Fundraising and Partnerships Manager

Part time (0.5 FTE, 19 hours per week) | Hybrid, Melbourne-based | Not for profit

Build meaningful partnerships that change young lives.

Since 2006, Education CHANCES Foundation (ECF) has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships to almost 1,200 young people across Boroondara. Our independent evaluation found that every $1 invested generates up to $19.51 in social and economic value. We’re now looking for a proactive, hands-on Fundraising and Partnerships Manager to grow our funding base so we can reach even more students.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

About us

ECF is a local not for profit committed to making sure financial hardship does not stand in the way of a young person’s education, confidence or future. Our scholarships help remove everyday barriers to learning, covering everything from laptops and textbooks to uniforms, camps, extracurricular activities and transport.

The opportunity

This is a rare chance for a driven fundraising, partnerships or business development professional to take ECF’s fundraising to the next level, building on almost 20 years of community support, an established donor base and a proven impact story.

Reporting to the Chairperson and working closely with the General Manager, Executive Team and Board, you will lead our fundraising and partnerships effort across three key supporter groups: corporate partners, individual donors (including our existing donor base), and institutional funders such as universities, higher education providers, trusts and foundations. You will also engage ECF alumni as a targeted group of supporters.

As a small, community-based foundation, we rely on personal relationships rather than large campaigns, so we need someone who will pick up the phone, get in front of people and follow every opportunity through to a result.

Our ambition is not simply to raise more money, but also to build long-term relationships that give ECF a secure, diversified funding base and let us support more young people in our community.

What you will do

- Identify, approach and cultivate prospective corporate, individual, alumni and institutional supporters
- Build and actively work a strong pipeline of prospects, keeping up a steady rhythm of outreach, meetings and follow-up
- Develop corporate partnerships with local and larger businesses,



including support for specific scholarship programs and cohorts
- Retain and grow our existing donor base, with a focus on major donors and regular givers
- Engage ECF alumni, including former scholarship recipients, as supporters, advocates and future donors
- Build partnerships with universities, higher education providers, trusts and foundations
- Prepare tailored funding proposals, partnership pitches and grant applications, and negotiate agreements
- Lead donor and partner stewardship, so supporters see the impact of their contribution and are encouraged to deepen their support
- Work with the General Manager, Executive Team and Board to open doors through their networks
- Develop and deliver a practical fundraising and partnerships plan with clear targets
- Maintain accurate records of relationships, opportunities and income, and report regularly on progress

We know this is a broad remit for a part time role, and you will not be expected to do everything at once. In your first few months, you will work with the Chair and the Board to agree the priorities and targets that will make the biggest difference, and build from there.

About you

You might come from fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships, business development, corporate affairs, community engagement or a related field. Above all, you are a self-starter who creates opportunities rather than waits for them, builds trust quickly and turns conversations into lasting support.

This role could suit someone building a portfolio career, returning from leave, or looking to put their business development skills to work for their local community. You will bring:

- Demonstrated success in securing funding or partnerships through direct relationship building
- A proactive, hands-on approach and a track record of execution: initiating contact, following up persistently and delivering results
- The confidence to engage senior leaders, business owners, philanthropists, alumni,



higher education institutions and community stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including writing compelling proposals and pitching in person
- Strong commercial and strategic thinking, balanced with a focus on practical delivery
- Strong organisational skills and the discipline to manage a pipeline of opportunities
- The ability to work autonomously while collaborating with a small team and volunteer Board
- A genuine commitment to educational opportunity, inclusion and supporting young people experiencing disadvantage

Experience in the not for profit, education, community or philanthropic sectors would be highly regarded, and experience growing a fundraising program in a small organisation would be a solid advantage.

Time commitment and location

This is a 0.5 FTE role of about 19 hours per week, including:

- A fortnightly meeting (about 1 hour) with the General Manager and a member of our Executive Team
- Bi-monthly Board meetings (about 1 hour)
- Occasional events and meetings outside regular hours, such as donor, partner and community functions

The role is fully remote, but you will need to be based in Melbourne to meet supporters in-person and attend events in Boroondara.

Why join Education CHANCES?

You will make a direct and visible contribution to the lives of young people in your local community. You will also join a purpose-driven organisation with a strong track record and an engaged Board, with real scope to shape how ECF grows its fundraising and partnerships and the satisfaction of building something that lasts.

If you are motivated by building relationships, making things happen and helping young people reach their potential, we would love to hear from you.

To apply: Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role and highlighting your relevant experience to [email protected], addressed to Melissa Gallace.

Applications close: 11:59pm Sunday 8 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we strongly encourage you to apply early if you are interested in the role.

Education CHANCES Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive setting and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Work Authorisation

- Australia (Required)

Location:
- Melbourne VIC (Required)

Work Location: Remote

📌 Fundraising and Partnerships Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Education CHANCES Foundation
📍 Melbourne