Lead a transformative strategy to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through education and employment opportunities.

• Make a meaningful impact in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education
• Shape the future of new philanthropic partnerships with trusts, foundations and corporates
• Full-time | Sydney-based | Hybrid Work Options

Impact of the organisation

Aurora Education Foundation (AEF) is dedicated to improving education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across Australia. With a strong focus on cultural safety, child protection, and community engagement, they empower young people to reach their full potential by providing scholarships, mentorship, and pathways into higher education and employment.
Their vision is clear: A society in which Australia’s First Peoples determine their own aspirations through education and life-long learning, shaping a new future for our country.

As part of the mission, we are now looking for a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising and Marketing to join. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the growth and development of innovative fundraising strategies, with a particular focus on growing new trusts, foundations and partnerships, and raising the visibility of the Foundation’s work.

Impact you will have in this role

The Head of Fundraising and Marketing will be a key member of the Executive team, taking responsibility for all facets of Advancement, including the development and execution of a broad range of fundraising, marketing, and communications initiatives, with a key focus on developing and nurturing new high-value philanthropic partnerships.

This role plays a critical part in increasing philanthropic revenue to Aurora, including the stewardship of existing foundations and corporate partnerships, along with the development of new high-value partnerships with trusts, foundations and partners. Managing a small team, this role will also lead on the Foundation’s marketing and communications function.

You will have the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of Aurora’s fundraising and marketing programs and build a lasting legacy of engagement with stakeholders. Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and diversification of revenue streams, enabling Aurora to continue supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in their educational journey.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the development of a fundraising strategy that attracts trusts and foundations, builds new corporate partnerships, and integrates sustainable revenue models to ensure Aurora’s ongoing impact.

Key Responsibilities

Development Strategy

• Collaborate closely with the CEO to grow and implement fundraising strategies that align with Aurora’s strategic priorities, with a focus on being high-value philanthropic partnerships.
• Design and execute comprehensive fundraising plans to increase and diversify Aurora’s revenue streams, specifically with trusts, foundations, and corporate partnerships.
• Participate in the Fundraising Sub-Committee of the Board, contributing insights and leadership to fundraising initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the CEO and Board in identifying key prospects and developing strategies to engage them in fundraising efforts.
• Build and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including trusts, foundations, partners, and prospects.
• Write and coordinate stakeholder briefs for the CEO, attend events, and engage in strategic networking activities.
• Lead the coordination and management of cultivation and recognition events to engage and acknowledge donors.

Fundraising

• Research, identify, and cultivate potential trusts, foundations and partners, engaging with them personally or through appropriate staff and stakeholders.
• Develop tailored strategies to solicit high-value gifts, ensuring effective donor stewardship.
• Prepare fundraising documents, including presentations, proposals, and grant applications, to secure new funding opportunities.
• Maintain robust systems and processes, including CRM management, to track and support donor engagement.

Reporting and Evaluation

• Oversee the development and submission of funding reports in accordance with contractual obligations.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising initiatives, providing regular reports to the Board.

Communications

• Oversee the development of marketing and communications strategies to promote Aurora’s work, including PR, brochures, website content, and social media campaigns.
• Lead the ongoing development of Aurora’s brand to enhance visibility and engagement with the mission.

Leadership and Management

• Serve as a collaborative member of the Executive team, contributing to the broader goals of the organisation.
• Lead a small, high-performing team, fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaged working environment.

Skills and Experience

• Proven success in a senior fundraising, marketing, or advancement role, with a track record of delivering fundraising targets across trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships.
• Proven success in the development of new high-value relationships across trusts foundations and corporate partnerships, along with a passion for new business development.
• Experience in managing and mentoring a small team of staff, fostering a collaborative and performance-driven culture.
• Experience working with CRM systems and a variety of digital marketing tools, such as Mailchimp, WordPress, and social media platforms.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving abilities and a results-focused mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• You’ll be driven by a commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve their full educational potential, and understand Indigenous cultures, histories, and the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• You’ll be an advocate for cultural, psychological, and child safety, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all stakeholders.

Applications

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' to upload your resume by the closing date.

Please direct all enquiries to Rosheen Singh at Impact Advising on [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Fundraising and Marketing - Aurora Education Foundation enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and cultural background. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in the workforce