About RSPCA Queensland
For nearly 140 years, RSPCA Queensland has been a leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of animals - whether domestic, farmed, or native. We care for over 42,000 animals annually, relying on the generosity of animal lovers like you to fund 91% of our life-changing services.
Our Mission: We Exist For Animals To Live Better Lives.
This role sits at the heart of that impact. The conversations you lead and the relationships you build directly enable the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals across Queensland. Every meaningful commitment secured translates into real outcomes for animals who need it most.
About the Role
As Donor Relationship Lead, you won’t just manage a portfolio - you’ll shape how people turn their love for animals into lasting impact. This is a frontline leadership role at the heart of our major gifts, mid-value and gift in Wills programs. You’ll lead high-trust conversations that result in meaningful commitments, whether that’s a significant gift today or a legacy that supports animals for generations.
You’ll own your relationship portfolio, influence strategy and see the direct outcomes of your work in the lives of animals across Queensland.
You’ll also lead and grow a small team, setting the tone for thoughtful, ethical, relationship-first fundraising. Your leadership will elevate capability, sharpen portfolio discipline and lift overall fundraising performance. In return, you’ll have visible impact and the chance to lead relationship-driven work day to day, backed by an experienced fundraising team that values clarity, collaboration, and results.
This is a role for someone who wants their work to matter and to be trusted to deliver it.
What We’re Looking For
You’re someone who genuinely enjoys building relationships, leading meaningful conversations and nurturing a team. You understand that successful fundraising starts with trust and is sustained through consistency and follow-through. You’re confident securing major gifts and legacy commitments, asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully and guiding supporters toward informed decisions.
You balance empathy with accountability. You manage your portfolio deliberately, prioritise your time effectively and use data to focus your efforts where they will have the greatest impact. You’re comfortable providing direction and support to others, creating clarity around expectations and lifting overall performance. Above all, you operate with professionalism and integrity, ensuring every supporter interaction reflects best-practice fundraising standards.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you will:
- Lead personalised, relationship-based engagement across major gifts, mid-value donors and gifts in Wills.
- Build and manage a portfolio of supporters, guiding them through meaningful giving journeys.
- Facilitate conversations that result in philanthropic commitments, both immediate and future-focused, including supporting large capital campaign projects.
- Lead, coach and support two team members to strengthen capability and performance.
- Contribute to and execute strategic and operational fundraising plans aligned to organisational goals.
- Use data and donor insights to prioritise activity, track engagement and maximise impact.
- Partner with internal teams to connect supporters with the programs and animals that matter most to them.
- Uphold best-practice ethical fundraising, ensuring donor dignity is always at the centre.
What You’ll Bring to the Role
- Proven experience in relationship-based fundraising, donor development or values-led sales.
- Demonstrated success securing significant gifts, sales or long-term commitments.
- At least 5 years’ experience building meaningful client or donor relationships.
- Leadership experience (minimum 2 years) or strong readiness to step into a formal leadership role.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including confidence in high-value conversations.
- Experience managing portfolios, pipelines and engagement data.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to balance empathy with delivery.
- A strong commitment to ethical fundraising principles.
Why Join Us?
- A Fun, Supportive Team: Join a passionate, collaborative national team that celebrates wins, supports growth and genuinely enjoys working together.
- Comprehensive Support: Enjoy 8 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, study leave, and even leave for your furry companions. We also provide access to counselling and mental health services.
- Employee Perks: From free on-site parking to exclusive discounts, novated leases, and 50% off Royal Canin pet food, we’ve got you covered! You can also adopt a new furry friend with free adoption options.
- Professional Growth: Access expansive learning and development programs to help you elevate your career and skill set.
- Purpose-Driven Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organisation where every task makes a tangible difference to animal welfare.
Interested? How To Apply!
We’re ready to make a difference together - are you?
To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that tells us:
- Why this role caught your eye
- A story of a time you closed a gift, sale or commitment through relationship
- How you would structure your week to keep donor conversations front and centre
- Why animals matter to you
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!
About Our Recruitment & Selection Process
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a Police Check for the safety and well-being of the community, staff, and animals. A pre-employment medical assessment may also be required.
RSPCA Queensland acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
