In her newly established role of Senior Philanthropy Manager, Institutional Research Partnerships, Cassie Magin hopes to connect those who are seeking to enable change with those that are able to fund it. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter in Flinders’ mission to connect world-class research with partners who share our vision of creating meaningful change for society.
What is your role here at Flinders and what does it entail?
I’ve recently commenced as the inaugural Senior Philanthropy Manager, Institutional Research Partnerships, as part of the amazing Alumni and Advancement Team under the direction of Ted Wynn.
This newly established role reflects Flinders’ commitment to strengthening the bridge between Advancement and Research Development Services, ensuring the University is well-positioned to secure Category 3 investment, to grow strategic research partnerships with trusts, foundations, and other organisations. In the role, I’ll be working closely with academic leaders, researchers, and colleagues across Advancement and Research Development Services to build a robust pipeline of philanthropic research investment.
This marks an exciting new chapter in Flinders’ mission to connect world-class research with partners who share our vision of creating meaningful change for society.
How did you get into this type of work?
I started my career as an accountant, working in big organisations such as Santos and Origin Energy, through to small, local businesses such as GD Gitsham and Decor Lighting. Accounting gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and analysis, but it didn’t give me the sense of fulfilment I was looking for. I learnt very early on that growing up as a middle class white chick in Adelaide made me one of the luckiest people in the world; I wanted to use my skills in a way that had a positive impact on the community, contributed to meaningful change and really made a difference. That drive is what led me to look for a new path. I took on some part time studies in my spare time and landed a job as a grants coordinator just after I turned thirty, and I haven’t looked back.
For the past fifteen years I have worked across a broad range of fundraising functions across various parts of the sector. From The Hospital Research Foundation to Australian Refugee Association and most recently with small arts organisation Vitalstatistix, I’ve had the utmost joy delivering impact across a range of community organisations. From individual giving and community fundraising, to major gifts and legacy giving, I’m experienced in all areas of fundraising, but my favourite is grant writing. I enjoy translating complex research and community impact into compelling cases for support. I consistently achieve high success rates across all tender, trust and foundation applications. Along with this comes the very important relationship building, a critical element of succeeding in the grants’ space.
How do you translate complex research into compelling cases for support?
The first thing I do is listen. Whether it be for research funding or project funding, the lead/principal will tell me everything I need to know if I give them time to download their vision in their own words. Through the taking of copious amounts of notes and usually a bit more of my own research, I’m then able to translate their dream, and all their jargon, into a compelling case that’s jargon-free and easy for the everyman to understand.
Why is this work so important?
Changing the world is expensive. There’s an incredible amount of generosity amongst the wealthy – from individuals and corporations and everything in-between – but you have to ask for it! We know that there are so many wicked problems that need solving, and through my work I am able to connect those who are seeking to enable change with those that are able to fund it.
Do you have a favourite place?
Although I grew up predominantly in the southern suburbs you will now hear me proclaiming that “West is Best!” We spend a lot of time in the areas of Port Adelaide and Semaphore, where both mine and my partner’s families hail from. We are teal, black and white through and through.
When we’re away from home – I love to camp! My favourite places to drive to are Moonta Mines or Second Valley, where you’ll often find me in my swag.
Tell us about your ideal weekend.
Camping at Second Valley, or Moonta, or one of our amazing national parks, hiking, relaxing and cooking on the campfire.
Or, the complete opposite – travelling (usually) to an eastern state to take in a band or full music festival. I’ve been a live music fan most of my life and love nothing more than being part of a huge audience or in a mosh pit. My partner and I travel to see bands regularly, and we’re now enjoying taking our children as they get closer to and enter adulthood. Music is life!
Fun fact – I can’t wait to marry my partner of eight years in November! He is a very talented graphic designer, an incredible stepdad and wonderful partner.