07th November, 2026

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GRBF) exists to create a better future for coral reefs and the communities that depend on them. At a time of unprecedented environmental challenge, the Foundation is bringing together philanthropy, science, innovation and partnerships to protect ocean habitats, restore coral reefs and help them adapt to the impacts of climate change. Working with First Nations peoples, researchers, governments, communities and corporate partners, the Foundation invests in bold ideas and delivers real-world conservation programs that are generating breakthroughs in reef restoration and environmental resilience.

From the Great Barrier Reef to reef systems around the world, the solutions developed today have the potential to shape global conservation outcomes.

As the Foundation enters its next phase of growth, an exceptional opportunity exists for a strategic fundraising leader to secure transformational investment and help drive one of the world's most important environmental missions. The Director of Fundraising & Philanthropy will lead the Foundation's fundraising, philanthropy and corporate partnerships portfolio across Australia and key international markets. Reporting to the Chief of Communications and Growth, you will set the strategic direction for income generation, overseeing a diverse portfolio spanning individual giving, major gifts, trusts & foundations, corporate partnerships and international philanthropy.

Working closely with executive leadership, you will design and deliver strategies that diversify revenue, deepen supporter engagement and secure the investment needed to advance the Foundation's ambitious 2030 vision.

Leading a team, you will foster a culture of accountability, learning and collaboration, empowering individuals to grow,



perform and contribute at their best. This is a rare opportunity to lead a landmark capital campaign across Australia, the United States and Asia while building meaningful relationships with philanthropists, foundations and corporate partners. Success in this role will come from your ability to combine strategic fundraising expertise with inclusive and inspiring leadership, bringing together people, ideas and resources to create lasting impact for the Great Barrier Reef.

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About YOU

You are an accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic investment and building sustainable income streams. Equally important, you have demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams through growth and change.

You will bring:

- Proven success leading large-scale fundraising and philanthropy programs, including securing multi-year investment and major gifts of $1M+
- Expertise leading diversified fundraising strategies including major gifts, regular giving, bequests, philanthropy and corporate partnerships
- Experience leading capital, capacity or transformational campaigns
- Exposure to international fundraising markets, ideally including the US
- Robust commercial, financial and budget management capability
- Experience leveraging CRM systems, data and digital channels to optimise fundraising performance
- Demonstrated success building and leading capable,



accountable and collaborative teams
- The ability to coach, mentor and develop people, creating an environment where individuals can thrive
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, including Board-level engagement
- A genuine commitment to purpose-driven work and creating lasting environmental impact

Along with a rewarding and impactful career, Great Barrier Reef Foundation offers a range of benefits that support employee wellbeing, flexibility and work-life balance, including:
- Five additional leave days each year, including Recharge Days, Birthday Leave and gifted end-of-year leave
- Cultural, Religious and Ceremonial Leave
- Paid parental leave for permanent employees
- The option to purchase additional annual leave
- A bright, modern office within walking distance of South Bank train and bus stations
- Access to salary packaging (The Foundation is an environmental charity rather than a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI). While salary packaging is available, some benefits (including general living expenses) are not FBT-exempt)

APPLY NOW to take your place leading a world-class fundraising strategy that will secure major investment for the Great Barrier Reef and help shape conservation outcomes globally.

Gembridge Australia champions diversity and is committed to building an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation and genders.

Gembridge is proud to partner with Great Barrier Reef Foundation leading the search for this opportunity.

For a confidential discussion, contact Sharon Hoffman or Michelle Varcoe at Gembridge on 1300 313 413 or [email protected].

📌 Director of Fundraising and Philanthropy (Brisbane)
🏢 Gembridge Australia
📍 Brisbane