Foundation and Field Development Lead

Foundation and Field Development Lead

Community Foundations Australia

Job description
Are you a natural RELATIONSHIP AND NETWORK builder?

We're looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, cares deeply about relationships and knows how to support a field catalysation. If you're excited by building a national network of community-led change, this role is for you.

THE ORGANISATION

Community foundations in Australia have entered a period of sustained growth – in reach, scope and depth – and represent one of the most important system-change opportunities in the community context. This is especially relevant among communities experiencing economic disruption and persistent disadvantage given that, by and large, Australia has seen a decline in community-led governance of local capital for community-determined purposes.

Our shared project at Community Foundations Australia aims to fundamentally address this situation through ongoing reform and policy change, community processes and citizen participation, and development of foundations and fund structures within enabling networks and ecosystems at the community level. If we are successful as a field catalyst, Australia will see the emergence of a network of durable community foundations and associated community funds with a growing commitment to community wellbeing, fairness and equity.

BENEFITS AND CULTURE

• Pioneering field catalyst model of support for community foundations network
• Small, agile and national team committed to work/life balance and team wellbeing
• Travel opportunities

THE ROLE

The Foundation and Field Development Lead role has a field building focus, working on the growth and enhancement of community foundation capabilities (emergent and existing).

The role is responsible for leading the coordination of support for emerging community foundations and growth of existing community foundations.

This role requires a combination of relational, strategic thinking, project management, and teamwork skills to grow and strengthen the community foundation network in Australia.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The key accountabilities of the Foundation and Field Development Lead role are:

1. Field Catalysation

This role will contribute to CF Australia's field catalysation work by:

• Implementation of Strategies – Contribute to the design and coordination of CF Australia strategies to stimulate and advance community foundation growth and development across diverse regions, prioritising community-led approaches.
• Network and relationship building - Cultivate and maintain relationships with emerging foundations and member foundations to enhance field engagement and collaboration.
• Participatory learning and analysis – Mobilise knowledge, as well as monitor trends and emerging issues in philanthropy and community development to inform field development initiatives.
• Capability building – Build readiness and network approaches to support new and existing community foundations and like-organisations through resource mobilisation, collective action, and skill building.

2. Foundation development

• Foundation support and guidance – Provide support to existing and emerging community foundations on best practices, governance, and agile planning.

• Resource development - Collaborate in identifying and mobilising resources of all kinds in support of community foundations and their collective initiatives.

• Training and development - Collaborate, and contribute to the design and rollout of training programs to build the skills and knowledge of community foundation staff and boards, including the leadership of the ongoing series of events, forums, and gatherings in Australia and abroad.

• Developmental evaluation and improvement - Contribute to assessing the effectiveness and foster learning across community foundations and their cooperative approaches.

3. CF Australia organisational operations and growth, including international network support

• Field work operations - Support, coordinate or manage operational aspects of CF Australia's "field work" where required.

• International guest hosting - There is a range of international visitors coming to Australia over the coming 12-18 months. There is an opportunity to advance community-led philanthropy through innovation, collaboration, learning, and action. This role will provide support to individuals and organisations that we "host" including logistics, coordination of diaries and events.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum two years' experience in a community foundation, community philanthropy or relevant experience in the not-for-profit sector.
• Centre relationships and trust-building: experience in community network building and relationship development.
• Understanding of community foundations: a sound understanding of the practices, approaches and operations of community foundation growth and development.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and a commitment to equity and justice.
• Strong interpersonal skills: relationship-building, listening, convening and mediating diverse perspectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to self-manage in a remote working context.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Experience working with digital tools and platforms (e.g. WhatsApp, Miro).

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passionate about community development and philanthropy.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and a dynamic environment.
• Self-starter that embraces a mix of independent leadership and working with others.

APPLY NOW

If you have a passion for growing community-led change, we encourage you to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter responding to the 'skills and experience' section above.

For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Dylan Smith via email at using the subject line: Foundation and Field Development Lead.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Community Foundations Australia is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to the well being of its team of staff and volunteers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

---