Senior Philanthropy Officer

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

We work with private landowners to protect our state's natural capital

• Senior Philanthropy Officer
• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Parramatta or other BCT office location by negotiation and availability
• Access to a range of flexible work arrangements including work from home in accordance with government requirements
• Salary ranges from $124,322 - $138,494 plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), as part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), has a new exciting opportunity for a Senior Philanthropy Officer to help drive philanthropic income for private land conservation.

About the role

This new role will join our philanthropy team to grow donations and bequests to support private land conservation in NSW.

Working under the direction of the Manager, Philanthropy, the role contributes to achieving fundraising targets, deepening donor engagement, and advancing the organisation's mission through effective relationship management, proposal development, and donor/bequestor communications.

• Maintain and nurture relationships with prospective and existing major donors and bequestors through regular engagement, communication, and stewardship activities.
• Support the development and delivery of the bequest program, including but not limited to coordinating promotional activities and tracking responses.
• Support the preparation of compelling funding proposals, grant applications, fundraising collateral and donor reports in collaboration.
• Conduct research to identify and qualify prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and trusts, and maintain accurate records in the donor database.

• Assist in planning and delivering donor engagement events, briefings, and activities to support relationship-building and recognition.

• Ensure donor records, interactions, and reporting requirements are accurately maintained in relevant systems.

• Assist in preparation of Executive, Committee and Board reports, and provide advice about probity and confidentiality requirements to internal stakeholders.

About you

You are a motivated and strategic fundraising professional with demonstrated experience in major gifts, and/or bequests. With strong relationship management skills, you are confident in building trust with a wide range of stakeholders including high-net-worth individuals, bequestors and charitable foundations.

You bring a track record of achieving fundraising targets through thoughtful cultivation, compelling proposals, and effective stewardship. You are skilled at identifying new opportunities, developing donor pipelines, and aligning supporter interests with organisational priorities.

You thrive in a team environment while also taking initiative and working independently to deliver results. Your communication skills, both written and verbal, are persuasive, donor-centric, and adaptable for different audiences.

Most importantly, you are passionate about making a meaningful difference to nature. You understand the power of philanthropy to drive lasting impact, and you are energised by the opportunity to connect donors with causes that protect our native plants and wildlife.

Essential requirements

• Demonstrated experience in supporting successful philanthropic programs, assisting with meeting and exceeding fundraising targets. With experience in soliciting major gifts and/or securing bequests
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, including high quality writing abilities in developing proposals and other communication materials
• Strong skills in building and maintaining manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including donors
• Proficient in project and time management with the ability to deliver on results across multiple projects with attention to detail

For more information on the role, read the Senior Philanthropy Officer role description.

Who we are

The Biodiversity Conservation Trust is a small, focussed agency with a clear statutory mission and functions. We manage over 2,500 existing long-term agreements with landholders by actively supporting them to protect biodiversity on their land, and we have funded strategies to grow private land conservation. We have an important statutory role as part of delivering conservation outcomes under the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.

We are a group of friendly and motivated staff delivering high-integrity biodiversity outcomes in NSW, under the direction of a strong statutory Board. A majority of staff are regionally based, and we value respectful, collaborative culture internally and with our stakeholders.

In our inclusive and accessible organisation and workplaces across the state, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. We support various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.

Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) and the BCT's private land conservation (PLC) programs[NH6]

The successful applicant for this role will be required to declare any conflict of interests related to the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, as defined in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Conflict of Interests Protocol. This ensures the department is made aware of potential conflicts of interest so they can be appropriately managed.

Where an applicant has a high-risk "defined interest" in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, they may be required to divest this interest before being employed by the department.

If you think you might have a conflict of interest related to the scheme, or you are unsure, please discuss this with the hiring manager.

The department is committed to protecting the public interest and public trust in the exercise of its functions. These values, together with transparency and accountability, are integral to the administration of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. For more information, please contact the hiring manager.

The BCT also has restrictions on staff participation in its funded PLC programs. No additional funding, beyond that already agreed to by the BCT, may be sought or approved during time as a BCT employee or for a 12-month period following termination of employment.

If you (or a close family member) participate in the BOS scheme or already hold a funded agreement with the BCT and require further information before submitting your application please contact the hiring manager.

What we can offer you

The BCT is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge. Here are some of our benefits:

• A great, friendly culture that cares about each other and the environment we work to protect
• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• A range of learning and development opportunities
• Hybrid, flexible work arrangements

To Apply

If you meet the criteria and are excited by this opportunity, please click 'Apply online' at the bottom of this job ad. Please include a copy of your resume and a cover letter expressing your interest, suitability for the role against the essential requirements, and location preference.

Applications close 11:55pm Thursday, 16th October 2025

Should you require additional information about the role please contact Nicky Hammond, Philanthropy Manager

A recruitment pool will be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Are you Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are looking for more information or assistance in applying?

We encourage you to reach out to us so we can connect you to our Aboriginal People and Culture team who can assist to:

• offer information about the role & help you apply
• make adjustments to the recruitment process
• offer information about the role and support networks

Alternatively read this application guide which has been developed so support Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in NSW understand employment benefits and how to apply for a role.

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