About the role
La Trobe University is seeking an experienced and values‑driven Senior Manager, Donation Services to lead the operational delivery of our philanthropic revenue services during a fixed‑term maternity leave cover.
Reporting to the Director, Advancement Strategy and Operations, this senior leadership role sits within La Trobe Advancement — a team responsible for building deep, meaningful relationships with alumni, donors and partners worldwide. With a global alumni community of over 250,000 graduates, Advancement plays a critical role in enabling scholarships, research and initiatives that transform lives.
In this role, you will lead the end‑to‑end donation services function, ensuring the integrity, efficiency and compliance of donation processing, receipting, donor stewardship operations, endowment projections and financial reporting. You’ll partner closely with Finance, Legal and Advancement colleagues to deliver a high‑quality donor experience underpinned by strong governance and best practice.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the operational delivery of Donation Services, ensuring timely, accurate and compliant processing of gifts, bequests and sponsorships
- Develop and maintain policies, procedures and systems that meet legislative, audit and sector best‑practice requirements
- Oversee donor receipting and acknowledgement processes aligned to donor intent and institutional standards
- Partner with Finance and Legal to ensure robust financial reporting, reconciliation and audit readiness
- Provide expert advice on donation acceptance, fund establishment and donor recognition
- Lead, support and develop a team of donation services professionals, fostering a culture of service excellence and continuous improvement
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators, identifying opportunities for innovation and operational enhancement
- Represent Donation Services on cross‑functional projects and broader University initiatives
What you’ll bring
- Demonstrated senior‑level experience managing donation, financial or revenue services in a complex organisation (higher education or not‑for‑profit experience highly regarded)
- Strong understanding of philanthropic compliance, financial governance and legislative requirements
- Advanced experience with fundraising CRMs (Blackbaud CRM or Raiser’s Edge preferred) and SAP Finance for reconciliation and reporting
- Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop teams through change
- Strong analytical capability, with experience reporting on complex data sets
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to operate confidently in a complex, collaborative environment
Why join La Trobe
- Work at a globally connected university committed to social impact, inclusion and excellence
- Enjoy flexible, hybrid work arrangements that support balance and wellbeing
- Be part of an Advancement team enabling life‑changing scholarships, research and community impact
- Benefit from 17% employer‑contributed superannuation, on‑site childcare, staff study discounts and more
How to apply
Please submit:
- Your current CV, and
- A cover letter
- A response to the essential criteria for the role in the PD.
La Trobe University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Benefits:
- 17% employer contributed superannuation
- On-site child care
- Flexible work options
- Staff/family study discounts
- Bundoora campus welcome video Watch here
- More benefits
Closing date:
Position Enquiries: Andrea Young
Director, Advancement Strategy and Operations
E. A.Young@latrobe.edu.au
Recruitment Enquiries: Melissa Magaton, Senior Talent Partner, Strategy and Senior Appointments
E: m.magaton@latrobe.edu.au
Position Description below:
Senior Manager Donation Services_HEO9_October 2025V1_Fixed Term (2).pdf
Please scroll down to apply
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
La Trobe is committed to diversity, inclusion, and social justice. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.
