We are the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF) . We are a not-for-profit supporting young people (ages 8‑18) that are living in families affected by mental illness and Defence families impacted by the unique lifestyle of serving in Defence. Since 2002, we have helped young people to connect , learn , and grow through safe , fun , and meaningful programs. Our evidence-based camps, activity days, and online “Connect” sessions are designed by mental health professionals and delivered in a peer-based, recreation-led format. Our programs are proven to empower young people to thrive beyond the impacts of familial mental illness.

Check out what we do here

We value Connection, Commitment, Collaboration, and Integrity. We strive for impact , and we do this through developing real relationships, flexibility, and a team that supports each other.

If you’re someone who wants your work to matter , who wants to help shape outcomes for young people and bring energy , authenticity , and care into your role, then AKKF is a place where your passion will be put into practice.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Major Gifts Manager to join our team in Perth, Western Australia. This role is a regional, relationship-led position, building and managing a portfolio of individual, family, organisational, and philanthropic foundation donors across Western Australia. The focus is on connections to the WA mining and resources sector and other WA-specific philanthropic communities. You will engage companies, foundations, organisations, and individuals to grow our Gifts program and secure funding that will help shape the lives of young people in your community. This is a face‑to‑face role for someone who is genuinely energised by being in a room with a donor. You will own the full donor cycle for its portfolio, from prospect identification through cultivation, solicitation, gift closure, and stewardship, and carries an individual revenue target. You’ll work collaboratively with our Corporate Partnerships Manager to ensure alignment in a single, well‑coordinated approach to any donor, family or organisation with WA connections.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, initiative, and a drive for getting it across the line. You’ll quickly build deep, trust‑based relationships,



excel at creating exceptional supporter experiences, and find smarter ways of working. You understand how to read a donor’s capacity, motivation, and timing accurately; ask for the right gift at the right moment. You own a portfolio, outcomes, and revenue targets. You enjoy bringing together strategy, organisational skills, and fundraising to create meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

- Identify, qualify and prioritise individual, family, foundation, and organisational prospects across Western Australia, focusing on connections to mining, resources, and FIFO‑adjacent industries.
- Build and manage a qualified portfolio of major donors and prospects capable of five and six‑figure gifts.
- Prepare compelling, tailored proposals and asks for individual, family, philanthropic, and organisational donors.
- Negotiate and close major gifts, including multi‑year giving commitments.
- Develop and execute individual cultivation and solicitation strategies for donors.
- Represent Kookaburra Kids in person at donor meetings, site visits, WA‑based events and relevant industry gatherings across the state.
- Deliver a high‑touch stewardship program for the WA major donor portfolio.

About You

- Degree qualified in Business, Marketing, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum five years’ experience in major gifts, high‑value individual fundraising, or private client relationship management (e.g., wealth management, private banking, luxury or high‑touch sales), with a demonstrated track record of closing five and six‑figure relationships.
- Existing networks or demonstrated ability to build networks within the Western Australian mining, resources, or high‑net‑worth philanthropic community.
- Proven ability to manage a donor or client portfolio end to end, from identification through to close and stewardship.




- Excellent in‑person relationship and negotiation skills; comfortable representing an organisation at the most senior donor level.
- Based in or willing to relocate to Perth, with a current driver’s licence, access to own vehicle, and willingness to travel regularly and to work outside standard hours as required.
- Experience with donor CRM systems and moves management methodology.
- Current Working With Children Check.

Why Join Us?

- Be part of a values‑driven organisation committed to youth empowerment.
- Contribute to programs that make a real difference in young people’s lives.
- Fun, rewarding, and meaningful work where you see the difference you make in people’s lives first hand.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Adaptable work to fit in with your other commitments.
- Remote organisation – work from home when not attending events.
- Weekly “Me Time” – one hour each week paid for you to use towards whatever you like!
- Birthday leave – have your birthday off each year on us!
- Two days paid Volunteer Leave .
- Not For Profit Salary Sacrifice Packaging – package up to $15,900 of your salary.
- Kooka Rewards discount program to over 200 retailers.
- Quarterly peer recognition awards that celebrate living our values in action.
- Home office setup allowance to support a safe and comfortable workspace.
- Wellbeing‑focused Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential support and resources for you and your family.

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. As are those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or who are neurodivergent.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know first‑hand how valuable lived experience is to support positive outcomes for our young people.

We warmly encourage current or former members of the Australian Defence Force to apply. If you have served, you are welcome (but not required) to share your experience in your application.

Child Safeguarding. AKKF is committed to creating environments where the safety and wellbeing of young people is at the center of our thoughts, values, and actions.

Employment is subject to reference checks, a National Police Check, and a Working with Children Check.

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📌 Major Gifts Manager (Australia)
🏢 Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation
📍 Australia