Sustainable Fundraising Specialist

Our organisation is dedicated to restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and creating lasting environmental and social benefits through large-scale forest restoration projects and urban pocket forests.

We positively impact Australia's climate and natural environment by measurably improving the condition of Australia's natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and native vegetation at scale.

This newly created leadership role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies focused on major donors, foundation relationships, and legacy giving.

This position plays a critical role in diversifying our funding base and securing sustainable revenue streams to support our leading Regional Restoration and Community Pocket Forest Programs.

• Major Donor Development Program:
  • Develop a high net worth strategy
  • Create compelling cases for support that highlight comprehensive nature, carbon, and community impacts
  • Design and manage a cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship program for major donors ($50,000+ gifts)
  • Organise site visits to showcase successful restoration projects and community pocket forests
  • Maintain a personal portfolio of 30-50 major donor prospects and current supporters
• Foundation Relations and Granting Strategy:
  • Research and map private foundations, including Private Ancillary Funds
  • Identify alignment between our Regional Restoration and Community Pocket Forest programs with large foundation priorities
  • Develop compelling proposals for targeted foundations emphasising biodiversity and community outcomes
  • Build relationships with foundation program officers
  • Support development of blended finance approaches combining philanthropy with impact investment
• Legacy Giving Program:
  • Oversee and grow the existing Legacy Circle program for bequest donors
  • Develop regular touchpoints and recognition opportunities for legacy supporters
  • Partner with legal and financial advisors to facilitate planned giving
  • Create dedicated marketing materials and implement a bequest confirmer program

Required Skills and Experience:

• 5 or more years of experience in fundraising with demonstrated success in major gift solicitation and partnerships
• Proven track record of securing six-figure gifts and/or corporate partnerships in timely manner
• Experience developing and implementing major donor cultivation strategies with measurable outcomes
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills with ability to engage C-suite executives and high-net-worth individuals
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Understanding of the Australian philanthropic landscape, including Private Ancillary Funds and foundation sector
• Experience with legacy/planned giving programs and bequest development
• Proficiency with CRM systems and donor databases for pipeline management
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail for impact measurement and reporting
• Ability to translate complex environmental concepts into compelling donor propositions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in environmental or conservation fundraising, particularly restoration projects
• Understanding of corporate sustainability, ESG frameworks, and nature-based solutions
• Experience with impact measurement and reporting frameworks
• Familiarity with ACCU schemes or similar environmental markets
• FIA certification or equivalent fundraising credentials
• Experience working with boards and high-profile stakeholders in fundraising capacity
• Understanding of Indigenous engagement principles and Traditional Owner partnerships
• Experience with blended finance or impact investment approaches
• Passion for environmental conservation and climate action
• Strategic thinker with ability to see long-term potential in relationships
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity in emerging markets
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to donor-centred fundraising
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively across departments and with board members
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and transparently
• Ability to work in a small team environment with multiple priorities and resource constraints

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position based in Melbourne (Sydney also an option)
• Regular travel required to meet with donors, visit inter-state project sites and occasionally head office in Perth (approximately 10%)
• Some evening and weekend work required for donor events
• Flexible working arrangements available

Reporting Relationship:

This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the Board of Directors and Community Giving Manager on major fundraising initiatives.

Compensation and Investment:

Salary: $110-140k, depending on experience.