Manager, Philanthropy

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF)

Location: Australia (Flexible) Employment Type: Full-Time Salary: $130,000 plus superannuation

Help Shape the Future of Rural Australia

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) is seeking an experienced and relationship-focused fundraising professional to lead our philanthropy function and drive transformational investment in rural, regional and remote communities across Australia.

For more than 30 years, ARLF has designed and delivered leadership programs and initiatives that strengthen people, communities and industries across regional Australia. As an independent national not-for-profit, we rely on support from philanthropic, government, business and community partners to deliver lasting social impact.

The Opportunity

As Manager, Philanthropy, you will lead ARLF’s major gifts and bequest programs, developing and implementing strategies that secure significant philanthropic investment and deepen donor engagement. Reporting to the Manager, Business Development and leading the Philanthropy Officer, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, senior leaders and Board members to build and steward meaningful donor relationships.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished fundraising professional who thrives on relationship building, strategic thinking and creating meaningful impact through philanthropy.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead ARLF’s major gifts strategy and build a sustainable pipeline of donor prospects.
- Manage and grow relationships with major donors, philanthropic foundations, trusts and Private Ancillary Funds.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward gifts of $10,000 and above.
- Develop compelling proposals, cases for support, donor reports and presentations.
- Lead or support major gift asks alongside the Chief Executive, Board members and senior leaders.




- Establish and grow ARLF’s bequest program and legacy giving pipeline.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, forecasting and pipeline reporting.
- Contribute to annual philanthropy planning, budgeting and performance reporting.
- Provide leadership and support to the Philanthropy Officer and foster a collaborative team culture.

About You

You are a skilled and strategic fundraiser with a proven track record of securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships. You bring:

- Significant experience in major gifts, philanthropy, fundraising or a related field.
- Demonstrated success securing five and six-figure philanthropic gifts.
- Strong understanding of the Australian philanthropy landscape.
- Experience developing donor proposals, cases for support and stewardship communications.
- Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- The ability to work effectively with executives, boards and senior leaders.
- Experience leading or mentoring staff.
- A passion for creating positive outcomes in rural, regional and remote Australia.

Why Join ARLF?

- Make a tangible impact in communities across Australia.
- Work with a respected national not-for-profit organisation.
- Flexible location arrangements.
- Opportunity to build and shape a growing philanthropy program.
- Collaborative, purpose-driven workplace culture.

Additional Requirements

- Right to work in Australia.
- Ability to travel interstate.
- Current driver’s licence.
- National Police Check and other relevant clearances as required.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced fundraising qualified ready to help create thriving rural, regional and remote communities, we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:

Tristan Richmond
Email: [email protected]

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation values diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities.

📌 Manager, Philanthropy – Remote (Australia)
🏢 Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
📍 Australia