Lead the fundraising strategy for one of Australia’s most recognised veteran charitiess, building sustainable income streams that support veterans and their families across NSW.

- Build and lead a diverse fundraising function across philanthropy, partnerships, grants, campaigns and events
- Unlock significant new opportunities across a large member base, including bequests and individual giving
- Full time or 0.8 FTE | Sydney CBD | Hybrid working

Impact of the organisation

Founded in 1916, RSL NSW supports veterans and their families through advocacy and by connecting them with services that improve their wellbeing. The organisation also plays an important role in fostering connection through camaraderie, recreation and commemoration within local communities.

Working closely with more than 300 sub-Branches and partner organisations across NSW, RSL NSW has a strong statewide presence and a deeply connected membership community. RSL NSW does not operate clubs or poker machines, and RSL NSW and its sub-Branches are separate entities from RSL and other licensed clubs.

RSL NSW is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation, with a clear focus on building financial sustainability and creating the fundraising capability to support its long-term strategy.

With a strong brand, an established membership base of over 30,000, and significant opportunities still to be developed, this is a chance to build something new within a well-known and highly respected organisation.

Impact you will have in this role

This is a newly focused senior fundraising leadership opportunity for a fundraiser who is excited by the prospect of building a function, setting the strategy and creating sustainable income streams from the ground up.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the fundraising strategy across individual giving, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, grants, campaigns and events. You will have the autonomy to shape the fundraising function, determine priorities and build the capability required to deliver against an ambitious growth agenda.

RSL NSW has a substantial membership base and database, with potential opportunities to develop and build stronger relationships with members and introduce them to new ways of supporting RSL NSW and the veteran community.

Bequests will be a key area of focus, with the opportunity to establish and lead a dedicated bequest program. You will also bring grants capability in-house, identifying opportunities across NSW and federal and state government funding streams, while developing the systems and processes required to support a sustainable grants program.

Partnerships and sponsorships will also form part of the remit, working closely with the existing partnerships and sponsorships function of the wider team to support fundraising outcomes.

You will also play an important role in maximising the potential of major national campaigns and appeals, including the ANZAC Poppy Appeals,



working across the RSL’s federated structure and with sub-Branches throughout NSW.

The role will suit a fundraising leader who enjoys creating strategy and then making it happen. You will be comfortable operating in a lean environment, bringing energy, focus and a commercial mindset to an organisation with an exceptional brand and significant potential.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and lead RSL NSW’s fundraising strategy, establishing clear annual goals, priorities, income targets and performance measures across diverse revenue streams.
- Collaborate with and leverage existing corporate functions such as communications, marketing, and partnerships teams to develop and implement the fundraising strategy.
- Build and lead a high-performing fundraising function across individual giving, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, grants, campaigns and events.
- Identify and unlock new fundraising opportunities across RSL NSW’s significant membership base and database, including individual giving and supporter engagement.
- Establish and grow a dedicated bequest program, developing the strategy, processes and relationships required to build a sustainable pipeline of future income.
- Develop an in-house grants function, identifying government and philanthropic opportunities and overseeing the preparation, submission and management of applications.
- Lead and develop corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities in collaboration with existing functions, strengthening existing relationships and identifying new partners aligned with RSL NSW’s purpose.
- Provide strategic insight and execution across major campaigns and appeals, including the ANZAC Appeal and Poppy Appeal.
- Work collaboratively with RSL NSW sub-Branches to identify opportunities to strengthen fundraising capability and maximise the impact of campaigns across NSW.
- Build strong relationships with donors, members, partners, sponsors, grant-makers and other stakeholders, developing tailored engagement and stewardship strategies.
- Develop cases for support and compelling propositions around issues affecting veterans and their families, including mental health, isolation, suicide prevention.
- Establish effective fundraising systems, processes, data and reporting, using insights to inform strategy and improve performance.
- Develop and manage the fundraising budget, forecasts and performance reporting, providing clear advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board.
- Lead, coach and develop the fundraising team,



building the capability and structure required to support future growth.

Skills and Experience

- Demonstrated leadership experience across fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships or another comparable revenue-generating function.
- Proven track record of developing and delivering fundraising strategies and growing income across revenue streams.
- A track record of identifying and developing new fundraising opportunities, with the ability to build programs and functions up.
- Experience leading flagship community fundraising campaigns and events.
- Strong relationship-building, influencing and negotiation skills, with the confidence to engage donors, members, corporate partners, government stakeholders, senior leaders and Board stakeholders.
- Experience leading, developing and building high-performing fundraising teams.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasts, income targets and return on investment.
- Experience using CRM systems, data and insights to inform fundraising strategy, supporter engagement and portfolio development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling cases for support and funding propositions.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with the ability to roll up your sleeves and deliver in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- A collaborative and entrepreneurial approach, with the energy and initiative to identify opportunities and turn strategy into action.
- Genuine alignment with RSL NSW’s purpose and commitment to improving outcomes for veterans and their families.

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, 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.

📌 General Manager Fundraising - RSL NSW (Sydney)
🏢 Impact Advising
📍 Sydney