Flexibility! Work 0-100% remotely from anywhere within Australia
12 month fixed-term contract
Find your 'calling' instead of your 'career'
Animals Australia has earned a global reputation as leaders in strategic campaigning and advocacy. Our award-winning national campaigns and unique investigative work have awakened millions to the systemic animal suffering that exists within factory farming and live animal export and inspired countless individuals to drive change simply by living compassionately and acting kindly.
Our vision to create a kinder, more compassionate, and respectful world for all living beings is bold and ambitious. To achieve this vision, we need to inspire changed thinking about our relationship with animals on a global scale. Working in this space we encourage a learning mindset at all levels of the organisation, across all roles.
Job Description
A GLIMPSE INTO WHAT WE OFFER:
Initial salary of $110,000 - $115,000 plus super per annum (pro rata for part-time)
An innovative workplace that is reimagining the employee experience
An inclusive, genuine, supportive, animal-friendly environment
Flexibility! We've made an ongoing commitment to individual flexibility with most of our team working fully remotely
Wellbeing Program including a customised Employee Assistance Program, discounted private health insurance, Wellbeing Leave and unique 'Kindness in Action' initiative
A holistic approach and investment in your growth, personally and professionally
This is a senior role for someone who can build trusted donor relationships, make direct asks with care and confidence, and develop compelling cases for support. You'll work closely with the Philanthropy and Relationships Stream Leader, the Relationships Manager, and the Donor Development Manager to strengthen our major donor pipeline and grow fundraising capacity in a dynamic, campaign-driven environment. Animals Australia takes a unique approach to our fundraising programs, and care for our donors is at the heart of every decision we make. Sometimes this means our program structure and communications look different to the rest of the sector, and we are seeking a team member who will embrace our approach even if it challenges the 'norm'. Success in this role will require confidence working in an environment where campaign priorities can shift quickly, and where donor conversations and funding cases may need to be reframed at short notice.
This role is primarily focused on major donor fundraising and pipeline development, rather than leading bequest, grant or donor event programs, though you may contribute insight where these intersect with the major donor pipeline.
You will:
Cultivate, steward and solicit gifts from major donors, including in-person visits nationally, ensuring donor communication is timely, personalised and reflects our values and relationship approach
Develop compelling cases for support, proposals and impact updates that connect donors to Animals Australia's advocacy, investigations and systemic change work
Lead and conduct prospect research across our donor base to identify and prioritise major donor opportunities, and develop the framework for pipeline management and fundraising growth
Take on relationships currently held by the Relationships Manager, ensuring continuity of donor experience through the handover
Work across teams to shape workflows and standards that affect major donor touchpoints, ensuring consistency and quality of experience
Please refer to the position description on our Careers website for a full outline of the role.
Desired Skills and Experience
ABOUT YOU
You're an experienced relationship fundraiser with strong judgement, excellent written skills, and the confidence to work autonomously in a remote, fast-moving environment. You know how to build trust with high-value donors over time, make thoughtful and direct asks, and communicate impact in a way that is emotionally intelligent, strategic and clear.
Our ideal person is:
Inspired by our vision and aligned with our values
Experienced, with 8-10 years in donor management, relationship fundraising and/or philanthropy, and a track record of securing gifts of $10,000+
Experienced leading or holding substantial responsibility for a major gifts program, including both strategy and hands-on delivery
Strong on relationship management, with evidence of cultivating and stewarding high-value donors over time
An exceptional written communicator, including fundraising proposals, donor correspondence, and cases for support
Comfortable when a funding case shifts or no longer proceeds, and able to reframe quickly and communicate clearly with donors
Proficient in CRM systems, donor record management, data analysis, and managing donor relationships through a structured pipeline
Organised, self-directed, and able to balance competing priorities with a high degree of autonomy
Willing and able to travel nationally for donor engagement
You'll stand out further if you also have:
Existing relationships with Australian philanthropic trusts and foundations
Formal fundraising qualifications, such as FIA or CFRE, or relevant postgraduate study
Experience in animal protection, advocacy, environmental, or social justice organisations
People management or mentoring experience
Knowledge of the Australian and global animal protection landscape
Excited by the opportunity but unsure if you have the capabilities we're looking for? We'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to the People & Culture Team via the details below.
HOW TO APPLY
If you share our vision of a world where kindness, compassion, and respect extend to all living beings, apply now.
Please attach the following documents to your application:
Current resume
Cover letter
We welcome applications in diverse formats. If you'd prefer to record a short video talking through your interest in the role instead of, or alongside, a written cover letter, please upload it to YouTube and include the link with your application.
Animals Australia is comfortable with candidates using AI tools in their applications. However, we do ask that if you have, please disclose it in your cover letter or video.
Applications sent via email will be redirected to the application link. Applications close 11:59pm, Friday 11 September 2026.
If you have any questions please contact the People & Culture Team via email to people@animalsaustralia.org, using the subject line: Philanthropy Manager enquiry.
