Director Philanthropy & Partnerships – Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria
Lead the next chapter of philanthropy and strategic partnerships for one of Australia's most trusted charity brands.
Newly created senior leadership role driving transformational philanthropic growth
Build and secure major gifts, bequests and strategic corporate partnerships that create lasting impact
Hybrid working based in Collins St, Melbourne with versatile working arrangements
Impact of the Organisation
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria provides vital aeromedical, primary healthcare, patient transport and community wellbeing services to people living in rural and regional communities across Victoria.
Our work responds directly to unmet need, addressing barriers of distance, access and equity so that people can receive the care they deserve.
As part of one of Australia's most iconic and trusted organisations, RFDS Victoria combines a powerful national legacy with deep local connection to the communities it serves.
Named Australia's most trusted charity thirteen times, RFDS has built an outstanding reputation with supporters, partners and the wider community.
As the organisation approaches its centenary year, this is an exciting opportunity to join an award-winning fundraising team at a time of significant momentum.
Impact of the Role
Reporting to the Chief Fundraising & Partnerships Officer, the Director Philanthropy & Partnerships is a newly created senior leadership role responsible for driving transformational revenue growth through philanthropy and strategic partnerships.
Bringing a strong commercial and business development mindset, you will position RFDS Victoria as an investment-ready, impact-driven organisation, securing significant multi-year philanthropic gifts and strategic partnerships aligned to organisational priorities.
Leading an established team across Philanthropy, Partnerships and Gifts in Wills, you will build high-value pipelines spanning major gifts, Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs), trusts, foundations, bequests and corporate partnerships.
You will champion a disciplined relationship management approach, delivering exceptional stewardship while developing compelling funding propositions that connect donors and partners to meaningful impact.




Working closely with Executive Leadership, the Board and colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing, Operations and Transformation, you will play a pivotal role in embedding a culture of innovation, collaboration and growth.
You will help to build the capability and partnerships that will support RFDS' centenary ambitions and long-term sustainability to create a lasting legacy for rural and remote communities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the strategic growth of RFDS Victoria's philanthropy and partnerships portfolio, delivering sustainable revenue growth across major gifts, trusts, foundations, bequests and corporate partnerships.
Develop and grow a high-value pipeline of philanthropic opportunities aligned with organisational priorities.
Build, convert and grow a pipeline of strategic corporate partnerships, securing multi-year agreements at both state and national level.Lead the development and growth of the Gifts in Wills program as a key pillar of long-term sustainability.
Develop compelling, impact-led funding propositions that translate organisational priorities into investment opportunities.
Lead complex negotiations, partnership design and executive-level relationship management.
Build strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, trusts, foundations, corporate leaders, advisors and key stakeholders.
Lead, coach and develop a high-performing Philanthropy & Partnerships team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration.
Engage and partner with the Executive Leadership Team and Board to support relationship development, lead generation and stewardship.
Champion best practice stewardship, governance, impact reporting and pipeline management.
Represent RFDS Victoria across philanthropic, corporate and community networks as a senior ambassador for the organisation.
Skills and Experience




Demonstrated success in a senior philanthropy or development leadership role.
Proven track record securing significant multi-year philanthropic gifts and/or strategic corporate partnerships.
Strong experience building and managing major gift, trusts and foundations, bequest and/or partnership pipelines.
Outstanding relationship management skills, with confidence engaging high-net-worth individuals, corporate leaders, boards and executive stakeholders.
Commercial mindset with strong business development, negotiation and investment proposition experience.
Demonstrated ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling funding opportunities and value propositions.
Experience leading, developing and inspiring high-performing teams.
Strong financial, analytical and strategic planning capability, with experience managing targets, forecasts and organisational growth initiatives.
Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
A collaborative leadership style with a genuine commitment to creating meaningful impact through philanthropy and partnerships.
A genuine commitment to the mission, vision and values of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
DEI Statement
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 representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society.We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds, including people with lived or living experience of refugee backgrounds.
We value a range of experiences, perspectives and career pathways.
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 the workforce.
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📌 Director Philanthropy & Partnerships - Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria (Melbourne)
🏢 Impact Advising
📍 Melbourne