Senior Philanthropy Executive

About Us

Australian Democracy Network is a young, dynamic campaign organisation dedicated to creating a healthy Australian democracy that puts people and the planet first. We bring people and organisations together to campaign for the changes that make our democracy more fair, open, transparent and accountable.

We believe that a healthy democracy is the key to better outcomes on all the most important challenges we face, from public health to the climate crisis. We need the collective power of broad, diverse civil society alliances working together to win structural reforms that change the whole system.

The Role

The Senior Philanthropy Executive is responsible for creating, nurturing, and enhancing relationships with ADN's major donors, trusts, foundations and philanthropic funders.

This role will lead ADN's major gift fundraising by identifying, acquiring, cultivating, and soliciting donations (minimum $10,000) from individuals, Private Ancillary Funds, foundations, and aligned philanthropic partners. The funds raised will directly power ADN's efforts to protect and expand Australia's democratic infrastructure and win system-level reforms.

You will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Development Coordinator to deliver a relationship-based fundraising program that reflects ADN's values and strategic goals.

This is a unique opportunity to help build something significant. You'll be joining a mission-driven organisation with national influence, high credibility, and a clear theory of change - ready to scale, and looking for a fundraising leader who can match that ambition.

You will be supported by a Development Coordinator and work closely with the Executive Director, General Manager, and campaign leads.

Salary (FTE): $ $128,590 +  super

Status:

Permanent

Key responsibilities

• Secure significant financial gifts (minimum of $10,000) by managing, retaining, and growing a portfolio of major donors and funders.
• Identify and cultivate new major gift prospects, including individuals, foundations, and aligned networks.
• Develop and implement a donor acquisition and growth strategy, with a focus on Australian philanthropists and values-aligned funders.
• Lead the development of bespoke major gift proposals, stewardship reports, and grant applications, ensuring high-quality submissions in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Manage funder relationships for trusts and foundations, ensuring compliance with requirements and delivering timely, accurate acquittals and reports.
• Maintain a consistent schedule of donor engagement activities, including a minimum of three meaningful donor or prospect meetings per week.
• Host and coordinate occasional donor cultivation events, salons, or small gatherings with support from the Development Coordinator.
• Contribute to the evolution of ADN's donor journey strategy and fundraising communications.
• Uphold best practices in fundraising ethics and transparency in line with the FIA Code of Conduct.
• Other duties as requested by the Executive Director to support ADN's fundraising growth and impact.

Key selection criteria

1. Demonstrated success in growing major gift income and managing high-value donor relationships, preferably within advocacy, policy, or systems-change organisations.
2. Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, including the ability to secure five- or six-figure gifts and steward long-term donor partnerships.
3. A self-starter with a track record of building and managing a donor pipeline, developing strategy, and delivering results independently.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create persuasive cases for support tailored to different funder interests.
5. Experience cultivating philanthropic support for complex or dynamic causes such as policy reform, climate justice, democracy, or human rights.
6. A passion for ADN's mission and a commitment to ethical, values-aligned fundraising.
7. Ability to travel for donor meetings and events (interstate travel required).
8. Membership in Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) or CFRE certification is desirable but not essential.