Philanthropic Evaluation Network Manager

About the job

Terms: 24 months fixed term (may be extended pending funding)

0.4 – 0.6 (flexible)

Location: Flexible

Reports to: Director, Learning & Content

Key Relationships

· Philanthropic Evaluation Network (PhilEval) Steering Committee

· PA Executive Director, Engagement

· PA Learning & Content Team

· PA member organisations’ monitoring and evaluation specialists

About Philanthropy Australia

Philanthropy Australia is the national peak body for philanthropy. With a vision of a generous and inclusive Australia, we are driven by our purpose to inspire more and better philanthropy.

The behaviours that underpin our values of Respect, Trust, Humility, Impact, Celebration & Sharing are the foundation of all we do: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/about-us/who-we-are/.

We are an independent organisation with more than 800 trusts, foundations, organisations, families, individual donors, professional advisers, intermediaries and not-for-profits as our members and partners. We are a growing movement of people and organisations who believe in the importance of giving and creating positive social change.

Our organisation is made up of passionate, supportive and inspiring people, who are driven by our purpose and values.

Working at Philanthropy Australia means you have access to benefits, such as:

· Additional 1 week (pro-rata) of leave for Reflection Leave after 12 months of service

· Flexible and hybrid ways of working

· Employee Assistance Program

· Generous paid parental and partner leave after 12 months of service

· A generous L&D budget

· Learning opportunities, particularly around philanthropy, the not-for-profit sector and specific causes.

We are looking for team members who have an interest in philanthropy or philanthropic causes, to put engagement first in all they do and help us reach our ambitious growth agenda as outlined in PA’s 2022 – 2025 Strategic Plan (https://philanthropy.org.au/about-us/publications/strategic-plan-2022-2025/)

Philanthropy Australia welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We strive to have diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including, First Nations people, people with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, and people of all ages.

We believe in building an inclusive workforce that sees human difference as a strength and supports our vision for a generous and inclusive Australia

Purpose of the Role

This is newly created role is an exciting opportunity to lead the creation of a new program to enhance evaluation practice in the Australian philanthropic sector.

Working with Philanthropy Australia and an independent committee of dedicated evaluation professionals you will develop and grow the Philanthropic Evaluation Network (PhilEval) as an advocate and trusted resource for philanthropic evaluation in Australia across three areas: Share & Learn; Educate; and Innovate:

Share & Learn: growing the network and holding networking meetings and events

Educate: coordinating online courses, seminars from experts, and in-person workshops covering evaluation. methods and practices. It could also include a practitioner web portal.

Innovate: an open-ended pillar that will evolve with the role. It may include an annual sector evaluation landscape review and survey.

Key areas of focus include the development and implementation of a project plan and stakeholder engagement strategy and leading the funding and revenue efforts to help the program achieve its impact objectives.

The Program will support and accelerate the development of the Australian philanthropic sector’s capabilities in evaluation, ultimately resulting in more effective giving that in turn increases the impact of charities and improves the lives of people and communities experiencing disadvantage.

This position would suit someone with evaluation, program management and/or leadership experience in not-for-profit organisations, government or private sector with demonstrated expertise in building and maintaining high-trust relationships across government, philanthropic organisations and other sectors.

Domestic travel for this role will be required time to time.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing an innovative project plan which aligns with short-term and long-term objectives of the program
• Developing a stakeholder engagement strategy
• Convening events to advance philanthropic evaluation through sharing ideas, research, systems, and commissioning and co-designing training for network members.
• Providing guidance and coaching to philanthropy practitioners on evaluation
• Strengthening network practices through the development and curation of resources, including for the Better Giving Hub
• Running the existing online community ensuring it is hosted on an effective and stable platform
• Developing and maintaining relationships with relevant external stakeholders including Foundations, peak bodies, academia, other collaborators, and government agencies.
• Creating a funding & revenue raising approach to drive further investment in evaluation
• Reporting on operational activities and performance to the Steering Committee, funders and other interested parties

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated expertise in building and maintaining high-trust relationships with evaluation specialists, philanthropic organisations and others.
• Business management/social enterprise experience
• Have a strong understanding of a variety of qualitative and quantitative evaluation tools, methods, and frameworks to understand impact and generate insights.
• Excellent project management skills and experience in complex projects.
• Be comfortable in unchartered territory and designing solutions to complex and novel problems that are fit for purpose.
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills to share resources and deliver effective messaging across both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable:

• Previous experience leading projects / programs in NFP, government or the philanthropic sector
• experience with data analytics, grant management platforms or interest in interpreting complex data sets

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please provide a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability to the role, along with your CV to email [email protected] or apply directly though the job advertisement.

Applicants are welcomed to submit a video application using their smartphone outlining their experience, interest and suitability to the role, as an alternative to a written application.

Applications close Friday 14 April, however, we are reviewing applications as they are received and may move quickly to interview and appoint a successful candidate. Please apply asap.

For questions about the role, please contact Renata Zanetti: [email protected]