Job description

This role is open to candidates based anywhere in Australia, with occasional travel to ACF’s Melbourne office required.

• Deliver best-practice philanthropy and tailored grantmaking support
• 0.6 FTE, 12-month contract (potential ongoing), hybrid and flexible
• Generous leave: 4 weeks annual + 6 wellbeing days annually, volunteering leave, community connection day

Are you a relationship-driven grantmaker who loves supporting effective giving?

Do you thrive on helping donors and clients make impactful giving decisions?

Are you skilled at managing grant processes, providing tailored philanthropic advice, and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders?

If you’re energised by helping people give well and strengthening communities, this could be the perfect fit.

About Us

Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) is a non-profit, intermediary and charitable foundation working with hundreds of everyday philanthropists to support structured giving. We are currently home to more than 730 Funds and Foundations led by families, individuals, giving groups, and organisations, who together distributed $30 million last year to communities across Australia.

Our purpose is to empower a vibrant community of philanthropists and unlock funds for a thriving and inclusive Australia.

The Opportunity

The Philanthropy & Grantmaking Manager plays a central role in delivering high-quality service to Australian Communities Foundation’s giving community. You’ll steward a portfolio of Funds, support donors on their giving journey, and administer end-to-end grantmaking processes with accuracy, care, and best‑practice standards.

In parallel, you’ll help deliver bespoke philanthropic services for ACF Advisory clients, including designing grant rounds, conducting research, facilitating selection processes, and supporting tailored philanthropic strategies.

Working within a collaborative Philanthropy Team, you’ll be a trusted guide for donors, a thoughtful partner to community organisations, and a key contributor to ACF’s work in supporting effective giving for a thriving and inclusive Australia.

About You

You’re detail-oriented, responsive, and relationship-driven, with a genuine commitment to the not-for-profit and philanthropy sector.

You bring experience in best-practice grantmaking — designing processes, administering grants, conducting due diligence, and supporting stakeholders with professionalism and care. You’re confident researching issues and organisations, communicating with clarity, and helping donors and clients articulate their giving goals.

You’re also organised, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple workflows. Whether coordinating approvals, facilitating meetings, or delivering bespoke advice, you take ownership, solve problems, and ensure a positive experience for everyone you support.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Management (20%):

• Manage the effective implementation and evolution of the end-to-end grantmaking and approval process at ACF as required in line with standard operational procedures and ensure all are completed within agreed timeframes. Prepare paperwork and manage the fortnightly grant approval process.

Donor Journey and Tailored Advice (35%):

• Provide a seamless and positive experience for Fund Advisors by responding to enquiries with efficiency, professionalism, and kindness, escalating or delegating when appropriate and acting as a Fund Steward for allocated Funds.
• This includes building trusted relationships, ensuring all communication represents ACF in line with the ACF Code of Conduct and Lead expectations, and delivering tailored philanthropic advice grounded in rigorous research, best‑practice standards, regulatory requirements, and each Fund Advisor’s brief and values.
• Success is demonstrated through progress toward team goals and positive feedback from donors and the Lead, while also supporting the Lead, Philanthropy & Community, in delivering best‑practice initiatives aligned with the broader ACF Strategy.

ACF Advisory (35%):

• Provide granting and philanthropic services to ACF Advisory Clients, including designing and delivering bespoke grant rounds and providing bespoke philanthropic advice for private foundations and other relevant services as required.
• Work collaboratively with the Philanthropy Team to provide grant round design and delivery in line with the scope of work. Positive completion of the process to brief, budget, time, and client and Lead satisfaction.

Team Support (10%):

• Provide oversight and mentor junior members, participate in ACF and sector events, team planning, and other tasks as required.

Benefits and Culture

• Paid well-being leave - one day a month just for you (up to 10 days/year pro rata).
• Hybrid and flexible work environment - WFH up to 2 days/week pro rata.
• Commitment to best-practice Diversity & Inclusion and Reconciliation.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• East Melbourne co-working hub with regular social events.

Equity and Inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive, safe, respectful and rewarding environment. We welcome people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Enquiries

For any queries regarding this role, please contact Gabby Lam via phone: 03 9412 0412 or email  [email protected] using the subject line: Philanthropy and Grantmaking Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Apply Now

If you’re passionate about delivering high-quality service for effective grantmaking, we’d love to hear from you.

For your application to be considered, please click 'Apply Now' and submit (1) your CV, and (2) a cover letter addressing the skills and experience required and respond to the pre-screening questions via the job board selected.

• Before applying, please review the position description at communityfoundation.org.au/careers - or see attached below.
• You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or have permanent residency.
• All applications must be lodged prior to 5PM AEDT on the closing date.

Applications may close early if we find a suitable candidate - so don't delay! Submit your cover letter and resume today.