Job description
Location: Canberra (preferred), Sydney or Melbourne
Status: ********* FTE, 1 year Contract (with view to extension)
About the Australia Institute
The Australia Institute is Australia's leading independent think tank, conducting research and advocacy on economic, social, environmental and political issues.
Our work is grounded in fairness, democracy, sustainability and evidence-based public policy.
Over the past decade, the Australia Institute has built one of the largest engaged supporter communities of any independent public policy organisation in Australia through:
research publications;
campaigns and petitions;
digital engagement;
regular giving;
philanthropy;
events and public engagement.
About the Role
This is a new position in a growing program.
The Philanthropy Officer will support the growth and development of the Australia Institute's philanthropy and major donor program.
Reporting to the Fundraising Manager and working closely with the co-CEO's and other senior staff, the role will focus on:
donor research and prospect identification;
donor stewardship and relationship management;
donor data and CRM record keeping;
moves management and cultivation planning and execution;
philanthropy reporting, administration and support.
Key Responsibilities
Philanthropy and Donor Management
Directly contact, engage and build relationships with major donors, philanthropic trusts and foundations
Coordinate donor meetings, briefings, follow-up communications and stewardship activity
Support cultivation and stewardship of major donors and philanthropic partners
Assist with preparation of donor proposals, funding applications, briefings and engagement materials
Work with senior staff, researchers, leadership and board members to coordinate donor engagement opportunities




Represent the Australia Institute professionally and confidently in donor, philanthropy and stakeholder interactions
Develop donor cultivation, stewardship and engagement plans
Maintain regular and proactive communication with donors and prospects
Prospect Research and Identification
Undertake donor, foundation and philanthropy research
Identify major donor, foundation, mid-level donor and bequest prospects
Assist with prospect qualification, prioritisation and donor segmentation
Support wealth, capacity and interest research where appropriate
Identify opportunities for donor upgrades and long-term relationship development
High Donor CRM and Data Processes
Support implementation and development of high donor CRM processes and workflows
Maintain accurate donor records, relationship information and engagement history
Track donor interactions, communications and stewardship activity within the CRM
Develop donor segmentation, reporting, forecasting and pipeline tracking
Support migration of donor and philanthropy records into the new CRM environment
Help improve data quality, relationship mapping and philanthropy reporting systems
Moves Management and Stewardship:
Coordinate donor meetings, relationship management activity and stewardship actions
Develop and monitor donor cultivation and engagement pathways
Track donor movement through cultivation and stewardship stages




Assist with relationship manager allocation and monitoring across leadership and senior staff
Support development of structured stewardship systems, donor journeys and follow-up schedules
Ensure donor engagement actions are completed consistently and professionally
Supporter Research and Survey Work
Assist with implementation of supporter research and survey projects
Support donor segmentation and supporter analysis
Help identify philanthropy, major donor and bequest opportunities within the supporter base
Assist with integrating supporter research insights into donor engagement and fundraising strategy
Skills and Experience
Essential:
Experience in fundraising, philanthropy or donor development
Strong organisational and project management skills
Experience working with CRMs or donor databases
Robust written and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to manage confidential information
High attention to detail
Desirable:
Experience with major donor or philanthropy programs
Experience with moves management systems
Donor research or wealth screening experience
Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce, Virtuous or HubSpot
Interest in public policy, advocacy or social change
About You
You are organised, proactive and relationship-focused, with strong attention to detail and an interest in philanthropy and social impact.
You are comfortable balancing:
donor research;
relationship building coordination;
database management;
stewardship activity;
and administrative systems work;
within a fast-moving fundraising environment.
Application Process
Applications are being assessed as they come in.
Please submit your application via the "Apply Now" link below.

📌 Philanthropy Officer - Canberra / Sydney / Melbourne
🏢 The Australia Institute
📍 Canberra