PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

As the Philanthropy Specialist, you build and sustain meaningful relationships with high-value donors and prospects, connecting them to the power and impact of Amnesty International's work for human rights. You are responsible for developing and implementing major donor fundraising strategies, i.e. cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high-net-worth individuals, foundations and trusts to achieve agreed annual income targets. This includes managing major donor events and creating compelling, targeted fundraising pitches and products. Working closely with relevant teams, you take ownership of planning and executing both annual and long-term fundraising strategies, including setting detailed budget and income targets, to resource the vital work of Amnesty International Australia and the broader global movement.

KEY DUTIES

• Research, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donor, prospects and existing supporters.
• Represent Amnesty’s work to donors and prospects with diverse interests, securing major gifts and long-term support.
• Develop compelling cases for support and donor engagement materials.
• Create and deliver donor communications across a range of channels.
• Plan and deliver strategic donor meetings, events, and engagement activities, both in-person and online.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure values-aligned corporate partnerships.
• Re-introduce and test community fundraising initiatives, including managing external fundraising agencies.
• Maintain accurate donor records, ensure data quality, impactful data analysis and interpretation
• Process gifts and manage acknowledgements in compliance with Australian tax requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop major gift opportunities, donor reporting, and stewardship plans aligned with organisational priorities.
• Support the broader Philanthropy Team and collaborate across AI Australia and the International Secretariat to secure funding and other forms of support.
• Identify and coordinate engagement opportunities for the National Director, Campaigners, and Board members to advance major donor relationships.
• Undertake other duties within the scope of the role as required.

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE

• Solid understanding of the Australian philanthropic, corporate and community fundraising landscape.
• Experience in a similar role in a not-for-profit organisation.
• Relevant higher education degree.
• Proven track record in securing major gifts from high-value donors, supporters, and corporate partners.
• Familiarity with human rights issues and social change methods and tactics.
• Sound experience developing fundraising strategies, managing gift pipelines, and achieving revenue targets.
• Track record in Project Management and experienced with planning tools
• Demonstrated analytical skill and proficiency in donor databases and data management.
• Track record in successful proposal writing  
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights, social justice, and international issues.

DESIRABLE

• Demonstrated experience in or commitment to working with rights holders.

Skills

• Exceptional communicator and stakeholder manager, seamlessly adjusting to people from different backgrounds
• Excellent and inspirational presenter across different audiences and channels
• Results-driven, confidently navigating the Human Rights space and making the ask
• Creative, proactive, and resourceful with a solution mind-set
• Strong planning and multitasking, remaining effective under pressure
• Team player, supporting others to be successful

DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

AIA is committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates with a disability or other access needs during the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment and interview process, please email us at [email protected] using the subject line: Philanthropy Specialist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

AI Australia is committed to equal opportunities in all areas of our work, community and partner relationships. We want people to achieve their full potential, which will positively impact on our work and the communities in which we operate. At AI Australia, our values empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment. We have a global, multicultural following and want to actively contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive team at AI Australia.

We are committed to equal opportunities in all areas of our work, community and partner relationships. We want people to achieve their full potential, which will positively impact on our work and the communities in which we operate. At AI Australia, our values empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment. We are a movement of people from all walks of life around the world. We intend to actively contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive team.

Do you want to know more about Amnesty International Australia?

We are an independent, global movement that campaigns courageously for human rights for everyone. We’re ordinary people from all walks of life, using our passion and commitment to bring torturers to justice, change oppressive laws and free people imprisoned just for voicing their opinion.

We’re independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion to ensure we can speak out on human rights abuses wherever they occur.

We stand for equality, justice, freedom, and human dignity and uphold these values:

• Empowerment – we build people power
• Persistence – we are resolute in pursuit of our goals
• Integrity – we hold ourselves to the highest standards
• Courage – we are fearless in upholding human rights

Everyday we move closer to a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.

How to apply

Please click "Apply Now" and submit your application including a cover letter and explain how your experience has prepared you for this role.

We will review applications as they are submitted and the job ad might be closed earlier.