospective donors, with a focus on major and transformational gifts, while remaining respectful of all gifts.
- Develop tailored cultivation,



stewardship and recognition strategies that deepen supporter engagement and maximise giving opportunities.
- Work collaboratively across teams to integrate living gifts into broader fundraising priorities and campaigns.

Gifts in Wills

- Lead the strategic oversight and growth of the Gifts in Wills programme, ensuring strong acquisition, stewardship and estate administration practices.
- Develop engagement and stewardship programmes that inspire supporters to leave a lasting legacy while strengthening their connection to Lort Smith.
- Oversee programme performance, estate tracking, forecasting and reporting to support future revenue growth.
- Identify opportunities to deepen relationships with Gifts in Wills supporters through blended and lifetime giving opportunities.

Trusts, Estates and Professional Adviser Engagement

- Build and maintain strategic relationships with trustees, executors, legal professionals and financial advisers.
- Increase awareness of Lort Smith as a preferred charitable beneficiary within the professional adviser sector.
- Provide strategic oversight of estate, trust and planned giving opportunities, including complex and high‑value matters.

Leadership and Organisational Capability

- Provide leadership, guidance and expertise to support the delivery and growth of planned giving initiatives.
- Work collaboratively across fundraising, marketing and executive teams to embed planned giving opportunities within supporter journeys and campaigns.
- Build organisational understanding of planned giving and future‑focused fundraising practices.
- Represent Lort Smith at industry events, networks and stakeholder forums,



and provide updates and insights to senior leadership as required.

About You

You are a values‑driven Gifts in Wills, fundraising professional who combines strategic thinking with a can‑do attitude and innovative, growth‑oriented approach.

You will bring

- Significant senior‑level experience in planned giving, Gifts in Wills, philanthropy or strategic fundraising
- Strong strategic, analytical and commercial thinking capability
- Experience developing successful planned giving marketing and growth initiatives
- Ability to influence and build credibility with trustees, advisers, executives and sector peers
- Robust leadership experience with the ability to guide, mentor and develop high‑performing teams
- High level of professionalism, discretion and judgement in managing complex and sensitive matters

Our Values – Together, C.A.R.E.

At Lort Smith, we work as one team to deliver compassionate, inclusive care for animals and their people.

- Collaborating & Communicating: We work together as one team. We communicate openly with kindness and empathy.
- Accessible & Adaptable: We are inclusive, approachable and responsive.
- Responsible & Respectful: We act with integrity and professionalism.
- Ethical & Empathetic: We act ethically to achieve the best possible outcomes and to make socially responsible decisions.

Why Join Lort Smith?

- Be part of a purpose‑driven organisation that makes a positive difference in the lives of pets and people, every day
- Lead a programme that directly contributes to long‑term sustainability and impact
- Work in a supportive, values‑led environment
- Access to benefits, flexible work options and discounted veterinary care.

Benefits

- Flexible work options
- Discounted veterinary care for employees and their pets
- Supportive, values‑led organisational culture
- Opportunities to contribute to long‑term sustainability and impact

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📌 Head of Planned Giving (Gifts in Wills & Lifetime Gifts) (Melbourne)
🏢 @
📍 Melbourne