Philanthropy Manager – Australia for UNHCR Join one of the world's leading humanitarian organisations, driving philanthropic growth and building donor relationships to support refugees and displaced communities worldwide.
Lead a portfolio of major donors and trusts and foundations Drive philanthropic strategy, relationship development and new business opportunities Full-time | Sydney CBD location | hybrid working arrangements Impact of the organisation Australia for UNHCR and Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR are the UN Refugee Agency's national partners in Australia and New Zealand, raising awareness and funds to support UNHCR's global emergency response to humanitarian crises.
Since ****, Australia for UNHCR has raised more than $500 million from individual donors, philanthropists and corporates to support some of the world's most vulnerable people.
Together with Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR, the organisation helps deliver emergency shelter, water, cash assistance, healthcare, education, and livelihood programs for displaced communities around the globe.
By mid-****, there were an estimated 117 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.
UNHCR provides protection and support to refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced communities globally.
At a time when the number of international emergencies continues to rise, Australia for UNHCR plays a critical role in mobilising support and funding to ensure refugees and displaced people receive urgent humanitarian assistance and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Impact you will have in this role This is an exciting opportunity for a philanthropy professional to manage and grow a significant portfolio of major donors, prospects, and trusts and foundations, while shaping the strategy and direction of your portfolio.
Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy Manager and managing one direct report, you will take ownership of a portfolio of donors and prospects, with responsibility for driving philanthropic income.
You will develop and execute tailored relationship strategies, identify new opportunities, qualify and progress prospects, and build meaningful long-term relationships with donors capable of making significant gifts.
You will drive strategy, identify opportunities and determine the right approach for each donor.
The role will involve working with donors across a range of giving levels, including active donors making gifts of up to six figures, as well as prospects with the potential to develop into significant supporters.
You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to bring the right people and expertise together around donor opportunities and develop compelling propositions that meet both the donor's interests and UNHCR's priorities.
You will also play an important role during humanitarian emergencies, responding with agility when urgent funding opportunities arise.
This requires someone who is comfortable operating in ambiguity, working at pace and engaging donors appropriately as information and funding priorities evolve,



while also confidently working within established processes and procedures.
You will also be pitching long term solutions and programs for refugees – added this as it is about the mix – emergency and long term development projects.
Managing and developing your coordinator will also be an important part of the role, with a genuine commitment to supporting their growth, capability and contribution to the team.
This role will suit a proactive, relationship-driven fundraising professional who enjoys building trust, opening doors and creating opportunities.
You will be curious about donors, motivated by understanding what matters to them, and confident in finding the right philanthropic opportunity for each relationship.
Most importantly, you will bring genuine alignment with UNHCR's mission and values, alongside a collaborative, positive and personable approach.
You will work across local and global teams to position compelling funding opportunities that support UNHCR's humanitarian programs worldwide.
Key Responsibilities Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, prospects, trusts and foundations, with responsibility for approximately $1.5 million in philanthropic income.
Develop and execute tailored portfolio strategies to maximise donor engagement, retention, upgrades and new business opportunities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with major donors and philanthropic prospects, understanding their interests, motivations and capacity to identify the right opportunities for engagement.
Identify and qualify prospects within existing portfolios and wider organisational networks, moving high-potential supporters into an appropriate cultivation and stewardship pathway.
Develop and progress new business opportunities, including identifying, cultivating and soliciting prospective high-value supporters.
Lead strategic donor conversations and develop compelling proposals, cases for support, funding submissions, reports and briefing materials.
Work collaboratively across fundraising, programs and wider organisational teams to bring together the right expertise and develop tailored funding opportunities for donors.
Develop creative and agile approaches to significant donor opportunities, including bringing together internal stakeholders and subject matter experts where required.
Respond effectively to humanitarian emergencies and urgent funding opportunities, working with colleagues to engage donors appropriately as priorities and information develop.
Manage, coach and support one direct report, investing in their development and ensuring they are well supported to deliver against portfolio priorities.




Represent Australia for UNHCR across relevant philanthropic networks, events and stakeholder engagements.
Skills and Experience Demonstrated experience in philanthropy, major gifts, trusts and foundations or relationship fundraising within the not-for-profit or NGO sector.
Proven experience managing and growing a donor portfolio, with the ability to develop and execute strategic portfolio plans.
A track record of cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and developing new philanthropic opportunities.
Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to understand different donor motivations and develop tailored engagement strategies.
Strong ability to work within established processes and procedures, ensuring consistency, accuracy and quality.
Experience developing compelling funding proposals, cases for support, donor communications and impact reports.
Experience or interest in managing, coaching or developing team members, with a genuine commitment to supporting others to succeed.
CRM and portfolio management experience, including the ability to use data and insights to qualify prospects and inform strategy.
Project management, organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and high-value donors.
Strong judgement, agility and problem-solving capability, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and respond to changing circumstances.
A team-oriented, adaptable and relationship-focused working style, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Genuine alignment with Australia for UNHCR's mission and values, and a strong commitment to humanitarian work.
Applications Please apply by uploading your resume.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with conversations progressing with suitable candidates throughout the recruitment process.
Interviews may commence prior to the closing date, so we encourage early applications.
Please direct all enquiries to Nadia Pachon at Impact Advising on *************************** 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, and 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.

📌 Philanthropy Manager- Australia For Unhcr (New South Wales)
🏢 Impact Advising
📍 New South Wales