Development Director

About the organisation

Gondwana Rainforest Trust (GRT) is “Saving Life on Earth” by protecting and restoring Australia’s rainforests. In just six years, GRT has secured more than 40 rainforest properties through successful fundraising and land acquisition programs, creating tangible impact for biodiversity, climate, and community. With a national footprint, ambitious growth targets, and the launch of a major capital campaign, GRT is entering an exciting new phase and you could help shape its future.


Benefits and culture

• Remote or hybrid working options with offices in Brisbane and Northern NSW
• High-trust, collaborative culture with strong board and CEO support
• Professional development, mentoring, and leadership opportunities
• Be part of a mission-driven, values-led team making real change for the planet
• Travel to a variety of locations including Far North Queensland

  
About the role

As Development Director, you will design and implement a bold, future-focused fundraising strategy that underpins Gondwana’s ambitious conservation goals. This role offers the scope to shape systems, grow a talented fundraising and communications team, and inspire a loyal supporter base to take action for rainforests, biodiversity, and climate. You will be backed by an experienced CEO, high-trust colleagues, expert consultants, and systems to support the success and scale of the fundraising program.
  
You will report directly to the CEO with responsibility for leading all fundraising programs, to ensure revenue growth, financial sustainability, and strong donor engagement. You will also:

• Manage and grow a high-performing fundraising and communications team
• Prepare and deliver a major capital campaign for the Gondwana Rainforest Centre
• Champion donor retention, engagement, and ethical fundraising practices

Skills and experience required

You are an experienced fundraising leader with the vision, drive, and strategic insight to take Gondwana into its next stage of growth. You combine strong technical fundraising skills with the ability to inspire and empower teams, engage donors, measure fundraising performance and ROI, and make data-informed decisions that maximise fundraising success.     .
  
You will also have:

• Experience developing and implementing long-term fundraising strategies delivering growth and sustainability
• Proven success across multiple income streams including regular giving, major donors, grants, corporates and campaigns
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience mentoring and building high-performing teams
• Confidence in budget planning, forecasting, and financial management
• Strong communication skills with the ability to craft compelling proposals, reports, and donor communications
• A collaborative, empathetic leadership style and the ability to work effectively with CEOs, Boards, partners, and donors
• A deep commitment to conservation, environmental protection, and social justice outcomes

  
If you are ready to grow and lead an impactful fundraising team with a commitment to conservation and environmental protection, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please click the apply now button and include a cover letter and resume outlining how your experience aligns with the role.
  
For further information, to receive an information pack or a confidential discussion, contact Kelly Gentle at NGO Recruitment on (02) 8243 0570.

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.