Philanthropy Officer – Catholic Mission – Wollongong / Canberra

This is a wonderful opportunity to join the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia, which supports children, communities and church leaders both in Australia and overseas.

• Role based remotely in either Canberra/Goulburn or Wollongong
• Wonderful culture, experienced and dynamic team, supportive management
• Make a significant impact by engaging people in this inspiring work

Impact of the organisation

Catholic Mission is an international organisation that partners with communities, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and spiritual care. They contribute funding and provide project support to critical church-run initiatives in Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America as well as remote dioceses within Australia.

Impact you will have in this role

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about driving positive change by fostering generosity through philanthropy.

It is a well-suited role for individuals with experience in Major Gifts, Gifts in Wills, or those from a sales/relationship management background who excel in building, nurturing and maintaining relationships. The ideal candidate will value partnerships, thrive on collaboration, and bring a creative approach to their work.

Your main focus will be to build strong relationships with new and existing supporters, aiming to grow Catholic Mission’s income from major gifts and bequests while aligning with the organisation’s core values.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for identifying, nurturing, and growing donor relations from mid-level donors to major givers through to confirmed bequestors
• Work with the Philanthropy Manager and the Province Director and other stakeholders to drive engagement with major donors and bequestors within Canberra/Goulburn, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong Dioceses
• Nurture high value donors and gift in will supporters, ensuring long-term interest in Catholic Mission and continued support of the vision
• Provide guidance and support to NSW/ACT Diocesan Directors and collaborate with other staff to deliver the Major Gifts and Gifts in Wills programs
• Secure major gifts from individuals, corporates, and parishes
• Actively grow the number of supporters through managing and nurturing existing relationships, as well as identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new relationships
• Implement an annual calendar of strategic engagement activities to grow your donor base and drive income, including stewardship and engagement events and giving circles
• Lead on donor care activities across the donor base to include visits, calls, events, and letters to nurture key donor relationships and provide opportunities to meaningfully connect with donors, bequestors, and prospects
• Manage communication to donors that enhances engagement and commitment, including annual reports, proposals, updates and personal stewardship communication
• Provide guidance and support to the Province Director of NSW/ACT and the other NSW Diocesan Directors to help ensure that they are equipped to successfully support the growth of the major gifts and bequests strategies in their dioceses
• Contribute to annual strategic planning, budgeting, and related organisational activities

Skills and Experience

• Understanding of and commitment to Catholic principles, values and global mission
• A background in major gifts/bequest fundraising or relevant experience in commercial sales/relationship development roles
• Experience and proven success in personally increasing major gift donations or bequest support OR equivalent experience in a comparative role in the corporate sector within high value sales
• Proven success and experience in a high-touch relationship development position, working closely with stakeholders to meet mutually beneficial outcomes
• Strong relationship management experience and the desire to build trusted and long-term connections with supporters on varying levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to listen and engage and strong attention to detail
• Self-directed and motivated with a determined approach and a background in exceeding financial targets
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including an ability to establish rapport with donors, potential donors, bequestors, business executives and accomplished entrepreneurs, in addition to senior church leaders
• High level of efficiency, accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in relation to time management, multi-tasking, prioritising tasks
• High level of competency in use of computer applications such as MS-suite of products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), use of email, use of databases
• Ability to travel across Canberra/Goulburn, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong Dioceses with access to a personal vehicle and up to date driver’s licence
• Understanding and appreciation of the role of the Catholic Church in mission

Applications

Please apply by clicking Apply Now and uploading your resume.

Please direct all enquiries to Rosheen Singh at Impact Advising on [email protected] using the subject line: Philanthropy Officer – Catholic Mission – Wollongong / Canberra enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and cultural background. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in workforces.