• Join one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations, driving the growth of the philanthropy program across New Zealand and Australia
• Lead the development of high-value donor relationships and help secure critical funding that supports refugees and displaced communities worldwide
• Full-time or part time position -  Sydney CBD location - hybrid working arrangements

Impact of the organisation

Australia for UNHCR and Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR are the UN Refugee Agency’s national partners in Australia and New Zealand, raising awareness and funds to support UNHCR’s global emergency response to humanitarian crises.

Since 2000, Australia for UNHCR has raised more than $500 million from individual donors, philanthropists and corporates to support some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Together with Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR, the organisation helps deliver emergency shelter, water, cash assistance, healthcare, education, and livelihood programs for displaced communities around the globe.
By mid-2025, there were an estimated 117 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. UNHCR provides protection and support to refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced communities globally.

At a time when the number of international emergencies continues to rise, Australia for UNHCR plays a critical role in mobilising support and funding to ensure refugees and displaced people receive urgent humanitarian assistance and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Impact you will have in this role

This is an exciting, newly created opportunity for an experienced philanthropy professional to lead the growth of Australia for UNHCR’s New Zealand major gifts program while also managing and growing a defined Australian philanthropy portfolio.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, with the support of a prospect researcher, you will play a strategic role in building and driving philanthropic income streams across both markets, with a particular focus on developing the New Zealand market from the ground up.

You will drive new business development, build donor pipelines, increase organisational visibility, and cultivate relationships with major donors, and trusts and foundations, capable of making high-value gifts. This role will also involve occasional travel to New Zealand to attend donor meetings, networking events, and key stakeholder engagements.

This role will suit a proactive, ambitious, and relationship-driven fundraising professional who thrives on building networks, developing meaningful donor partnerships, and driving long-term philanthropic growth. It is an outstanding opportunity for a go-getter who enjoys creating opportunities, opening doors, and building something strategically from the ground up. You will work collaboratively across local and global teams to position compelling funding opportunities that support UNHCR’s humanitarian programs worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the growth of philanthropic income for the New Zealand program through strategic donor acquisition, pipeline development, and relationship management.
• Build and manage a portfolio of major donors ($10,000+), trusts and foundations across New Zealand and Australia, ensuring effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Develop and progress new business opportunities by identifying and engaging high-value individuals, trusts, foundations, and philanthropic networks.
• Represent the organisation across relevant philanthropic networks, sector events, and stakeholder engagements to increase organisational visibility and credibility in New Zealand.
• Prepare high-quality donor proposals, funding submissions, reports, cases for support, and briefing materials.
• Undertake occasional travel to New Zealand to attend donor meetings, networking events, and key stakeholder engagements to support market development and relationship management.
• Collaborate with UNHCR’s Private Sector Partnership and Private Sector Unit teams to identify and position priority funding opportunities for donors.
• Manage Australian philanthropy portfolios, supporting donor acquisition, retention, upgrades, and long-term engagement strategies.
• Maintain strong CRM discipline, portfolio management practices, and donor reporting processes to support fundraising performance and donor continuity.
• Ensure all donor engagement activities are aligned with ethical fundraising standards, compliance requirements, and organisational policies across both markets.
• Maintain a strong understanding of UNHCR’s global priorities, humanitarian programs, and funding needs to effectively engage donors and position opportunities.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience developing prospects within philanthropy, major gifts, or trusts and foundations within the not-for-profit or NGO sector.
• Proven ability to influence and engage a wide range of supporters and build long-term donor relationships.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and tracking high volumes of prospects and supporters.
• Strong experience developing detailed and compelling funding proposals, donor communications, and impact reports.
• Demonstrated database and CRM management experience, including reporting and analysis capabilities.
• Strong project management, organisational, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong stakeholder engagement capability.
• Analytical thinking, problem-solving capability, and a proactive, results-oriented approach.
• A collaborative, adaptable, and relationship-focused working style with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• A genuine passion for humanitarian work and alignment with Australia for UNHCR’s mission and values.

Applications

Please apply via the "Apply Now" button by uploading your resume.

Please direct all enquiries to Nadia Pachon at Impact Advising on [email protected] using the subject line: Philanthropy Manager - Australia for UNHCR 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 strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds, including people with lived or living experience of refugee backgrounds. We value a range of experiences, perspectives and career pathways. 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.