1. science
2. medicine
3. medical research

POSITION
DESCRIPTION
Title:
Communications & Fundraising Officer
Area/Group:
Scientific Support Group
Reporting to:
Communications Manager & Fundraising Manager
Direct report
Fundraising Manager
Date Last Updated:
April 2015
Supervisory
responsibilities
Financial delegation
and/or budget
responsibilities
Nil
Nil
1.
ABOUT MIMR-PHI INSTITUTE
MIMR-PHI Institute is a merger of two of Australia’s most trusted research brands, Monash
Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) and Prince Henry’s Institute (PHI). With a combined
75 years of research experience, more than 400 leading research experts and postgraduate
students and state-of-the-art research platforms and facilities, the Institute has taken its
place as a leader in improving global wellbeing through excellence in medical research and
clinical application.
MIMR-PHI is an NHMRC accredited not-for-profit independent medical research institute
closely linked with partners Monash Health and Monash University, which join with MIMRPHI to create the Monash Health Translation Precinct (MHTP). The MHTP is a medical
research partnership with the aim of bringing together the scientific, educational and clinical
expertise of its three partners to improve healthcare by directly translating medical research
outcomes to the clinic. Located at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton, Victoria, Australia,
MIMR-PHI is ideally positioned in a major catchment area with the Monash Children’s
Hospital under construction and an $84 million state-of-the-art Translational Research
Facility (TRF) currently being built on this site. The TRF will co-locate research, clinical and
technological platforms to accelerate and coordinate the process of identifying clinical issues
requiring investigation and translating our research discoveries into patient treatments more
effectively than ever before.
With six-specialised research centres, the Institute’s research program seeks to respond to
Australia’s key health priorities. Current research programs are delivering translational
research outcomes to impact health at all stages of life, including cancer, endocrinology and
metabolism, genetics, immunology and infectious disease, paediatric and foetal health and
reproductive health. As one of Melbourne’s top medical research Institutes, MIMR-PHI
works to improve the quality of life by finding and improving methods for prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of the greatest health challenges facing the community.
2.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
This position forms part of the Development Office which includes the Fundraising Manager,
Communications Manager and Communications and Fundraising Officer. The team works
collaboratively to ensure continuous development and implementation of integrated
marketing, communications, and fundraising initiatives to enhance stakeholder, community
and corporate engagement and support. Working closely with key stakeholders and
research and support staff across the Institute, this role will implement public relations,
media, fundraising and internal communications activities in alignment with the Institute’s
strategic goals and objectives.
Reporting to the Fundraising Manager, the Communications and Fundraising Officer will be
expected to contribute to activities to raise income including the Institute’s annual giving
program and events.
Working closely with Communications Manager the Communications and Fundraising
Officer is responsible for providing support to the communications function in the
development and distribution of MIMR-PHI publications, website management, internal
communications and management of a range of external events.
3.
KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
MIMR-PHI fundraising programs

Supporting the Fundraising Manager in their fundraising activities such as annual
appeals, donor stewardship and key supporter group development.

Supporting the Fundraising Manager in the execution of the Institute’s annual appeal
program including the production and distribution of appeal materials to donors.
Database management, gift processing and donor acknowledgement

Updating of donor records in the DonMan database and acknowledgement of donors
in a timely manner.

Managements of donor reports, mailing lists and other information in a timely
manner.

Management of regular givers ensuring they receive accurate and timely
communication.
Event coordination

Coordination of fundraising events, including promotion of events, ensuring key
internal and external stakeholders are involved in the event as necessary.

In liaison with the Communications Manager and the Fundraising Manager,
coordinate potential donor meetings, Institute Discovery Tours, major donor and VIP
visits, and other events.

Assist to liaise with external partners including Monash Health and Monash
University to deliver and manage cross campus media events, as well as precinct
announcements and community or political engagement as needed.

Liaise with external marketing suppliers regarding promotional materials.

Assist with the provision of briefings, and speaking notes for the Director and
assigned delegates prior to internal events as needed.

Attend regular scientific presentations, forums and events to maintain awareness of
current scientific activities and progress.
Internal Communications

Coordinate and send weekly internal Institute e-news and shared Institute calendar.

MIMR-PHI Intranet content, including the development of processes to ensure
information from Institute staff and students is updated on to the website and intranet
in a timely manner.

In liaison with the Communications Manager coordinate photographers and graphic
designers for projects.

Management of external and internal enquiry email inboxes.

Provide communications advice and support to research staff to enhance
communication of MIMR-PHI research to a variety of audiences, including assisting
with development of presentations, summaries, MIMR-PHI biographies and
application essays as required
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External Communications

In liaison with the Communications Manager update and maintain MIMR-PHI website
and ensure the websites of partnering organisations are also updated.

In liaison with the Communications Manager and Fundraising Manager identify
publicity opportunities for donors to the Institute.

Assist the Communications Manager with the development of content for a suite of
marketing collateral, such as newsletters, brochures, annual reports, social media
and web articles to enhance engagement and communication of MIMR-PHI research
and key messaging with key stakeholders, donors and interest groups.
4.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
Essential

A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (i.e. public relations, communications,
marketing and/or fundraising) or an equivalent combination of relevant experience
and/or education and training.

Proven ability to establish effective and efficient work practices with a high degree of
attention to detail.

Well-developed communications skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
with a proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of
internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated skills and experience in establishing priorities, meeting deadlines,
whilst working under pressure.

Demonstrated conceptual and analytical problem solving skills along with the ability
to develop creative solutions to complex problems and business requirements.

Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team, but also independently under
general direction when required.

Experience in the use of databases with proficiency in current business software
applications.

Experience in event management.
Desirable

An understanding of the research environment within a clinical organisation or Health
Service, a Faculty of Medicine or Biosciences, or its research Centres and Institutes.

Experience in the use of Donor Management database.

Experience in web management.
5.
OTHER JOB RELATED INFORMATION




Travel, within Australia, as required.
Work outside of normal business hours may be required.
Possession of a current Victorian Driver’s License is desirable.
The timing of annual leave may be affected by the potential cyclical requirements of
the role.
6.
ENDORSEMENT
Employee:
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Date:
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Supervisor:
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HR:
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