VFFF VISION

In honouring our Founders’ beliefs and intentions, VFFF seeks opportunities to benefit and care for Australians and our country.

Today, VFFF is a thriving family foundation, with family members spanning three generations active in our work. Celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2022, we have distributed more than $200 million to Australian communities and currently approve approximately $11 million per annum in new grants.

VFFF aims for 60% of our funds to reach rural and regional communities. We provide core operational funding and capacity building support for high potential organisations, especially during critical times of transition or development.

VFFF MISSION

Backing Young People with innovative opportunities that advance their independence, social purpose and future security.

VFFF’s grantmaking strategy is focused on Backing Young People across four areas: Decent Work, Contributing to Society, Caring for the Environment and Exploring Christian Faith and Values. With FY26 being the last year of the five-year strategy, the team and Board are working through what the Foundation will focus on during the next strategic period.

THE ROLE

The full time Program Manager works closely with the VFFF team to fulfil the strategic and operational goals of the Foundation. The primary responsibilities of the role are to support the CEO and Foundation Manager to deliver the strategy, build networks and relationships in the sectors of VFFF’s activities and ensure the smooth running of the Foundation’s day-to-day work.

You will be part of a small purpose driven team. The Program Manager reports to the Foundation Manager and works closely with VFFF team members, including the CEO. The VFFF team works alongside Cambooya Pty Ltd which is a full-service family office with a team of approximately 30 people including investments, legal, and finance specialists.

This role will suit a dynamic self-starter interested in progressing a career in philanthropy. VFFF is seeking a values aligned team member who is curious about family philanthropy and will contribute to a positive work culture. An interest in and knowledge of the lives of Australians (particularly young Australians) living in rural and regional communities is preferable as this is well aligned to the Foundation’s area of interest.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Partner support and grant management

• Maintain current knowledge of, and relevant expertise in issues pertinent to young people in Australia, particularly rural and regional communities
• Develop effective relationships with grant recipients and seekers to support VFFF’s mission and outcomes across the grant-making focus areas, including leads generation, due diligence, presenting funding submissions to the VFFF Board, partnership management and outcomes measurement
• Analysis of grant-making to identify learnings, inform future grant making and strategy and progress against focus area outcomes
• Seek and execute opportunities to build VFFF’s influence as a philanthropic leader in the areas of focus for the Foundation

Organisational projects and operations

• Manage allocated portfolios of work beyond grant-making and partnership management, as agreed with the CEO and Foundation Manager. For example, undertaking research or evaluation projects, or contributing to the execution of the Foundation’s communications plan.
• Contribute to the smooth running of VFFF’s day to day work - Board and Committee papers, annual reporting, outcomes analysis and internal and external communications.

Stakeholder engagement

• Represent VFFF externally and support its leadership role in philanthropy
• On occasion, you will be required to spend time in regional areas to develop leads and build relationships with potential grant seekers, grant recipients and other stakeholders
• Work with other philanthropic funders and government for enhanced program outcomes and to amplify the work of VFFF grant recipients
• Foster and support the involvement of three generations of Fairfax family members with philanthropy through site visits, briefings and other engagement with grantees

SELECTION CRITERIA

To effectively perform in this position the candidate will have the following:

• Work experience with demonstrated interest in philanthropy, the not-for-profit sector and/or young people
• Outstanding interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• High level research, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Proven experience in building relationships and networks and working effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and produce high quality work within agreed timelines
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline

WHAT WE OFFER

VFFF operates on a four-day work week (Monday to Thursday), where a full-time role is four days. We work in a Central CBD office across from the Botanic Gardens, participate in a weekly all teams huddle, a thoughtful wellness program (fitness, cultural experiences, mindfulness), monthly social events and an inclusive office culture. Professional development and team wellbeing are priorities in our workplace culture.

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