• Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria
  
• Melbourne VIC (St Kilda Road)
  
• Part-time (0.6 FTE, 22.8 hours per week)
  
• Contract until 30 June 2027

About us

COTA Victoria is the leading not-for-profit representing the rights and interests of people aged 50+ in Victoria. For nearly 70 years, we’ve championed positive ageing and worked to ensure older people are respected, heard and able to fully participate in community life.

We see ageing as a time of opportunity, contribution and connection—not a problem to be solved. Our work amplifies the voices of older people and helps build a society that values their experience, wisdom and creativity.

About the role

This is a newly focused role supporting the CEO to strengthen and grow COTA Victoria’s funding base and partnerships.

As Business Development Specialist, you’ll identify and secure new funding opportunities, build strong partnerships, and help shape how we approach grants, submissions and corporate collaboration across the organisation.

You will work closely with teams across the organisation—including Seniors Rights Victoria—to develop compelling proposals that align with our strategic priorities and create real impact for older Victorians.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development of grant processes, systems and partnership approaches
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities across government, corporate and philanthropic sectors
• Develop high-quality grant proposals, tenders and submissions
• Build and manage relationships with corporate partners and funders
• Maintain oversight of funding pipelines and track engagement activities
• Collaborate with internal teams to shape projects and funding concepts
• Provide guidance and editing support for grant writing across the organisation
• Support the CEO with governance and reporting related to funding

About you

You’re a proactive and strategic thinker with strong writing skills and a passion for purpose-driven work.

Essential Experience

• Experience in the not-for-profit sector and/or securing funding and grants
• Understanding of funding landscapes across government, corporate and philanthropic sector

Skills and Capabilities

• Strong grant writing and proposal development skills
• Ability to translate ideas into compelling, fundable projects
• Excellent written communication and plain English writing
• Strong organisation and project coordination skills
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Familiarity with CRM systems and/or tracking funding pipelines
• Knowledge of evaluation and impact measurement is desirable

Personal Qualities

• Values-driven and aligned with COTA Victoria’s mission
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Creative, solutions-focused and detail-oriented
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Additional information

• Location: St Kilda Road, Melbourne
• Reports to: CEO
• Classification: SCHADS Award – Community Development Worker Level 7
• Employment subject to police check and relevant screening requirements
• Victorian driver’s licence required

Full Position Description is attached.