Fundraising Officer

New Fundraising Officer Role

Join Us in Protecting Our Marine World: A Call for Passionate Change-Makers!

For over 35 years, the Dolphin Research Institute has been at the forefront of conserving Victoria's dolphins, whales, and the delicate marine ecosystems they inhabit. As we prepare to embark on our fourth decade, we stand on the brink of an exciting growth phase, and we need a visionary, hands-on Fundraising Officer to help us drive our mission forward.

Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

This is more than just a job; it’s a newly created role and unique opportunity to join a highly committed team focused on shaping the future of DRI’s impacts in marine conservation.  

If you are deeply passionate about preserving our oceans, inspiring young leaders, and fostering a sustainable future for dolphins and whales, we invite you to join our dedicated team.

Your strengths and ideas could help shape this pivotal role, empowering you to play a vital part in our mission to empower communities and positively impact the environment.

Overview of Your Role in Our Vision

As the Fundraising Officer, you will be instrumental in building our organisational capacity and ensuring financial sustainability.

With at least five years of experience in business development, sponsorship and/or fundraising, you will bring a strategic mindset, ‘make it happen’ attitude and an innovative spirit to our efforts.

Your passion for environmental science, education and the community will be key, as our work thrives on our unique relationship between research and community engagement.

In this collaborative environment, your contributions will help us craft compelling multi-channel communications that attract and retain donors, partners, volunteers, and citizen scientists, all united by a shared love for marine conservation.

The role is based at the Institute’s centre in the Western Port Marina in Hastings. While some remote working is possible, regularly joining the team is important.

Most importantly, we are searching for someone who resonates with our values, culture, and vision for the future. Your ideas on advancing DRI into its fourth decade will be vital to your selection.

Key Responsibilities (subject to the strengths of the successful candidate and opportunities you bring to our cause).

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Relationship Manager to drive organisational growth and create resources and materials to support implementation and delivery.

• Manage existing relationships to position for greater involvement and growth and attract, nurture and enlist new supporters

• Grow DRI’s whole-organisation fundraising culture and programs, including individual, regular, major and planned giving, corporate partnerships and grants. Facilitate excellent donor stewardship and development.  

• Support the team to achieve excellence in all aspects of communication and engagement, including brand consistency and voice.

• Develop and leverage a volunteer team as required to conduct and support fundraising, social media and marketing campaigns.

• Support the management of the DRI’s supporter database, fully leveraging its potential and maintaining best practices and compliance with privacy, security and ethical standards.  

Why Join Us?

Our team is a vibrant community of passionate individuals committed to making a difference.

We prioritise a supportive and flexible work environment, offering opportunities for hybrid or part-time arrangements to promote the well-being of our team members.

This permanent, part-time position (0.6 FTE) not only comes with the chance to grow alongside us but also provides a fulfilling opportunity to be part of something greater than oneself. As the organisation continues to grow, this role also offers strong potential for career progression and future opportunities within our business.

Let’s Create a Lasting Impact Together!

If you’re excited to align your career with a cause that matters, we would love to hear from you. Please provide a CV and a concise cover letter (2-page max), highlighting your experiences, competencies, and goals, especially how they align with shaping the Dolphin Research Institute’s development for the coming decade.

In your cover email or part of your cover letter, please provide your thoughts to address the questions below

• What interests you most about this role, and why do you believe you're a good fit?

• If appointed, what would be your top three priorities during your first six months?

• What salary range are you currently on, or what salary range are you seeking for your next role?

Submit your application by COB on Friday, September 4, 2026, to:

Jeff Weir OAM, Executive Director Email: ••••@dolphinresearch.org.au

Together, let’s inspire action, drive change, and safeguard our magnificent marine life for generations to come