Reports To

Head of Philanthropy Partnerships and Communications

About Documentary Australia

Documentary Australia is a unique not-for-profit organisation that enables social impact through documentary storytelling. We support filmmakers, philanthropists, foundations, and partners to create powerful documentaries that inspire awareness, empathy and action on the issues shaping Australia and the world.

As we continue to grow our impact and fundraising capability, we are seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Grants and Fundraising Specialist to help support and expand fundraising across multiple revenue streams.

About the Role

The Grants and Fundraising Specialist will play a key role in delivering Documentary Australia's fundraising strategy.

This role is ideal for someone who is both highly relational and data-informed, comfortable building authentic donor relationships while leveraging CRM systems, AI tools, and fundraising insights to drive growth and efficiency.

Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, Partnerships and Communications, you will help identify new opportunities and contribute to a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

General

Assist in the implementation of a agile and comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Documentary Australia's mission and goals. Trusts and Foundations are a key focus for this role, and you will also work with the Head of Philanthropy, Partnerships and Communications on other fundraising activities.

Trusts and Foundations - Grants

- Identify, research, and prioritise new and existing grant opportunities from trusts, foundations, and government bodies for both Documentary Australia core, program,



and film funding
- Write compelling, evidence-based grant applications and acquittal reports
- Manage grant calendars, compliance requirements, and funder relationships
- Maintain clear records of applications, outcomes, and funder history

Prospect and Pipeline Development

- Conduct prospect research using fundraising databases, public sources, and AI-assisted tools
- Monitor fundraising trends and identify new funding opportunities
- Develop and maintain prospect pipelines and donor segmentation strategies
- Collaborate with other Team members on prospect opportunities

Other Fundraising Activities May Include

- Assisting the development and execution of revenue generating fundraising campaigns to support core and program revenue
- Collaborating on effective acquisition and retention programs
- Collaborating with other teams within Documentary Australia, including Marketing and Communications, Programs, Evaluation and Finance, to help ensure effective integration of fundraising efforts into appeals and campaigns

Technology and Data

- Use data to inform fundraising strategy, analysing trends, conversion, retention, and lifetime value
- Maintain accurate donor records, reporting and moves management within the CRM




- Use AI and digital tools to improve grant writing and fundraising efficiency, including prospecting, donor segmentation, donor insights, predictive analytics, and trends analysis
- Contribute to data analysis, reporting, and fundraising performance metrics
- Support continuous improvement in fundraising systems and processes
- In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Team, leverage digital tools to support fundraising campaigns
- Stay current with emerging fundraising technologies and recommend adoption where relevant

Strategy and Reporting

- Contribute to the development of the annual fundraising plan, including income targets and activity planning
- Prepare regular reports for the Head of Philanthropy, Partnerships and Communications on grants and fundraising performance
- Monitor sector trends in philanthropy, documentary, and social impact fundraising
- Support the Head of Philanthropy, Partnerships and Communications on Board-level reporting

About You

Experience and Skills

- Proven track record and experience in grants and fundraising
- Proven experience writing successful grant applications to trusts and foundations
- Demonstrated success in stakeholder relationship management
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors
- Proficiency with CRM platforms (preferably Salesforce)
- Familiarity with Australian philanthropy, including tax-effective giving structures, DGR status, and PAFs and PuAFS (Giving Funds)
- Compliant with the regulatory and ethical framework governing Fundraising in Australia
- An interest in documentary

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📌 Grants and Fundraising Specialist (Sydney)
🏢 Documentary Australia
📍 Sydney