Community Engagement Manager

Opportunity to work at a highly regarded independent school in Brighton
- Manage community, philanthropy, community events and alumni relations

Firbank is seeking a highly capable Community Engagement Manager to guide and oversee our School's engagement to community, philanthropy, donor engagement and alumni relations.

The Community Engagement Manager’s prime purpose is to advance Firbank Grammar School by building and nurturing meaningful relationships with the School’s community, including alumni, donors, parents, and other stakeholders. The Community Engagement Manager will foster a culture of giving that supports the School’s long-term success.

**Base Salary**: $100 - 120k p/a (full time equivalent), dependent on experience and qualifications.

Application close on **March 17th, 2025**.

**Key Responsibilities**:
Community and Alumni Engagement:

- Lead the development and implementation of community engagement strategies designed to build strong, enduring relationships with all audiences within the Firbank Grammar community.
- Advise the Principal on matters relating to community engagement and fundraising, ensuring a cohesive and strategic approach to stakeholder relations.
- Develop and lead an alumni relations strategy that aligns with the School’s broader strategic objectives and fosters lifelong connections with alumni.
- Investigate and pursue commercial sponsorship opportunities for school activities.

Philanthropy:

- Foster a culture of philanthropy by developing and implementing strategies that encourage alumni, parents, and other stakeholders to contribute to the School’s growth.
- Manage all fundraising activities, including annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, scholarship funding and donor stewardship initiatives.
- Create and implement donor stewardship and recognition plans to ensure donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their contributions. Identify and cultivate donor relations.

Staff Management:

- This position has one direct report: Alumni Manager.
- Develop and maintain an effective team that works collegially and collaboratively. Conduct staff appraisals, resolve performance or relationship issues that arise, and develop and manage the annual Development budget.

Archives:

- Provide leadership and support to promote the history and heritage of the School.
- Oversee the School’s Archives ensuring adherence to current archival standards, and the Australian Society of Archivists ethical guidelines.

**Key attributes**:

- Outstanding interpersonal skills to build relationships with key stakeholders.
- Personal sense of initiative, enthusiasm and high energy.
- Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Capability to work independently.
- Outstanding organisational skills, planning, analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and occasional weekends.
- Capacity to work effectively in a high-pressure environment.
- Commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement.

**Qualifications and experience**:

- Appropriate tertiary qualifications or relevant experience in community engagement.
- Experience with social media and digital communications.
- Experience with reporting to and preparing reports for a board.
- Advanced skills in the full suite of MS Office and an ability to learn and develop skills in software applicable to the position requirements.
- Relevant experience in an educational or not-for-profit entity in a similar role is highly desirable.
- Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain).
- First Aid & CPR certificate are desirable (annual refresher course provided by the school).
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**About Firbank Grammar School**
For more than 110 years Firbank Grammar has been at the forefront of teaching and learning, providing exceptional education and outstanding opportunities to its students. We offer world-class learning programs, activities and facilities to give our students the very best launchpad into the future.
As a leading independent school in Melbourne, our students consistently achieve academically and in their co-curricular pursuits and are a part of a vibrant community that supports excellence.
Firbank Grammar School is committed to ensure all relevant Child Protection and Safety laws, Ministerial Orders, regulations and standards in Victoria are upheld.

**Why join Firbank?**
- Inclusive and supportive culture.
- Opportunity to work in a highly regarded independent school in Brighton.
- Access to professional development opportunities.
- Onsite cafe with barista-quality coffee and delicious meals and snacks.
- Use of swimming pool facilities.
- Salaries and packages paid well above Award level.
- Close proximity to public transport.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to you and your immediate family.
- Paid parental and partner leave schemes.
- Staff social groups and events.
- Staff discounts for