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Philanthropy Manager
Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 850851
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone


Grow something that lasts

Adelaide Botanic Gardens & State Herbarium (BGSH) is looking for a Philanthropy Manager to help shape the future of science, conservation, education and public engagement in one of SA's most iconic institutions.

As Philanthropy Manager, you'll be responsible for delivering the BGSH Philanthropy Strategy and managing the Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation (ABGF), cultivating meaningful donor communities, expanding philanthropy and legacy giving, and delivering campaigns that connect people with nature in powerful ways.

If you're a relationship-builder, a strategic thinker, and a champion for impact, this is your chance to help an organisation with strong momentum reach its next chapter.

What you'll do:

  • As the face of BGSH Philanthropy, you will be the day-to-day contact for BGSH and ABGF's donor community.
  • Grow and diversify our donor community through stakeholder engagement and targeted campaigns and marketing communications, integrated with public-facing initiatives.
  • Design and execute fundraising activities and initiatives that build the donor programs and funds to achieve revenue and KPI targets.
  • Manage and expand private and legacy-giving, including Bequests and Memorial Seat programs, to deepen long-term donor engagement.
  • Ensure strong governance through robust financial oversight, transparent operations, and effective tracking of outcomes.
  • Maintain high quality donor data in Raiser's Edge NXT, supporting strategic engagement, accurate reporting and sound data governance.
  • Embed philanthropic goals and insights into organisational planning and reporting to guide leadership decision making.
  • Supervise staff through effective work allocation, attendance and leave management, while providing timely, constructive feedback and support ongoing professional development for direct reports.

What can we offer you!

  • Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
  • Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
  • Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
  • Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
  • Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
  • Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract: 
Three year contract

What we're looking for:

  • A strong track record in developing relationships with donors that result in ongoing and increased financial support over time.
  • Demonstrated success in securing new philanthropic support by identifying, engaging and stewarding donors to exceed strategic targets.
  • Experience in managing a multi-faceted Philanthropy Program and exceeding strategic fundraising targets across multiple Funds / Projects simultaneously.
  • Experience in developing and delivering high-impact fundraising campaigns, marketing communications and events.
  • Exceptional networking skills with the ability to build, manage and grow long-term donor relationships.
  • Practical understanding of relevant policies, procedures and legislation, with experience in gallery, museum or philanthropic environments.
  • Proven ability to use sound judgement, show initiative and resolve issues promptly.
  • Strong influencing skills and confidence handling sensitive matters, including servicing a Foundation Board.
  • Experience in managing staff and the ability to foster a collaborative, high-performing culture to achieve organisational goals.
  • Competence in general administration and financial processes (ie Xero), with proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor management systems (ie Raiser’s Edge).

Special Conditions:

  • May be required to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies. You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
  • May be required to work outside of the normal hours of work.
  • The Department for Environment and Water is committed to providing a safe environment to all children and young people who access our services and visit our sites.  This role requires candidates to provide a valid Working with Children Check which must be renewed every five years before expiry. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.
  • This role requires candidates to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which must be renewed every three years before expiry. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.

A successful applicant who is not currently employed by the Department for Environment and Water will be required to have an original photo identification document sighted and provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued within the last 12 months. This information must be supplied by all applicants who are shortlisted for interview.

Remuneration: 
ASO6, $105,747 min - $111,854 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Amanda Wheeler, Head of Development & Partnerships 
amanda.wheeler@sa.gov.au
0433 042 757

Application Instructions:

Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.


Applications close: 26/07/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- RD ASO6 Philanthropy Manager_BGSH - June 2026_APPROVED.pdf


Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.