Philanthropy Officer

Location: Canberra (preferred), Sydney or Melbourne 

Status: 0.8 – 1.0 FTE, 1 year Contract (with view to extension) 

Salary: $85,000 – $100,000 pro rata plus superannuation

About the Australia Institute 

The Australia Institute is Australia’s leading independent think tank, conducting research and advocacy on economic, social, environmental and political issues. Our work is grounded in fairness, democracy, sustainability and evidence-based public policy. 

Over the past decade, the Australia Institute has built one of the largest engaged supporter communities of any independent public policy organisation in Australia through: 

• research publications; 

• campaigns and petitions; 

• digital engagement; 

• regular giving; 

• philanthropy; 

• events and public engagement. 

About the Role 

This is a new position in a growing program. The Philanthropy Officer will support the growth and development of the Australia Institute’s philanthropy and major donor program. 

Reporting to the Fundraising Manager and working closely with the co-CEO’s and other senior staff, the role will focus on: 

• donor research and prospect identification; 

• donor stewardship and relationship management; 

• donor data and CRM record keeping; 

• moves management and cultivation planning and execution; 

• philanthropy reporting, administration and support. 

Key Responsibilities 

Philanthropy and Donor Management 

• Directly contact, engage and build relationships with major donors, philanthropic trusts and foundations 

• Coordinate donor meetings, briefings, follow-up communications and stewardship activity 

• Support cultivation and stewardship of major donors and philanthropic partners 

• Assist with preparation of donor proposals, funding applications, briefings and engagement materials 

• Work with senior staff, researchers, leadership and board members to coordinate donor engagement opportunities 

• Represent the Australia Institute professionally and confidently in donor, philanthropy and stakeholder interactions 

• Develop donor cultivation, stewardship and engagement plans 

• Maintain regular and proactive communication with donors and prospects 

Prospect Research and Identification 

• Undertake donor, foundation and philanthropy research 

• Identify major donor, foundation, mid-level donor and bequest prospects 

• Assist with prospect qualification, prioritisation and donor segmentation 

• Support wealth, capacity and interest research where appropriate 

• Identify opportunities for donor upgrades and long-term relationship development 

High Donor CRM and Data Processes 

• Support implementation and development of high donor CRM processes and workflows 

• Maintain accurate donor records, relationship information and engagement history 

• Track donor interactions, communications and stewardship activity within the CRM 

• Develop donor segmentation, reporting, forecasting and pipeline tracking 

• Support migration of donor and philanthropy records into the new CRM environment 

• Help improve data quality, relationship mapping and philanthropy reporting systems 

Moves Management and Stewardship 

• Coordinate donor meetings, relationship management activity and stewardship actions 

• Develop and monitor donor cultivation and engagement pathways 

• Track donor movement through cultivation and stewardship stages 

• Assist with relationship manager allocation and monitoring across leadership and senior staff 

• Support development of structured stewardship systems, donor journeys and follow-up schedules 

• Ensure donor engagement actions are completed consistently and professionally 

Supporter Research and Survey Work 

• Assist with implementation of supporter research and survey projects 

• Support donor segmentation and supporter analysis 

• Help identify philanthropy, major donor and bequest opportunities within the supporter base 

• Assist with integrating supporter research insights into donor engagement and fundraising strategy 

Skills and Experience 

Essential 

• Experience in fundraising, philanthropy or donor development 

• Strong organisational and project management skills 

• Experience working with CRMs or donor databases 

• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills 

• Ability to manage confidential information 

• High attention to detail 

Desirable 

• Experience with major donor or philanthropy programs 

• Experience with moves management systems 

• Donor research or wealth screening experience 

• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce, Virtuous or HubSpot 

• Interest in public policy, advocacy or social change 

About You 

You are organised, proactive and relationship-focused, with strong attention to detail and an interest in philanthropy and social impact. 

You are comfortable balancing: 

• donor research; 

• relationship building coordination; 

• database management; 

• stewardship activity; 

• and administrative systems work 

within a fast-moving fundraising environment. 

Application Process 

Applications are being assessed as they come in. Please submit your resume and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the Skills and Experience to [email protected].