Philanthropic Grants Specialist Position description Position title: Philanthropic Grants Specialist Division/Department: Fundraising Position reference: WEHI/TWJT Classification: HEW Work location: Parkville Employment type: F/T Remuneration range: based on experience Further information: Jane Turner - turner@wehi.edu.au Position reports to: Philanthropic Grants Manager Positions reporting to this one: Nil Closing date: We will be reviewing applications as we receive them. This role will remain open until filled. Position overview As a key member of a dynamic and highly skilled Fundraising Team, the incumbent will research, prepare, write and administer funding applications to philanthropic trusts, foundations and private ancillary funds nationally, and internationally. This role reports to the Philanthropic Grants Manager and works collaboratively with institute scientists to present research projects to donors for potential funding. As a member of the Fundraising Team you will work in a fast paced and exciting environment to contribute to the institute s strategic plan objective to, build support and secure resources for medical research. This role requires strong writing skills with a flair for communicating complex science in clear plain English. It also requires a strategic and innovative thinker who can focus on growth and success to achieve targets. The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills including the ability to form genuine relationships with both representatives from trusts and foundations and internal stakeholders. The incumbent would enjoy taking a lead on preparing major funding applications, grant management of existing clients and would work independently, and as part of a creative and supportive team. You are looking to grow a career as a senior grants specialist in philanthropy in medical research. Organisational environment The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research The institute, established in 1915, currently houses 15 research divisions, containing around 84 laboratories and around 1,000 staff and students, with an annual budget of approximately $110 + million (AUD). The institute s research focuses on cancer (breast, cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer), infectious disease (malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis) and chronic inflammatory and immune diseases (coeliac disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis) and continues a strong tradition of collaboration and interdisciplinary programs. The institute has a strong national and international reputation for performing highly influential research and for translation that leads to long term improvements in disease, diagnosis and treatment. The institute s main laboratories are located within the Parkville precinct, a vibrant hub for life science research, education and healthcare provision. In addition, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Biotechnology Page 1 of 5
Centre is located 30 minutes from Parkville at La Trobe University s R&D Park in Bundoora. The Biotechnology Centre features facilities for high-throughput chemical screening, medicinal chemistry, antibody production and malaria containment. The centre also functions as an incubator for the institute s biotechnology companies. Organisational objectives Discovery and translation - To make discoveries that shape contemporary scientific thinking, increase understanding and improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, immune disorders and infectious diseases. Education and training - To educate and train world-class scientists and to attract, develop and retain the best and brightest workforce. Organisational culture - To provide a vibrant and inspiring organisational culture that encourages, promotes and rewards excellence, collaboration, innovation, creativity and respect. Engagement - To engage with our stakeholders to improve outcomes, building support and secure resources for medical research. Sustainability - To build infrastructure, professional services and funding that sustains our research and maximises the time our scientists can spend making discoveries. Organisational values Pursuit of excellence Integrity and mutual respect Collaboration and teamwork Creativity Accountability Contribution to society Page 2 of 5
Key responsibilities Key responsibilities Trust and Foundation applications and acquittals Engagement and relationship development Major activities 1. Investigate the most suitable Institute scientific projects to match to each funding opportunity. 2. Write a minimum of 30 funding applications per annum in collaboration with scientists 3. Manage timely grant application and acquittal requirements in collaboration with scientist. 4. Finesse all written material to a superior standard 5. On 80% of proposals write applications from science to accurate plain English 6. Prospect research of relevant websites and publications 7. During the first year, engagement and management of up to 40 of a defined segment of new and existing trust and foundation donors 8. Write winning proposals, be innovative and take leadership in managing the client base. 9. Contribute to the development and implementation of the Philanthropic Grants Program to deliver the maximum income growth required to sustain the Institute s research programs. 10. Ability to work on multiple opportunities with demanding deadlines 1. Professionally represent the institute to interested individuals 2. Liaise with internal stakeholders and faculty, develop good relationships with staff 3. Ensure meticulous, appropriate relationships with trusts and foundations 4. Provide visit opportunities for donors 5. Attendance at lectures, reading of intranet and internet news pages constant learning undertaken about WEHI research. 6. Develop strategies to deliver stewardship of existing and prospective representatives of trusts Outcomes/performance measures 1. All applications are valid and match the donors funding objectives 2. Quantity of applications are maintained 3. All submissions and acquittals are submitted in a timely manner 4. Documents communicate the key messages, are timely, pitched to the audience, right information, proofread, reviewed and signed off and formatted. 5. Quality and accurate standard of plain English reports and applications is achieved within 3 months of commencing the role 6. Identification of 10 new grant opportunities for the institute annually 7. Incumbent is able to lead from end to end the grant application process. 8. Annual success rate is a minimum of 20% of all applications 9. Adherence to fundraising best practice and in line with agreed protocols and principles 10. Prioritizes tasks, excellent time management skills, forward planning. Does not miss opportunity. 1. Solid understanding and able to communicate the three research themes at WEHI within three months of commencement in this role. 2. Productive and collegiate relationships with internal colleagues including fundraising, communications, finance, technology and research teams. 3. Productive and proactive relationships with representatives of philanthropic trusts and foundations. 4. Donors have the opportunity to meet scientists and view equipment on their funded project Page 3 of 5
Information Systems and foundations on a case by case basis. 7. Implement appropriate and respectful donor acknowledgement and recognition strategies Prepare reports on past, present and future funding applications Document and data entry of relevant websites and publications to identify new opportunities for the institute Data entry of the funding application and outcome process Advance and support the information systems with experience in working in customer relations databases (preferably Raiser s Edge). 5. Capacity to understand the research themes adequately for proposal writing within 3 months of commencement. Remain current on breaking news items and new research initiatives. 6. Effective and personalised stewardship of existing and prospective representatives of trusts and foundations. 7. Support is appropriately recorded and recognized for each donor. To monitor manage and communicate performance against targets To ensure records and files are up to date, accurate and can be accessed when required. Key selection criteria Personal qualities Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to converse sensitively and respectfully with internal and external stakeholders Highly developed planning and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects, work within time frames and meet deadlines Ability to invest in building and maintaining relationships, both within the organisation and with the institute s supporters Driven by the important work that the institute is doing to benefit human health in the areas of cancer, chronic inflammatory disease and infectious diseases Behave in an ethical and professional manner at all times within the culture of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Knowledge and skills Written communication that involves expressing material with clarity and validity, using language with precision, a persuasive style, writing in a manner that appeals to your audience Ability to work to tight deadlines whilst managing several projects concurrently Ability to interpret, dissect and analyse complex written material such as scientific and health information, grant guidelines and application forms Highly competent computer skills, including knowledge of databases and manipulation of internet and web data Page 4 of 5
Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) the Raiser s Edge relationship management database. Degree qualified (in Health or medical science) or an equivalent alternate combination of knowledge, training and/or experience. Knowledge of research enterprise would be highly regarded Experience in writing grant applications Sound knowledge of (or willingness to learn), the practices and the philosophy of charitable giving and fundraising legislation. Occupational Health and Safety Comply with institute Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Take reasonable care of own safety and the safety of others around. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety devices appropriately. Report all hazards, incidents and injuries. Attend training programs as documented in individual training needs matrices. How and where to apply Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, current resume and three referees to jobapplications@wehi.edu.au quoting the position reference WEHI/TWSW. Please address each of the key selection criteria separately in a written document. Diversity The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The institute encourages and welcomes interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for roles within the institute. Privacy notification The collection and handling of declarations and personal information relevant to your employment will be consistent with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988. Page 5 of 5