Program and Community Engagement Manager

Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited is a not-for-profit organisation, committed to supporting Victorian communities through philanthropic giving and the provision of grants, bursaries and scholarships, to support stronger and healthier Victorian communities.

Reporting to the CEO, the Program and Community Engagement Manager is a newly created role, key in managing community relationships and the granting program as well developing initiatives to support growth, engagement and reach of our Masonic membership/ Community Led granting program.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the not-for-profit sector, effective grant making and a genuine passion for working with a diverse range of people to create positive social outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Grants Management (Program Manager)

• Manage the effective implementation, assessment and operations of the Masonic Granting programs, including Masonic Lodge Community Grants and Masonic Lodge Scholarships, and Benevolent support (portfolio size ~ $1.4M).
• Be the key contact to liaise with Freemasons related grant applicants, recipients, local Freemasons and donors.
• Assess the suitability and viability of grant applications in line with FFV strategic goals, working with grant seekers as appropriate and appropriately communicating outcomes of applications.
  Support the effective management of Sub-Funds.
• Provide support to applicants to ensure smooth and efficient grant application processes.
  Contribute to continuous improvement of the grant management process.
• Manage the maintenance of the grants and CRM databases (with support of an Office and Grant Administrator).
• Support the CEO with other granting programs as required.
• Represent the FFV at relevant community and philanthropic events, site visits, cheque presentations and conferences.
• Support with preparation and reporting and presentations to the Board.

2. Community engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders
• Working alongside Freemasons Victoria, organise and plan meetings, functions and other events, including site visits and visits to Lodges to build engagement between FFV and Freemasons membership.
• Identify and develop ideas and initiatives to support deeper and broader charitable activities, grant applications and fundraising for the Freemasons membership.
• Leverage the local knowledge of the members of the Freemasons community to connect with relevant initiatives which are in line with the FFV strategic goals.
• Support the communications strategy to share the impact of the FFV.
• Foster collaboration between members of the Freemasons community for charitable purposes.
• Ensure effective communication in relation to the FFV to the Freemasons membership to support consistent messaging and information sharing.
• Alongside the CEO, maintaining a FFV presence across the Freemasons community.
• Manage and support enquiries to the FFV from the Freemasonry community.

Key Selection Criteria:
Essential

• Demonstrated experience in grants management, social services or fundraising, particularly community led funding
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and proven ability to build relationships – including the ability to work with diverse communities and manage multiple stakeholders
• Knowledge of and commitment to the values and principles of the community or not-for-profit sector
• High-level organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Self-driven, and thrives in a small team and hands on environment
• Demonstration of ability to create and innovate
• A desire to learn
• Patience, warmth and the ability to easily build rapport with others

Desirable

• Tertiary qualification or relevant work experience in Social Work, Community Development, Fundraising or Grant Management
• Proficiency with digital grant management platforms, office administration and digital communication tools
• Knowledge of government or philanthropic funding structures

This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with a long history of helping individuals and communities through charitable works and financial support. As part of a small team, you will play an important role in creating stronger Victorian communities. We offer a values-led and supportive workplace culture, professional development, and a flexible work structure with a 0.8 part-time role.