Manager, Philanthropy

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Manager, Philanthropy

Position title: Manager, Philanthropy

Reports to: Manager, Business Development

Direct reports: Philanthropy Officer

Team: Leadership Innovation

Location: Australia (flexible)

Employment type: Full-Time

Salary range: $130,000

Context

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) designs and delivers leadership programs and initiatives to support thriving regional, rural and remote communities. Established over 30 years ago, the ARLF is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a national footprint. We rely on the financial support of the community, business, philanthropic and government sectors.

Position overview

This role leads ARLF’s philanthropy function, with responsibility for major gifts, bequest program development, and the strategic direction of donor engagement across the organisation. The Manager, Philanthropy cultivates and manages a portfolio of high-value individual donors, philanthropic foundations and trusts, and is responsible for identifying, progressing and closing major gifts ($10,000+) that align with ARLF’s purpose and priorities.

The role supervises the Philanthropy Officer, who supports the philanthropy function through annual giving, alumni engagement, community fundraising, and donor stewardship. Together, the two roles constitute ARLF’s philanthropy team.

The Manager, Philanthropy reports to the Manager Business Development and works closely with the Chief Executive, Director Leadership Innovation and Board members to support donor relationships and philanthropic investment.

Key responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

Major gifts and foundations

• Lead the development and implementation of ARLF’s major gifts strategy, building a sustainable pipeline and portfolio of qualified major donor prospects aligned to the broader philanthropy strategy.
• Identify, research, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donor prospects and supporters including individuals, trusts, foundations and Private Ancillary Funds, pursuing both restricted and unrestricted funding opportunities as appropriate.
• Build and manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, progressing tailored moves management plans with clear next actions, timelines, stewardship approaches and agreed annual revenue and engagement targets.
• Lead or co-lead major gift solicitations, including preparing for and making direct asks in partnership with the Chief Executive (CE), Board members and senior leaders.
• Develop compelling cases for support, donor proposals, reports, presentations and other tailored materials to support major gift conversations and funding opportunities.
• Work closely with the CE, Executive, Board members and internal stakeholders to support donor introductions, relationship building, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activity.

Bequests

• Develop and implement a bequest program for ARLF, establishing systems, processes and communications to identify and cultivate bequest intentions over time.
• Initiate and manage sensitive bequest conversations with donors, alumni and other stakeholders, in a manner consistent with ARLF’s values and ethical fundraising practice.
• Maintain accurate records of bequest intentions and pipeline activity through the ARLF’s CRM.

Philanthropy strategy and operations

• Establish, maintain and document ARLF’s major gifts systems, processes and playbooks, including accurate CRM records, pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking to support continuity, scalability and future team growth.
• Contribute to the development of ARLF’s annual philanthropy plan and budget, providing realistic forecasts based on pipeline activity.
• Represent ARLF professionally in external settings and ensure all activities are undertaken in line with ARLF policies, ethical fundraising practice and relevant professional standards.

Team leadership

• Provide day-to-day direction and support to the Philanthropy Officer, ensuring clear priorities, effective work planning and a well-functioning philanthropy team.
• Support the professional development of the Philanthropy Officer and foster a collaborative, purpose-driven team culture.
• Work collaboratively with the Manager Business Development and broader Leadership Innovation team to align fundraising activity with organisational strategy.

Delegations and authorities

This role is accountable for major gifts and bequest pipeline development, donor relationship activity and progress against agreed revenue and engagement targets.

Formal financial delegations are limited to approved operational expenditure in line with ARLF policies and relevant delegated authorities. The role may assist with monitoring budget information, donor activity and operational performance outcomes relevant to the philanthropy function.

Conditions of employment

Detailed conditions of employment are set out in the employee’s contract and the Staff Handbook or equivalent.

From time to time there may be an increase in weekly hours and the requirement to perform higher duties. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions required of the position.

All staff members are expected to adhere to company policies, which outline rules, expectations, and procedures for workplace conduct and operations, ensuring a consistent and compliant environment.

Capabilities, attributes and qualifications

Role capabilities

✓ Major gifts relationship management and pipeline development: Demonstrated success managing a major gifts portfolio, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors, and closing five- and six-figure gifts through structured moves management approaches.

✓ Bequest program development: Understanding of bequest giving in the Australian context, with the ability to initiate and progress conversations, identify bequest intentions, and develop a pipeline of future gifts.

✓ Donor communication, proposals and case for support development: Strong ability to develop compelling cases for support, donor proposals, reports, presentations and other tailored communications that support philanthropic engagement and investment.

✓ Philanthropy knowledge, systems and reporting: Sound understanding of the Australian philanthropy landscape, together with the ability to maintain accurate donor records, track pipeline progression, forecast opportunities and report on activity and outcomes through CRM and related systems.

✓ Senior stakeholder engagement and internal collaboration: Ability to work effectively with the CE, Executive, Board members and internal stakeholders to support donor introductions, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, including coaching and preparing senior stakeholders for donor engagement.

✓ Team leadership and supervision: Ability to provide direction, support and day-to-day oversight to a direct report (Alumni and Donor Relations Officer), including setting clear priorities and supporting professional development.

✓ Experience/qualifications: Significant experience in major gifts, philanthropy, fundraising or a related field, supported by relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience.

Key personal attributes

✓ A commitment to ARLF mission and values and a passion for driving positive social impact in rural, regional and remote Australia.

✓ Strong network of personal contacts in philanthropy and ability to extend networks.

✓ Well-developed verbal and written communication skills with excellent attention to detail.

✓ Growth and continuous improvement mindset.

✓ Ability to work effectively and positively, both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Operational aspects

✓ Police check attainment

✓ First Aid certificate and/or mental health first aid

✓ Travel (including interstate)

✓ Current C class Driver’s Licence*

Additional requirements

• You must have the appropriate right to work in Australia to be eligible for this role.
• Reasonable work outside normal hours may be required.
• Interstate travel will be required.
• A Working with Vulnerable Peoples check, a National Criminal History Check and/or First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certification may be required and will be sponsored by the employer.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application via the website.

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation values diversity in our workplace and encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply.