Drive transformative philanthropic growth supporting life-changing scholarships for young Australians

• Be part of a passionate, collaborative team dedicated to improving educational and career outcomes for young Australians
• Full-time or part-time | Sydney or Melbourne | Hybrid
• NFP salary packaging + 6 weeks annual leave, with the ability to purchase an additional 4 weeks of leave

Impact of the organisation

The Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) is a national not-for-profit bringing businesses and schools together to improve opportunities for students from communities facing systemic disadvantage.

Through strong corporate partnerships, government grants and philanthropy, ABCN delivers programs that equip young people with the skills, networks and confidence needed for the future world of work.

ABCN’s flagship Accelerate Scholarship provides financial support, personalised mentorship, targeted programs and pathways opportunities to high-potential students in Years 11–12 and their first year post-school - creating long-term, life-changing impact.

Impact you will have in this role

This is a pivotal newly created opportunity to grow the philanthropic investment that fuels the Accelerate Scholarship program and expands opportunities for exceptional young people experiencing significant barriers to education and employment.

We are seeking a strategic, relationship-driven philanthropy specialist or commercial relationship leader to lead ABCN’s national giving strategy across major donors and trusts & foundations. Your work will directly increase the scale and reach of the Accelerate program, unlocking new pathways for students who need them most.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will design and deliver a strategic growth plan, cultivate high-value supporter relationships, and secure sustainable funding from individuals, families, trusts and foundations who share ABCN’s mission of educational equity. Your leadership will help drive transformative outcomes for young Australians.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships & Communications, you will work closely with ABCN’s CEO, Board and national team to shape philanthropic vision and momentum.

This role suits a natural connector with a strong track record in high-value relationship development. Candidates from a range of sectors are encouraged to apply - what matters most is your ability to inspire supporters and drive meaningful results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a philanthropy growth strategy expanding income from major donors and trusts & foundations
• Partner closely with the CEO to nurture, steward and grow high-value relationships
• Lead the trusts and foundations portfolio, cultivating new relationships and strengthening existing ones
• Prepare compelling proposals, cases for support, impact reporting and donor communications
• Meet revenue targets through proactive pipeline development and effective stewardship
• Collaborate with the Accelerate delivery team to align funding with program needs and impact
• Stay informed on philanthropic trends to drive innovation and best practice
• Deliver an exceptional donor experience across all stages of engagement
• Contribute positively to ABCN’s culture, values and collaborative national team

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in philanthropic fundraising or high-value strategic sales / partnerships and relationship management, with demonstrated success securing significant donations or commercial outcomes
• Commercial mindset with a background in developing new philanthropic programs or leading on the growth of sales pipelines – from prospecting through to close
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and build trust
• Strong strategic thinking and storytelling ability, with confidence representing organisational impact
• Highly organised self-starter with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Collaborative approach, positive mindset and passion for educational equity
• Ability to track, forecast and communicate progress across a philanthropic pipeline
• Commitment to child safety and willingness to obtain a Working With Children Check
• Values and motivations that align with ABCN’s purpose of creating meaningful, long-term impact for young Australians.

Applications

Please direct all enquiries to Kristina Lesko at Impact Advising on [email protected] using the subject line: Philanthropy Manager - The Australian Business and Community Network Foundation - Sydney / Melbourne 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 a 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 workforces.