Philanthropy Specialist – Major Gifts
Compassion Australia | NFP
Permanent, Full-Time
Hybrid | Brisbane or Sydney (Brisbane preferred)

About Compassion
Compassion Australia is a purpose-driven (NFP) Christian organisation committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Working alongside sponsors, supporters and church partners, we help fund and strengthen local church-led child development programs in over 25 countries, creating lasting impact for children, families and communities.

About the Role
As a Philanthropy Specialist - Major Gifts, you will build and grow meaningful relationships with major donors, creating personalised opportunities to deepen their engagement and increase the impact of their generosity. Working as part of the Major Giver Team and reporting to the Strategic Giving Partnerships Lead, you'll cultivate new and existing partnerships, identify opportunities for growth and deliver strategic fundraising outcomes through strong relationship management and donor engagement.

Key Accountabilities

- Build and nurture meaningful relationships with existing major givers, deepening their engagement and growing their impact.
- Identify and cultivate new major giver prospects, developing a strong pipeline of partnership opportunities.
- Manage the major giving journey from prospect identification through to solicitation, stewardship and ongoing engagement.
- Develop personalised donor engagement opportunities that align with Compassion’s national strategy and fundraising goals.
- Build networks across the local Christian and philanthropic communities to grow Compassion’s reach and influence.
- Use CRM insights and donor research to identify opportunities,



guide engagement strategies and achieve fundraising targets.
- Identify and develop opportunities to engage volunteers and advocates in expanding Compassion’s impact.
- Collaborate across teams to deliver strategic initiatives, strengthen partnerships and contribute to continuous improvement.

What you'll bring

- Proven experience building and nurturing meaningful relationships with major givers, donors or key external stakeholders.
- A track record of generating new leads, developing partnership opportunities and achieving fundraising or sales targets.
- Strong communication, networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage people from diverse backgrounds.
- Confidence in presenting, influencing and negotiating to communicate impact and inspire generosity.
- The ability to use CRM systems, research and data insights to identify opportunities and guide engagement strategies.
- Knowledge of the local church context, philanthropic fundraising and global poverty, or a willingness to develop this understanding.
- A collaborative, results-driven approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond constructively to feedback.
- Qualifications in ministry, sales, marketing or communications are highly desirable.
- Experience in the not-for-profit, Christian or corporate sector,



and representing an organisation externally, will be highly regarded.

Why join Compassion Australia?

- A mission you'll believe in: Every role contributes to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.
- Supportive team culture: Work with people who genuinely care about each other and the mission.
- Boost Your Take-Home Pay: Access up to $15,900 in tax-free benefits for everyday expenses
- Hybrid flexibility: Balance office collaboration with the flexibility to work from home.
- Professional growth: Access learning opportunities, meaningful projects and career development.
- Employee perks: Enjoy salary packaging, additional leave options, paid volunteering and field trip opportunities and access to EAP & wellbeing support.

How to Apply
If you would like to be considered for this position, please submit your application by clicking “Apply Now”. Please note applicants must have valid Australian working rights to be considered for this role.

Applications close 11:59 pm (AEST) November 14, 2026. Early applications are encouraged, and the position may be filled before the closing date.

At the heart of Compassion’s ministry is a relentless passion to act on our faith and empower every child left vulnerable by poverty. Our work is Christ-centred, child-focused, and church-based. The successful candidate will be strongly aligned to the values of this leading Christian not-for-profit organisation.

We’re looking for someone with a heart for Compassion’s work and equipped with the right skills and experience to fit the role. So even if your experience doesn’t tick every item on our list, we’d still love to hear from you.

📌 Philanthropy Specialist - Major Gifts (Brisbane)
🏢 Compassion Australia
📍 Brisbane