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Are you ready to belong to a dynamic community where courage, creativity and optimism are essential elements of our DNA? At ECU were inspired by the incredible achievements of Edith Cowan, the first woman elected to an Australian parliament and a lifelong champion of education. Empowered by her legacy, were united in our vision to lead the sector in educational experience and expand our impact through world-class research. Embrace an opportunity to become part of something extraordinary. Development & Alumni Relations Development & Alumni Relations is at the heart of ECUs philanthropic and partnership strategy, connecting the University with alumni, donors and the broader community to enable meaningful impact. The team secures philanthropic funding that supports research, education and community initiatives, working closely with Schools and Research Centres to shape priority projects into compelling cases for support. With a growing fundraising campaign and strong institutional momentum, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-performing team focused on delivering impactful funding outcomes. About the Opportunity We are currently recruiting for a Senior Grants Adviser (Philanthropic) to join ECUs Office of Development and Alumni Relations. This is a newly created position, offered on a 2-year fixed-term contract, reflecting ECUs continued investment in strengthening its philanthropic grants capability. This is a pivotal role within a high-performing Development team, responsible for driving philanthropic funding outcomes across the University. Working closely with the Manager, Development and key internal stakeholders, you will lead the identification, development and submission of high-quality grant applications to trusts, foundations and external partners, while helping shape a strong and sustainable grants pipeline. Key Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end development of philanthropic grant applications, from opportunity identification through to submission Proactively identify and cultivate funding opportunities aligned to University priorities Develop compelling, high-quality proposals that clearly articulate impact and align with funder objectives Partner with Schools, Research Centres and internal stakeholders to shape and package fundable projects Manage and maintain a strong pipeline of grant opportunities and submission timelines Oversee reporting and acquittal processes, ensuring compliance and high-quality impact reporting Drive continuous improvement across grants processes, systems and workflows Provide leadership and mentoring to team members contributing to grant activity About You You are a strategic and outcomes-driven grants professional who combines strong analytical thinking with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. You will bring: A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or extensive experience in philanthropic, research or higher education grant development Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling and impact-driven proposals Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working across diverse internal and external audiences A proactive and strategic mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and drive funding outcomes The ability to lead, mentor and support others, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team environment High attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Experience reviewing and enhancing grants systems and processes to improve application quality, volume and funding outcomes Experience with grant management systems and CRM platforms (desirable) Benefits of Working at ECU At ECU were committed to fostering a positive employment experience and believe this is fundamental to the success and satisfaction of our employees. Growth and development matter here, because we recognise people are at the centre of everything we do. Our thriving work culture is guided by the ECU values and complemented by a range of employee benefits; visit our website to read about flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, our commitment to Wellbeing, exclusive corporate discounts and industry-leading superannuation. Contact Ashe Munro Recruitment are proudly partnering with Edith Cowan University (ECU) to appoint this important position. For any questions, a confidential discussion, or to request a copy of the Candidate Pack, please contact Laura Ashe on 0432 603 981 or [email protected]. Application Process Click Apply Now to submit your application, including your resume and a two-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Advert Closure Applications close Friday 8th May 2026 at 5pm AWST. ECU reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date and encourages applicants to submit their applications early. PLEASE NOTE: Applications will only be accepted from candidates who have the relevant working rights to fill this position. ECU is a diverse and inclusive workplace with specific strategies and initiatives in place to address underrepresentation of specific groups. We strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age or faith. For more information on our commitment to equity and diversity, please visit our Inclusive Workplace website. At ECU, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively encourage people with disability to apply. To discuss how we can support adjustment requirements, please contact the person listed above. #J-18808-Ljbffr