Philanthropy Specialist

• Do you want to do work that really matters? Help us end avoidable blindness
• Full time, Permanent role based in Melbourne (Flexible work from home arrangements available)
• Closing Date: Wednesday the 1st of October 2025

ABOUT THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION

The Foundation is an international development organisation working to prevent blindness and restore sight. We continue to carry on the legacy of Professor Fred Hollows, who believed every person had the right to quality eye care, no matter where they live. The Foundation has grown to work in more than 25 countries throughout Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, as well as Australia. The Foundation has restored sight to more than 3 million people worldwide. We have an ambitious five-year strategic plan that aims to take us even closer to realising our vision of a world in which no person is needlessly blind, or vision impaired and Indigenous Australians exercise their right to sight and good health.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Philanthropy Specialist will support the development and delivery of donor relationships, engagement and income generation through High-Net-Worth-Individuals (HNWIs), Trusts and Foundations, Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) and Public Ancillary funds (PuAFS); to create a positive impact in the communities we work in towards ending avoidable blindness and preventing vision loss.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Philanthropy Strategy Execution
  : Work closely with Philanthropy team to help develop and implement the philanthropic strategy of The Foundation, contributing to donor engagement, pipeline development, and income growth, with a focus on campaign donors.
• Portfolio Management & Donor Engagement:
  Proactively manage and grow a portfolio of philanthropic donors secured through appeals, campaigns, and bespoke pitch materials—including high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), Trusts & Foundations (T&Fs), Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs), and Public Ancillary Funds (PuAFs). Manage engagement and solicitation activities to contribute to mutually rewarding partnerships and deliver financial outcomes.
• Stewardship and Relationship Building:
  Build strong, value-aligned, exceptional partnerships with existing philanthropic partners/supporters by deeply understand their needs and aspirations and connecting to impact and the Foundation's mission.
• Insights into Philanthropic Trends:
  Bring deeper understanding and knowledge on the philanthropic trends, donor motivations and aspirations, and champion their philanthropic journey within the Foundation.
• Internal Collaboration and Campaign Integration:
  Collaborate closely with the broader organisation including within the Campaign/Global Philanthropy team Individual Giving teams, Marketing and Programs to strengthen The Foundation's offering and stewardship activities. (e.g.: fundraising initiatives and campaigns, special event activities, donor visit coordination).

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• At least 2 years of experience in fundraising including HNW giving.
• An understanding of the PAFs and T&F landscape.
• Exposure to engaging T&F and major donor relationships that support income generating outcomes.
• Experience supporting stakeholder engagement stakeholders through multi-year funding campaigns.
• Experience working for profit and not for profit sector.
• Passionate about eye health outcomes and experience fundraising in the health sector.
• Working knowledge and understanding of CRM systems including Raiser\s Edge.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and tight timeframes.
• A logical thinker, a collaborative team player and able to turn complex content into simple clear messages, pitch documents and proposals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to engage and build rapport with stakeholders.

How we recognise your contribution

Through our internal programs and employee benefits we aim to create an environment where you will feel supported and empowered. Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or finding an environment which enables you to thrive while balancing family or personal commitments, we have a range of programs in place to support you. Including:

• Generous salary packaging, we provide access to not-for-profit salary packaging options, which will increase your take home pay.
• Flexible work environment, we focus on output, not hours and enable you to prioritise your health and wellbeing
• Generous leave allowances
• Ongoing commitment to your continuous learning and career development, through tailored leadership and professional development programs, and focused development conversations.

To find out more about our benefits click here

APPLICATIONS

Please apply directly using the "Apply" button. Your application should include a CV and, preferably, a cover letter that outlines your interest in the role and addresses the key criteria listed in the "Key Responsibilities", and "What you need to succeed" sections of the advertisement.

Applications Close:
Sunday the 31st of August 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to protecting the rights of children and community partners in all areas where we work. Applicants are advised that The Foundation reserves the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure we maintain and promote a child safe environment.

Please note: We will not be accepting CVs via agencies for this role.