Philanthropy Officer

Philanthropy Officer VIC/TAS - Catholic Mission

This is a wonderful opportunity to join the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia, which supports children, communities and church leaders both in Australia and overseas.

• Full-time role based remotely in Melbourne, offering hybrid work opportunities
• Warm, values-driven culture with a supportive and experienced management
• Make a significant impact by engaging people in this inspiring work

Impact of the organisation

Catholic Mission (CM) is the Pope's international mission agency in Australia, an organisation that partners with communities around the world, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education and faith formation and being an active voice for human rights. CM contributes funding and provides project support to critical church-run initiatives in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America, as well as remote dioceses within Australia.

Impact you will have in this role

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about driving positive change by fostering generosity through philanthropy.

It is a well-suited role for individuals with experience in Major Gifts, Gifts in Wills, or those from a sales/relationship management background who excel in building, nurturing and maintaining relationships. The ideal candidate will value partnerships, thrive on collaboration, and bring a creative approach to their work.

Your main focus will be to build strong relationships with new and existing supporters, aiming to grow Catholic Mission's income from major gifts and bequests while aligning with the organisation's core values.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for identifying, nurturing, and growing donor relations from mid-level donors to major givers through to confirmed bequestors
• Work with the Philanthropy Manager and the Province Director, and other stakeholders to drive engagement with major donors and bequestors within Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia
• Nurture high-value donors and gift in will supporters, ensuring long-term interest in Catholic Mission and continued support of the vision
• Provide guidance and support to VIC/TAS Diocesan Directors and collaborate with other staff to deliver the Major Gifts and Gifts in Wills programs
• Secure major gifts from individuals, corporates, and parishes
• Actively grow the number of supporters through managing and nurturing existing relationships, as well as identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new relationships
• Implement an annual calendar of strategic engagement activities to grow your donor base and drive income, including stewardship and engagement events and giving circles
• Lead on donor care activities across the donor base to include visits, calls, events, and letters to nurture key donor relationships and provide opportunities to meaningfully connect with donors, bequestors, and prospects
• Manage communication to donors that enhances engagement and commitment, including annual reports, proposals, updates and personal stewardship communication
• Provide guidance and support to the Province Director of VIC/TAS and the other VIC Diocesan Directors to help ensure that they are equipped to successfully support the growth of the major gifts and bequests strategies in their dioceses
• Contribute to annual strategic planning, budgeting, and related organisational activities

Skills and Experience

• Understanding of and commitment to Catholic principles, values and global mission
• A background in major gifts/bequest fundraising or relevant experience in commercial sales/relationship development roles
• Experience and proven success in personally increasing major gift donations or bequest support OR equivalent experience in a comparative role in the corporate sector within high value sales
• Proven success and experience in a high-touch relationship development position, working closely with stakeholders to meet mutually beneficial outcomes
• Strong relationship management experience and the desire to build trusted and long-term connections with supporters on varying levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to listen and engage and strong attention to detail
• Self-directed and motivated with a determined approach and a background in exceeding financial targets
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including an ability to establish rapport with donors, potential donors, bequestors, business executives and accomplished entrepreneurs, in addition to senior church leaders
• High level of efficiency, accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in relation to time management, multi-tasking, prioritising tasks
• High level of competency in use of computer applications such as MS-suite of products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), use of email, use of databases
• Ability to travel across Victoria / Tasmania and South Australia Dioceses with access to a personal vehicle and up to date driver's licence
• Understanding and appreciation of the role of the Catholic Church in mission

Applications

Please apply by uploading your resume. 

Please direct all enquiries to Kristina Lesko at Impact Advising on

Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are a representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and cultural background. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in workforces.