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 dynamic 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 current 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

Personal Qualities

- Relationship-first orientation - you build trust through enquiry, consistency, follow-through, and genuine interest in people and their passions and interests
- Self-directed and organised - you manage multiple priorities and seek support when needed
- Great attention to detail
- Comfortable working in a small team where everyone collaborates and contributes
- Discrete and professional in handling sensitive donor information and conversations
- Innovative and entrepreneurial thinker

What We Offer

- High degree of autonomy in your role
- Influence over fundraising strategy and outcomes
- A small, committed team that cares deeply about its work
- Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
- Front-row access to Australia's most important documentary projects and the philanthropists who support them
- The opportunity to collaborate and build on the success of fundraising at Documentary Australia

Our Values

- Integrity: We are a trusted and credible source of quality stories. We maintain allegiance to the truth in a world in which the very notion of 'truth' is being distorted.
- Inclusiveness: We support a balanced slate of stories which foster awareness and encourage debate; neither causing harm nor supporting propaganda.
- Innovation: We lead practice - learning, adjusting, and improving always and bringing new ideas to partners when a better way is possible
- Inspirational leadership: We lead with courage and determination, bringing together the art of storytelling with the passion for building a better world

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Documentary Australia is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and representing the diversity of the communities and stories we serve.

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