At Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, we lead conservation efforts in the field and participate in regional and global conservation breeding programs to establish insurance populations for species threatened in the wild. We also operate two wildlife hospitals that treat and rehabilitate injured native wildlife, as well as providing best practice health care for the animals at our Zoos.

Taronga has a deep commitment to conservation science. In Australia and internationally, we work with universities, governments and conservation partners to respond to challenges impacting wildlife and people. We also have a proud tradition of delivering conservation education programs that increase knowledge and awareness and inspire students to become global leaders in conservation. Taronga receives support from the NSW Government and the Taronga Foundation. Established in 2000, the Taronga Foundation raises funds for conservation, education programs and wildlife in our care.

• Located at Sydney's Iconic Taronga Zoo

• Ongoing, Full-time position

• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Clerk Grade 7/8, annual package from $128,726 (includes base salary $113,574 + plus superannuation & leave loading)

Taronga Zoo Sydney is looking for a skilled relationship fundraiser to help drive major donor income for key conservation projects, including large-scale campaigns and Taronga's new, innovative Habitat Positive program aimed at creating wildlife sanctuaries to rewild native species. You'll cultivate and manage high-value donor relationships, develop tailored proposals and work closely with senior leaders to secure transformational gifts. Join us to turn bold ideas into real-world conservation impact.

About the Role…

The position is responsible for driving income from major donors for a range of Taronga's conservation projects.  

As part of the Major Gifts team, this role will work across a variety of existing donors and support new donor engagement to deliver on the major donor income stream to the Taronga Foundation.  Working closely with the Philanthropy Team Lead as well as the broader Foundation team and utilising existing expertise in business development and cultivation strategies, this role will support a multi-million dollar annual Major Gifts income target.   

Key Accountabilities…

• Applying experience in business development, research opportunities to engage new major donors to build relationships and develop tailored communications and engagement plans and secure significant gifts from new donors. 

• Support the development and growth of the major donor program with a focus multiyear giving and increasing supporter investment from engaged existing donors. 

• Use negation and influencing skills to match donor requirements and wishes to Taronga funding needs. 

• Engage excellent stakeholder management skills to work closely with the CEO and other senior members of the Taronga team to secure gifts and steward donors.  

• Develop tailored presentations and communications specifically to meet donors personal interests, ensuring written proposals are of the highest quality. 

• Actively seek funding opportunities through trusts and foundations with a focus on grant submissions for high-value opportunities.  

• Maintain accurate records all contacts with donors and prospects in CRM. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate stakeholders both internal and external to ensure financial targets are achieved and internal understanding of fundraising is increased.  

About You…

We are looking for candidates that have:

• Minimum 4 years experience in fundraising, ideally in a similar role. 

• Hold a current NSW Drivers License or ability to have existing license formally recognised, including manual. 

Benefits…

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following:

• Flexible Hybrid work model - Taronga supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers!

• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga's Sydney & Dubbo Zoo's

• Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods

• A wide range of discounts on our award winning accommodation across both sites

• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites

• Discounted Fitness Passport

• We're a social team - there's always lots going on around the zoo that we get involved with!

• + more!

We Value Diversity…

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community - be it on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.

Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation.

About Applying…

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the two target questions as part of your application.

1. Tell us about a time you secured a significant gift from a new major donor. How did you identify the prospect, build the relationship, and tailor your approach to secure their support?

1. Describe your experience developing or contributing to a capital campaign or multi-year fundraising initiative. What was your role and what outcomes did you help achieve?

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Thursday 30 October 2025