Environmental Defenders Office – Sydney CBD NSW

- Remuneration: SCHADS Level 6: $120,295 + 12% super + 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly encouraged to apply

Job title: Grants Lead

Reporting to: Head of Development

Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the Australia-Pacific, dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy.

Since time immemorial, First Nations and Indigenous peoples have been taking care of their Countries in Australia and the Pacific. These deep understandings, knowledges and experiences are critical to maintaining the health and vitality of Australia and the Pacific’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. EDO respects these great knowledges and strongly believes that EDO cannot achieve a world where nature thrives without working for First Nations and Indigenous peoples.

The opportunity:

Apply your grants and philanthropic fundraising expertise within a values-led organisation at the forefront of protecting the environment, advancing climate justice and supporting communities through the law.

Reporting to the Head of Development, you will play a key role in strengthening EDO's philanthropic funding and long-term sustainability. You will lead the identification and development of grant opportunities, prepare compelling funding proposals and reports, and manage relationships with philanthropic funders and donors. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will help secure vital funding, demonstrate the impact of EDO's work and build meaningful partnerships that advance our mission.

Candidate Profile:





Are you an experienced grants and philanthropy professional looking to use your skills to drive meaningful change?

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on building relationships, securing funding and connecting supporters with causes that create lasting impact. You will bring exceptional written communication skills, a proven track record in grants management and fundraising and the ability to develop persuasive proposals that inspire philanthropic investment. Working closely with experts in law, science, policy and philanthropy, you will translate complex work into compelling funding opportunities, cultivate solid donor relationships and contribute to initiatives that strengthen EDO's financial sustainability.

If you are looking for a role where your grants and fundraising expertise can contribute to genuine environmental and social impact, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

The key responsibilities of the Grants Lead include but are not limited to:

- Identifying, researching and assessing grant opportunities that align with EDO's strategic priorities, funding needs and long-term sustainability.
- Developing high-quality, persuasive grant applications, funding proposals and supporting materials tailored to the priorities and interests of prospective funders.
- Working collaboratively with EDO's legal,



scientific and policy experts to develop funding concepts, articulate project outcomes and translate complex work into compelling cases for support.
- Coordinating the end-to-end grants management process, including application timelines, grant agreements, deliverables, reporting requirements and acquittals.
- Preparing accurate, engaging and timely grant reports that demonstrate EDO's achievements, impact and responsible stewardship of philanthropic funding.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with grantmakers and philanthropic funders, including regular communications, updates and engagement opportunities.
- Managing and cultivating a portfolio of donors, developing tailored stewardship and engagement approaches to support donor retention, increased giving and long-term relationships.
- Identifying opportunities to deepen donor engagement and grow philanthropic support through personalised communications, funding proposals and meaningful connections with EDO's work.
- Supporting the planning and delivery of donor engagement activities, including briefings, webinars, site visits, private events and other experiences that showcase EDO's impact.
- Preparing donor communications, briefing materials, presentations and other fundraising collateral to support philanthropic engagement and giving.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date donor and grant records, including funding pipelines, relationship management activities, reporting and relevant information within EDO's fundraising systems.
- Monitoring and evaluating grant and donor engagement activities, identifying opportunities to improve fundraising effectiveness, donor experien

📌 Grants Lead (Sydney)
🏢 Environmental Defenders Office
📍 Sydney