Posted:
5/13/2026, 4:53:56 PM
Location(s):
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ⋅ Victoria, Australia
Experience Level(s):
Senior
Field(s):
Business & Strategy
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
Full-time, Continuing position
$135,978 - $145,693 + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, and hybrid ways of working
About You
RMIT is seeking an experienced prospect researcher ready to step into a senior, strategic role. As Head of Prospect Research and Management, you will bring structure, clarity and momentum to the way that prospect research and portfolio management are delivered across fundraising activity within Advancement. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will set frameworks, define priorities, and lift capability in an area critical to long term success.
You will work closely with fundraisers and the Leadership Team in Advancement to establish clear processes, manage demand, and ensure prospect insights are used effectively to drive decision making. This role is ideal for someone who has worked within established prospect research environments, understands best practice frameworks, and is motivated by building scalable, sustainable ways of working that deliver real impact.
To be successful in this position, you’ll have:
Extensive knowledge and experience implementing and managing comprehensive prospect research and management programs, preferably in a Higher Education/Further Education setting.
Strong capabilities gained through experience of research techniques, research resources, and information management issues.
Experience leading a team of subject matter experts in a complex environment.
Proven ability to develop constructive relationships and to influence, negotiate and collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders to meet objectives.
Ability to think creatively and apply innovative concepts when negotiating or providing advice.
Strong communications skills.
Excellent organisational skills, ability to oversee multiple projects concurrently, and consistently meet deadlines.
Excellent analytical and reporting skills, including the ability to analyse engagement data, manage budgets, and interpret financial data.
Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and in multi-disciplinary team environments as team leader or member, to assess priorities, exercise discretionary judgment and negotiate at senior levels for sustainable outcomes.
Knowledge and experience using Advancement CRM databases.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.
About the Portfolio
The Engagement Portfolio provides integrated, strategic leadership across the University to advance RMIT’s reputation, reach, and revenue, encompassing a range of functions, including domestic and international student recruitment; global marketing; market intelligence and proposition, strategic communications; Advancement (alumni engagement, philanthropy, donor stewardship, donor relations and Advancement Services); industry engagement and partnerships.
Through innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships, the Engagement Portfolio plays a critical role in diversifying revenue streams and expanding RMIT’s presence in alignment with its long-term strategic objectives.
Advancement develops and leads the engagement of the University’s largest community, the alumni (c. 550,000), leads fundraising in support of institutional priorities and stewards donors and alumni to generate measurable impact.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, including your experience in prospect research, portfolio management frameworks, and providing strategic direction or leadership in a fundraising or advancement context.
For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Guy, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor via email [email protected].
Position Description - Head, Prospect Research and Management
Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.
#LI-Hybrid
RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.
We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
Website: https://rmit.edu.au/
Headquarter Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Year Founded: 1996
Industries: Education ⋅ Higher Education