Philanthropy Manager

About the organisation 

Act for Peace is the international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. For over 70 years, Act for Peace has worked alongside local partners across more than 15 countries to support people forced from their homes by conflict and disaster, and those facing injustice and human rights abuses. 
  
Through programs in emergency response, refugee protection, and peacebuilding, Act for Peace seeks to create a just, peaceful, and sustainable world where people can live in safety and dignity. At its heart, the organisation is driven by a belief in the power of solidarity and community, connecting people and churches in Australia with communities around the world to inspire generosity and long-term support. 


Benefits & culture 

• Remote / Hybrid working arrangements 
• Inclusive, collaborative, and values-led team culture 
• Salary packaging options and additional leave provisions 
• Staff wellbeing and professional development programs 

  
About the role 

Reporting to the Chief Engagement Officer, the Philanthropy Manager will lead Act for Peace’s philanthropy program, responsible for delivering sustainable income growth from major donors, trusts and foundations, gift in wills, as well as the working capital fund. 
  
This donor-facing role manages a personal portfolio of high-value supporters and provides strategic leadership. You will work closely with the CEO, Chief Engagement Officer, and senior leaders to strengthen existing relationships, identify new opportunities, and ensure high-quality donor experiences that deepen long-term support. 
  
You will also: 

• Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure high-value gifts 
• Provide strategic leadership and line management for the Gifts in Wills program 
• Develop tailored proposals, cases for support, and stewardship materials 
• Contribute to long-term philanthropic strategy and income growth initiatives 
• Represent Act for Peace externally, engaging with church and community networks 

Skills & experience required 

You are a relationship-driven fundraiser with experience managing major donor relationships and securing significant philanthropic gifts. You bring strategic thinking, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to engage supporters in meaningful, values-based conversations. 
  
You will also have: 

• Proven success in major gifts and/or trusts and foundations fundraising 
• Theological fluency or comfort engaging with faith-based supporters at a values level 
• Strong relationship management skills with ability to inspire and influence 
• Experience managing or contributing to a Gifts in Wills program 
• The ability to conceptualise and create compelling donor materials 
• Strong financial management, data analysis, and project management skills 
• Innovative thinking and adaptability to evolving fundraising methods 
• Willingness to travel across Australia to meet with donors and church partners 

  
If you are a strategic and values-led fundraiser motivated to make a global impact, 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.