Head of Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation

4.5 or 5 days per week in Sydney or Melbourne

This is a hands-on role suitable for a senior executive who relishes the opportunity to provide strategic counsel and take a direct role in delivering service excellence to over 700 clients.

About Australian Philanthropic Services

Australian Philanthropic Services (APS) makes structured giving simple, so our 1100 clients can focus on supporting the causes that matter to them. APS has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2012 and is the leading independent, not-for-profit philanthropic services organisation in Australia. Collectively, APS clients have committed more than $2.4 billion in assets committed to the community and gave $242 million in charitable gifts last year.

APS Foundation is Australia’s fastest growing, most generous public ancillary fund of its type, on track to also be the largest public ancillary fund amongst its peers. APS Foundation’s 725 diverse clients support a broad spectrum of social and environmental causes, united by a commitment to meaningful impact.

Role description

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of APS Foundation is responsible for the delivery of all aspects of the APS public ancillary fund service.  As a key member of the APS senior leadership team, you will collaborate closely with every business unit on both strategic and tactical initiatives to deliver an efficient and effective service, maintain client and stakeholder satisfaction and support APS growth.

Key responsibilities include

• Developing and delivering the service in alignment with the APS strategy
• Driving process, system and technology improvements
• Leading a small, agile team and ensuring operational excellence
• Coordinating with Portfolio Managers and Investment Managers who invest the $450M within the APS Foundation
• Working closely with the APS Foundation Board to ensure strong governance and alignment with APS’s broader purpose
• Engaging with a diverse set of clients to support their giving
• Driving the growth of structured giving within and across the sector
• Representing the Foundation publicly, advocating for its purpose and values

Selection criteria

• More than five years of senior executive experience, including at least two in a comparable role within financial services, wealth management, or the not-for-profit sector
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of influencing and collaborating across senior levels
• Proven leadership capability, balancing excellence with empathy in team management
• Business development expertise, including successful collaboration with sales or fundraising teams
• Experience leading internal systems projects to enhance efficiency, data integrity, and client experience
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Working knowledge of Salesforce and complex data management
• Tertiary qualifications in business, accounting, law, or a related discipline
• Understanding of philanthropy and/or experience in a social purpose environment

Attributes

• Leadership – Ability to actively lead a team, work collaboratively across an organisation and with multiple and diverse stakeholders
• Process-oriented mindset – with the ability to design, implement, and refine systems that support operational excellence and client experience
• Technical proficiency – with experience leveraging digital tools and data platforms to drive efficiency, accuracy, and informed decision-making
• Communication and presentation skills – Excellent presentation skills, interpersonal skills and ability to synthesise information
• Relationship management – build and sustain trusted, values-aligned relationships with clients, underpinned by a commitment to exceptional service and meaningful impact
• Strategic thinking and execution – Exceptional ability to think strategically and to execute a vision, demonstrating strong judgement, combined with a pragmatic approach to delivery
• Entrepreneurial mindset – An ability to see opportunities and develop new ideas, and be at ease working in a constantly growing and evolving organisation
• Resourcefulness – A ‘roll up the sleeves’ attitude and ability to get things done within a modest budget
• Integrity – Personal integrity and ethical behaviour, and respectful of a range of beliefs
• Purpose-driven – Possess a passion for philanthropy and a commitment to creating lasting social impact.

How to apply

• To request a copy of the position description please email:  [email protected]
• Together with your resume submit a cover letter addressing each of the selection criteria (two pages max) to: [email protected]. 

Note: Applications without a cover letter addressing the selection criteria will not be considered.  The application deadline is Monday 8th December at 5pm.