The Organisation

Sidney Myer Fund and The Myer Foundation (SMF/TMF) are two separate entities of Myer family philanthropy that make grants across Australia to help improve people’s lives in significant and lasting ways. Grant programs stretch from climate change to human rights, from inequality to innovation, and from arts to mental health.

As two of the longest standing and most influential philanthropic entities in Australia, SMF and TMF continue the legacy of four generations of Myer family generosity through bold, long-term investments and a strong commitment to systemic change.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Program Manager will help realise the strategic goals of these two philanthropic institutions.

You will work in close collaboration with a small, committed team of people with decades of experience in philanthropy and a history of innovation and leadership.

You will manage a portfolio of grants with a focus on Sustainability and Environment and co-management of the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships.

Specifically, you will:

• Build strong and proactive relationships across the grants portfolio to support grant seekers, and to make informed recommendations to SMF Trustees and TMF Directors to enable strategic grant making
• Research sustainability and environmental issues (with a current focus on climate action) that may be, or are being, funded by SMF/TMF, and provide advice on a range of funding strategies
• Develop grantmaking focus areas with program committees and manage a portfolio of grants to organisations whose work aligns with focus areas
• Ensure that appropriate monitoring and evaluation procedures are in place and that these are instrumental in providing information about the usefulness of philanthropic practice
• Assess or oversee the assessment of applications and provide high-quality information on which to base decisions on policy and grantmaking
• Represent and promote SMF/TMF in the community to source and encourage quality applications for grants from eligible organisations
• Provide SMF Trustees, TMF Directors and Committee Members with information on public policy, community needs, and organisations relating to Program focus areas
• Identify opportunities for improved grantmaking at strategic and operational levels
• Work closely on SMF/TMF communications

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience in, and passion for, the protection and sustainability of Australia’s natural environment, through on the ground activity, research or policy
• Relevant tertiary-level education and self-motivated work ethic
• Strong analytical, research and assessment skills to implement innovative solutions to extant and emerging problems
• Experience working effectively with a wide range of organisations
• A collaborative, creative and inclusive approach
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• The diplomacy and intelligence to work across the not-for-profit sector and with Myer family members

The Offer

The Program Manager position is a full time permanent position, located in the Melbourne CBD, with a fixed hybrid work model (two days WFH). A competitive salary is on offer.

This role will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to learn from one of the most experienced and respected philanthropic families in Australia, to work with a national network of dedicated change-agents and build their leadership skills in pursuit of a better Australia.

If you have exceptional skills in the above areas and are looking for a new and exciting challenge, please click the 'Apply Now' tab below to submit your resume in Word format.

To confidentially discuss this role further, please feel free to call Alex Cooper (0472 510 848) or Barry Vienet (0427 406 325) from Johnson Recruitment.

This is a retained, exclusive assignment and any direct applications or referrals will be forwarded to Johnson Recruitment. This role may be filled before the advertisement closing date, so please do not delay in applying.