Senior Relationship Manager, Philanthropy

Senior Relationship Manager, Philanthropy - WWF Australia

Bring your exceptional business development and relationship management skills to one of Australia's most respected environmental organisations to help drive the future of conservation.

• Full-time | Flexible Location (Sydney or Melbourne preferred) | Hybrid Working Options
• Focus on acquisition to build new connections and grow WWF's major donor base, supporting nationwide efforts to grow environmental giving in Australia.
• Secure 5- and 6-figure philanthropic gifts that will directly contribute to WWF's ambitious goals, including biodiversity conservation, empowering communities, and addressing climate change.

Impact of the organisation

WWF-Australia has been a powerful advocate for nature and communities for over 60 years.

Their mission is to create a world where people live and prosper in harmony with nature by leveraging their expertise in biodiversity conservation, empowering communities, and addressing climate change across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

With a focus on inclusive conservation, they aim to regenerate our Sky, Country, and Saltwater. This is your chance to play a significant part in driving impactful outcomes for people and planet.

Impact you will have

As a Senior Relationship Manager in the Philanthropy team, you will be at the forefront of WWF's mission to protect and restore nature. Your focus will be on acquiring new donors and expanding WWF's high-value donor base across Australia, by identifying new prospects and developing strong, long-lasting, fruitful relationships.

Your success in this role will be driven by a passion for the environment and an entrepreneurial spirit that sees you seek and secure new major gifts ($50k+), including through innovative donor engagement strategies.

You will work alongside other Relationship Managers within the Philanthropy team and collaborate closely with other WWF teams, including Regenerative Conservation, Stewardship and the CEO Office.  Together, you will drive positive, measurable impact for both WWF and its most generous supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively seek and develop relationships with high-net-worth individuals across Australia, driving growth in untapped areas.
• Manage and enhance existing relationships with key donors, securing major gifts to fund WWF's programs and ensuring long-term donor satisfaction and engagement.
• Develop clear and compelling proposals and project briefs that are aligned with both donor interests and WWF's strategic goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate donor stewardship into WWF's conservation initiatives, ensuring a seamless connection between donor engagement and mission impact.
• Work closely with the Senior Manager, Philanthropy, to develop and refine strategies for growing major gift income and integrate business development into the wider Philanthropy team processes.
• Maintain and update donor records in the CRM system, ensuring accurate tracking of interactions, donor histories, and gift progressions.
• Stay informed about emerging trends in environmental philanthropy and identify new opportunities for donor engagement.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in developing and nurturing relationships with high-net-worth individuals or major donors.
• Open to candidates with a commercial background who are passionate about translating that experience into meaningful philanthropy.
• Comfortable with new business acquisition and developing strategies to identify, engage, and convert new donors into long-term partners.
• Track record of exceeding revenue or engagement targets within the philanthropic or commercial sectors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to create engaging proposals and deliver compelling presentations.
• A solutions-oriented approach to developing creative, scalable donor engagement models. Familiarity with emerging technologies like AI and CRM tools is a plus.
• Skilled at building relationships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, and influencing decision-makers.
• Able to work independently while contributing to a team, managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• A genuine interest in environmental conservation and sustainable development, with the ability to convey WWF's mission and goals effectively to potential donors.

Applications 

Please apply by uploading your resume. 

Please direct all enquiries to Nadia Pachon,

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