Trusts and Foundations Manager

• Full-time role at a globally ranked, purpose-led university
• Flexibility: hybrid working arrangement with role based at Melbourne campus
• Competitive HEW 8 salary with 17% superannuation

Are you a strategic relationship-builder with a passion for purpose-driven philanthropy? We're proud to be partnering with Australian Catholic University (ACU) - a globally ranked institution committed to the common good - to recruit a talented and mission-aligned professional to take the lead on ACU's Trusts and Foundations program.

About the Organisation

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a national university and a global leader in values-based education and research. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and one of the top 10 Catholic universities globally, ACU is known for its commitment to human dignity, ethics, and social justice. With campuses across Australia, a campus in Rome, and a thriving online presence, ACU is educating graduates who go on to make a real difference.

The Advancement and Alumni unit plays a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support and engaging a passionate alumni and donor community to deliver strategic benefits across ACU's faculties and research institutes.

Please see the below video to find out more about the Melbourne campus:

The Role - Manager, Trusts and Foundations

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take the lead on and build ACU's Trusts and Foundations program. As Manager, Trusts and Foundations, you will lead the development and implementation of a national strategy to secure philanthropic funding from both Public and Private Ancillary Funds (PuAFs and PAFs). You'll manage a diverse portfolio of funders and intermediaries - crafting compelling proposals, deepening strategic relationships, and stewarding major gifts aligned to ACU's mission and strategic plan, Vision

You will work collaboratively across academic and professional teams to match funding opportunities with institutional priorities, ensuring a high standard of donor engagement, reporting, and accountability.

What Awaits You:

• Lead ACU's Trusts and Foundations program, including systems, strategy, and engagement plans.
• Cultivate and manage a national portfolio of philanthropic partners and intermediary funders.
• Develop high-quality proposals that align with funder priorities and ACU's mission.
• Coordinate the full donor lifecycle, from cultivation to acquittal and reporting.
• Represent ACU at events, meetings, and immersion experiences to strengthen partner relationships.
• Leverage data, sector trends, and internal insights to identify new funding opportunities.
• Ensure timely and accurate use of the GEM Portal (ACU's granting and reporting system).

Your Skills and Attributes:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (philanthropy, communications, business), and/or equivalent experience in development and donor relations.
• Minimum 3 - 5 years' experience working in the specialised area of Trusts and Foundations fundraising.
• Proven success in writing and managing successful grant submissions.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with high-net-worth individuals, intermediaries, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities under pressure.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and granting databases; GEM Portal experience highly regarded.
• A values-aligned approach with commitment to ACU's mission and social impact.

What's in it for you?

• Salary and Benefits: Enjoy a competitive HEW 8 salary ($116,706 - $130,478), plus 17% employer superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Flexible Work Options: A hybrid working model offers flexibility to balance work and life.
• Professional Development: ACU invests in the growth of its people, offering ongoing training and clear pathways for career progression.
• Family and Lifestyle Support: Access to employee wellbeing programs, generous leave provisions, and initiatives that support holistic wellbeing.
• Extra Leave Opportunities: Benefit from additional leave schemes and the opportunity to contribute to mission-based initiatives.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Join a values-led organisation making a tangible difference in communities locally and globally.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this role submit an up-to-date resume. You can send this through the 'Apply' option. If you require further information, please contact Finlay Andrewartha at  Alma Raheem at for a confidential discussion.

Applications will be reviewed, and candidates progressed regularly so please apply as soon as possible.

At Beaumont People, we believe a diverse workplace is a happy workplace, and we love working with organisations that feel the same way.  We encourage applications from people of all different backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from CALD backgrounds, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable accommodation to be made for your application to be assessed we would be more than happy to discuss how that can be arranged.

Applications will close on 3rd October 2025.