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 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 metricsSupport 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 key 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