general manager growth and engagement

About the organisation

Uniting WA is a prominent organisation in the community services sector in Western Australia. Uniting plays a critical role in providing essential services and advocating for children, families, individuals with disabilities, individuals facing mental health difficulties, and people experiencing homelessness. With an annual revenue of nearly $60 million, Uniting WA employs over 500 individuals and possesses a diverse range of assets.

About the role

Uniting WA is looking for a passionate and experienced leader to join as General Manager of Growth and Engagement, playing a key role in enhancing the organisation's impact and reach.

Reporting directly to the Co-CEOs, this newly created role will lead the growth and engagement strategy, focusing on brand stewardship, stakeholder relationships, media and communications, government engagement and philanthropic fundraising. This is a hands-on leadership role where the incumbent will directly manage philanthropic funding relationships while providing strategic oversight across all engagement activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing comprehensive growth and engagement strategies aligned with the strategic plan
• Leading philanthropic fundraising efforts, including major donor relationship management and grant applications
• Overseeing brand management, media relations, and stakeholder engagement
• Building strong partnerships with government agencies, community organisations, and philanthropic donors
• Leading and mentoring a team of Senior Managers within growth and engagement
• Contributing to organisational strategic planning and executive decision-making

This role is vital to advancing the maturity and success of the Growth and Engagement function, especially in securing substantial philanthropic support.

About you

The successful candidate will be a capable leader with a passion for social justice and a proven track record in the for-purpose sector. You will bring strategic thinking, excellent relationship-building skills and substantial experience in philanthropic fundraising.

Essential requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in communications, business, public relations or related field
• Minimum 8 years progressive leadership experience (community services/NFP sector preferred)
• Extensive operational experience in philanthropic fundraising, including major gifts, grants and partnership development
• Proven success in developing and delivering engagement and partnership strategies
• Demonstrated expertise in brand management, stakeholder engagement, media relations and government/community engagement
• Experience working with executive leadership and diverse stakeholder groups
• Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving abilities
• Experience in coaching and supervision frameworks

What's on offer

At Uniting WA, you will be part of a values-driven team that tackles the root causes of vulnerability and disadvantage while advocating for a fair and just society.

The organisation offers:

• Opportunity to make meaningful social impact
• Competitive salary along with salary packaging benefits
• Car parking
• Motor vehicle allowance
• Supportive, values-driven workplace culture

This is a senior leadership opportunity to lead meaningful change and make a lasting difference in the community within a respected organisation.

For more information about this opportunity, a detailed Candidate Prospectus is available by emailing After reviewing the Prospectus, you can make further confidential telephone enquiries to Lester Blades' Partners, Tina Jackson, at

Applications may be made in Word format to quoting Reference
LB303292
. Please include a cover letter with your application outlining why you believe you have the skills, experience and achievements for this key position.

Applications will remain open until 4:00 pm AWST on Thursday, 4 September 2025.

Candidates' rights under the Privacy Act will be observed at all times.

Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia can be considered.

ABOUT LESTER BLADES

Lester Blades is a Western Australian owned executive search firm with local specialisation and international reach. We focus on uncompromising excellence in service to clients in the identification of Non-Executive Directors, CEO's and a range of other senior executive and functional leadership roles.