First Step requires the services of a highly experienced and successful Fundraising Manager to oversee the planning and implementation of all fundraising programs (current and future) at First Step. Reporting to and collaborating with the CEO, the successful candidate in this new role will need to work independently across all areas with assistance and guidance from the CEO, as well as a small amount of support from another part-time staff member.

About us

First Step is a values-driven organisation working with some of the most vulnerable people in our community. We are currently a single-site organisation (St Kilda) with a uniquely multi-disciplinary treatment team that supports over 2,500 clients per annum with annual revenue of just over $2 million. A great many of First Step’s clients experienced childhoods of extreme neglect and abuse, and lives of ongoing disadvantage (homelessness, joblessness, incarceration etc). A willingness to engage with and talk about these broader issues of disadvantage is essential in this role. It is essential that the Fundraising Manager has enthusiasm for working with the broader staff group to continue to develop how we talk about this work, about the people we support and about what can be done to stabilise, support and empower them.

First Step is heavily involved in advocating to government and philanthropy for more and improved funding of multi-disciplinary hubs for vulnerable Australians, particularly as this relates to addiction and mental health. Fundraising communications are a key component of that advocacy work whilst also seeking directly to improve the financial sustainability of the organisation and create capacity for growth.

Key Responsibilities

In close collaboration with the CEO, the successful candidate will be required to take the lead and use initiative to:

• Develop strategy, goals and a plans for raising funds in-line with the broader First Step strategic plan (see Annual Report 2018-19 for an overview of the plan). Refine that plan to adopt fundraising strategies and campaigns that reflect the ideals of First Step.
• Contribute to the business planning processes of First Step which is working towards an appropriate balance of fee for services (Medicare and NDIS – no clients pay directly for services at First Step), government grants (Primary Health Network, State and Federal grants – responsibility of the CEO) and fundraising.
• Look to expand First Step’s current pool of one-off, monthly or yearly donors (including PAFs) by identifying and exploring donor pools.
• Personally handle VIP donors, trusts and foundations and corporate partners in collaboration with the CEO and First Step Legal manager. This includes major contributors with the potential to fund significant expansion of First Step’s operations.
• Collaborate with the manager of First Step Legal to maintain a mutually satisfactory and consistent message and approach, to avoid redundancy in fundraising efforts and to maximise the impact of all resources.
• Write grant proposals and seek endowment funds in collaboration with the CEO.
• Lead the development of collateral (written and visual) for fundraising and advocacy purposes.
• Plan and manage marketing efforts like direct mail campaigns.
• Manage First Step’s social media profile, website (with support) and contacts list.
• Plan fundraising events such as dinners, receptions, and parties.

Non-essential: The experience and ability to assist the CEO and First Step Legal manager when required with government stakeholder management (primarily state and federal) will be viewed favourably.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications

Relevant qualifications in fundraising.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in fundraising generally
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior roles of considerable responsibility in fundraising
• A proven track record of successful fundraising in the community or not-for-profit sector
• Confidence to speak publicly where necessary and manage major donors face-to-face

Networks

Expert understanding of the philanthropic sector, as well as considerable existing relationships within that sector.

Please note: It is mandatory for the successful applicant to hold a current Working with Children Check and be prepared to undergo a National Criminal History Check prior to commencement

Terms:

This position is offered as a full-time contract position including salary packaging (as a not-for-profit) and highly competitive wage (to be negotiated).

A position description is attached.

Note: First Step is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides a safe and nurturing work environment for people of all backgrounds, genders, religions, sexualities, ethnicities or any other factor.