Invasive species are the leading driver of animal extinctions in Australia. The Invasive Species Council (ISC) exists to protect our unique nature from this threat. ISC is a wholly donor-funded, non-government organisation that tackles Australia's most challenging invasive species threats, driving systemic reform to our biosecurity system and environmental laws.

ISC advocates in parliaments, shapes policy behind the scenes, builds alliances across farming, conservation and Indigenous communities, and secures media coverage that shifts public opinion. In recent years, we have helped secure over $1 billion for fire ant eradication, driven feral horse reductions in Kosciuszko National Park, and elevated Indigenous leadership through our Voice of Country campaign. We are small, nimble, and punch above our weight and aim to become a truly national organisation by 2028.

Nature needs ISC to thrive. We are looking for self-starters who are keen to help us scale our impact. If you want to be part of an organisation winning real change for Australia's wildlife and communities — this is the place to do it.

• Reports to: Philanthropy & Fundraising Director
• Basis: Full time.
• Location: Remote home or shared office. All locations in Australia considered.
• Duration: Permanent role
• Salary range: $105,000-$120,000 pro rata plus super, depending on skills and experience.

Salary packaging, 1 week pro-rata paid study or field work leave, plus three days bonus ex-gratia leave Christmas/New Year are part of the package.

The role

The Philanthropy & Bequest Manager is responsible for growing and managing ISC’s portfolio of mid-value donors (giving approximately $1,000-$10,000 annually) and for building and managing our bequest (Gift in Will) program. You will also conduct prospect research to identify future major donors and support the Philanthropy & Fundraising Director with pipeline development.

We are looking for a self‑starter who is eager to bring ISC’s impact, opportunities, and wins closer to our supporters – someone who enjoys creating meaningful events and authentic connection points for donors. You will balance big‑picture thinking (how do we deepen engagement and grow long‑term support?) with strong project management (making sure events, appeals, and stewardship activities happen effectively and within budget).

This is a hands‑on, relationship‑driven role. You will:

• Manage a portfolio of mid‑value donors through the full stewardship cycle – from welcome and engagement to upgrade and long‑term retention.
• Use direct mail, events, tailored communications, and personalised outreach to keep donors connected and informed.
• Build a thriving bequest program, including pipeline development, communications, events, and supporter care.
• Conduct prospect research to identify individuals with the capacity and inclination to become major donors, and support the Philanthropy & Fundraising Director in transitioning them to the major gifts portfolio.

You will work closely with the Philanthropy & Fundraising Director and the Individual Giving and Supporter Engagement Manager to ensure a seamless journey for donors moving from regular appeals into mid‑value and ultimately major gifts and bequests.

Key responsibilities

Mid-value stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of mid‑value donors, moving them through a best‑practice stewardship cycle (acknowledgement, cultivation, solicitation, upgrade, retention).
• Develop and implement an annual stewardship plan, including:
• Tailored thank‑you letters, check-ins and impact reports.
• Direct mail appeals (e.g., annual tax appeal, Christmas appeal) adapted for the mid‑value audience – working with the Individual Giving team for production.
• Personalised phone calls and emails to deepen engagement.
• Invitations to virtual and in‑person events (e.g., briefings with the CEO, field visits).
• Proactively identify donors with capacity to upgrade and work with the Philanthropy & Fundraising Director to transition them to the major gifts pipeline.
• Track all interactions in the CRM and report regularly on portfolio health (retention rate, upgrade rate, response rates, etc.).

Bequest (Gift in Will) program

• Develop and manage a comprehensive bequest program including:
  • An acquisition program.
  • Bequest‑focused events.
  • A clear pipeline for tracking bequest prospects – from initial enquiry to confirmed gift.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for bequestors and their families/executors, providing compassionate and professional support – including processing estate notifications and coordinating with the Philanthropy & Fundraising Director and legal/financial advisors.
• Build a network of professional advisors (solicitors, financial planners, accountants) who recommend ISC to their clients.
• Maintain accurate records of all bequest commitments in the CRM and report regularly on pipeline growth and realised gifts.

Prospect research & pipeline development

• Conduct research to identify new major donor prospects – including individuals, trusts, and foundations – with the capacity and inclination to support ISC’s work.
• Analyse donor data (in collaboration with the Philanthropy, Fundraising and data teams) to uncover trends, upgrade opportunities, and potential bequest leads.
• Build and maintain a qualified pipeline of prospects, tracking progress from initial identification to first gift.

Events & engagement

• Project manage ISC’s annual major donor event strategy briefings – coordinating logistics, invitations, and content for events held in multiple states (virtual and in‑person).
• Build strategy for and coordinate mid‑value, bequest‑focused events (virtual and in‑person), including logistics, invitations, speaker briefings (CEO, campaigners, partners), and post‑event follow‑up.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to produce compelling event materials (presentations, videos, handouts) that showcase ISC’s impact.
• Where appropriate, travel to meet donors or attend events (modest travel budget available)

Collaboration and reporting

• Roll out a smooth donor stewardship matrix from appeals, mid-value, major and bequests
• Produce regular reports on:
  • Mid‑value donor retention, upgrade rates, and lifetime value.
  • Bequest pipeline growth (number of confirmed bequests, known intentions, estimated value).
  • Prospect research outcomes and pipeline movement.
  • Event attendance and post‑event engagement.

Selection criteria

Essential

• Proven track record in fundraising, donor stewardship, or a related relationship‑management role (minimum 3–5 years).
• Experience managing a donor or client portfolio through the full relationship cycle from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship.
• Strong written communication skills with an ability to write clear, compelling, and donor‑centric proposals, letters, and reports.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to be confident and authentic in one‑on‑one conversations (phone, video, in‑person) with high‑net‑worth individuals and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency with digital tools being able to independently set up and run Zoom webinars, manage online event platforms, and produce basic digital assets.
• Data literacy, including comfort using a CRM (experience with Salesforce, CiviCRM, or similar) and basic Excel to analyse donor data, track progress, and produce reports.
• Project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities (events, proposals, donor meetings) to completion without direct administrative support.
• Self‑motivation and autonomy: someone who thrives in a remote, fast‑paced environment, takes initiative, and seeks solutions rather than waiting for direction.
• Commitment to the mission with a genuine enthusiasm for protecting Australia’s wildlife and ecosystems from invasive species.

Desirable

• Experience in environmental or conservation not‑for‑profits.
• Familiarity with estate planning and relevant legislation (or willingness to learn).
• Experience using Mailchimp (or similar) for email communications.
• Event coordination experience being comfortable managing logistics, invitations, and follow‑up for virtual and in‑person gatherings.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and the FIA Code of Conduct.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., marketing, communications, business, environmental science).

Location: Remote home across Australia, or from our offices in Katoomba or Wollongong, NSW. Some travel for donor meetings and events will be required.

ISC is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

This is a new position.

Further Information: Contact Holly Browne, Philanthropy & Fundraising Director on [email protected] using the subject line: Philanthropy & Bequest Manager - Flexible Location / Work from Home enquiry via EthicalJobs for specific questions about the role.

More about the Invasive Species Council

The Invasive Species Council is a non-government, donor-funded organisation that seeks to build a stronger, more collaborative biosecurity system that reduces the threat of invasive species to nature in Australia.

Invasive species have been the major cause of Australian animal extinctions since colonisation, and their threat is escalating as more invaders arrive, spread and interact with other threats. More effective prevention, eradication and control of invasive species is essential for the survival and recovery of thousands of threatened and declining species.

Formed in 2002, the Invasive Species Council is Australia's only environmental organisation dedicated to strategically tackling this issue and has made numerous interventions that have reduced the environmental impacts from invasive species.

Our team values are:

• We are relentless in pursuing outcomes and having impact.
• We are not scared to fail and learn from the experience.
• We are collaborative, resourceful and take initiative.
• We are all responsible for a healthy team culture.
• We are connected to and speak up for nature.
• Integrity is not negotiable

You’ll join a passionate and collaborative team that advocates for nature, is committed to science, is fearless and persistent and is collaborative with first Australians. At the Invasive Species Council, ideas are welcomed, curiosity is encouraged, and people are supported to grow their skills. This role offers the opportunity to experiment, learn from data, and help shape how supporters discover and engage with one of Australia’s leading environmental advocacy organisations.

Most importantly, your work will help grow the community of people taking action to protect nature.

Over recent years we:

• played a major role in the establishment of the national Office of Environmental Biosecurity.
• secured $100 million threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
• secured over $1 billion for the national red fire ant eradication program.
• secured $25 million to eradicate yellow crazy ants from Cairns and Townsville.
• led efforts to recognise the national threat from expanding feral deer populations.
• jointly conducted ground-breaking research to identify harmful invasive insects that could establish in Australia.
• co-hosted the Australian Biosecurity Symposium since 2019.
• drove the Reclaim Kosci campaign that has seen reductions in feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park.

Our 2022-2030 Strategic Plan can be found here.

More details about all our campaigns can be found on our website: www.invasives.org.au