Major Gifts Manager

ABOUT THE COMPANY
This is an opportunity to join an established NSW not-for-profit organisation, supporting people and communities experiencing disadvantage across the state.

The organisation has a well-established fundraising function, a long-term fundraising strategy and a genuine appetite to invest in major gifts. Culture and staff development are important here, with a collaborative team and strong support for fundraising at CEO and executive level.

ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a Major Gifts Manager position with a lot of opportunity.
You will take ownership of a portfolio of over 100 donors, understand what motivates them, build genuine relationships and develop a clear pathway from cultivation through to significant asks and multi-year pledges.

It is not a role where you will simply inherit a mature portfolio and maintain it. You will have the chance to build the function, shape the strategy and see the impact of your work. You will also manage and mentor a Coordinator.

You will have exposure to major strategic fundraising campaigns and senior stakeholder engagement, working alongside the CEO, senior leadership and external fundraising specialists.

DUTIES

- Own and implement the major gifts strategy
- Manage and develop a portfolio of over 100 donors
- Build genuine relationships with high-net-worth individuals
- Develop clear cultivation and moves management plans
- Identify opportunities for 6 and 7 figure asks and multi-year pledges
- Use wealth screening and donor insights to identify current opportunities
- Develop mid-value donors with the potential to move into major gifts
- Work closely with other fundraising teams to develop opportunities
- Mentor and develop the Coordinator
- Partner with the CEO and senior leaders on key donor relationships and asks
- Support the ongoing development of fundraising strategy
- Track pipeline activity, donor engagement and revenue growth





SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

- Strong experience across major gifts or senior philanthropy
- Proven experience managing high-value donor relationships
- Confidence making significant direct asks
- Experience developing and managing a donor pipeline
- Strong understanding of cultivation, stewardship and moves management
- Previous leadership or mentoring experience
- Strategic mindset with the willingness to remain hands-on
- Comfortable working with senior executives and high-net-worth donors
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills

BENEFITS

- $140k–$150k + super
- Salary packaging available
- Hybrid working model
- Genuine ownership of the major gifts function
- Strong support from the CEO and senior leadership
- Chance to develop a donor portfolio with significant growth potential
- Supportive fundraising team with a strong focus on development and culture

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS
At Lotus People, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and will ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process.

Every application we receive is reviewed by a real person, never by AI. If your experience aligns with the requirements of the role, a consultant will be in touch within 2–3 business days for an initial phone screen. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to a virtual interview with the consultant managing the role.

Due to the volume of applications and the specific nature of our briefs, we are unable to take phone enquiries about roles before an application is submitted. We ask that all interested candidates please apply online and wait to hear from us. Rest assured, we respond to every applicant, regardless of the outcome, so you will not be left wondering.

Lotus People are proud to have been awarded Best Agency for Candidate Experience for five consecutive years. We look forward to providing you with a positive and respectful experience.

📌 Major Gifts Manager (Sydney)
🏢 Lotus People
📍 Sydney