Senior Philanthropy Executive

Company Description

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum, and their families to deliver evidence-informed solutions that are person-centred, family-focused and customer driven.

At Aspect we recognise a different brilliant®, where we seek to understand, engage and celebrate the strengths, interests and aspiration of people on the autism spectrum.

Job Description

This is an opportunity for a Senior Philanthropy Executive to use your philanthropy, fundraising and relationship-building expertise to secure significant investment from trusts, foundations, government departments and philanthropic organisations — funding initiatives that can change lives and create better opportunities for the Autistic community for generations to come.

This is a full time, maternity cover role, 18 month contract concluding April 2028. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Relationship and Philanthropy Manager, you’ll play a key role in growing Aspect’s Trusts & Foundations portfolio and developing sustainable philanthropic income aligned to our strategic priorities.

You’ll take ownership of the full grants lifecycle - from researching and identifying the right funding opportunities, through to developing compelling cases for support, writing high-quality applications, managing submissions, reporting on outcomes and building long-term relationships with funders.

You’ll work across Aspect with colleagues in education, adult services, Autism-Friendly, research, marketing, finance and fundraising to understand the impact of our work and translate it into compelling funding opportunities.

This is more than grant writing. It’s about understanding what matters to funders, connecting that with Aspect’s strategic priorities, and building partnerships that enable us to do more.

To find out more, click here to view the Position Profile.

Qualifications

About you:

You’re an experienced philanthropy or fundraising professional who knows how to turn an opportunity into a compelling proposition - and a proposition into sustainable funding.

You’ll bring:

• 5+ years’ experience in philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations, major giving, grant writing or relationship management.
• Strong knowledge of the philanthropic landscape, including current trends, best practice and emerging funding opportunities.
• A proven track record of generating, retaining and growing income through strong, long-term relationships.
• Exceptional written communication skills and the ability to develop compelling proposals, presentations and cases for support.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work across a complex organisation.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to take projects from concept through to delivery while coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Commercial and strategic acumen, with the ability to understand organisational priorities and translate them into compelling funding opportunities.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience working with CRM and relationship management systems, preferably Salesforce.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Marketing/Communications, Philanthropy/Fundraising, Commerce or a related discipline are desirable.
• A genuine passion for social change and the disability sector.

You’ll also need a current Working with Children Check (NSW) and National Police Check.

Additional Information

Why join Aspect?

At Aspect, you’ll be part of an organisation that is making a genuine difference in the lives of autistic people and their families. You’ll have the opportunity to use your philanthropy expertise to help fund work that has a lasting impact — while working alongside passionate people who are committed to creating a more inclusive world.

We’re curious, courageous, collaborative and caring. We challenge the status quo, speak up, work together and treat people with kindness, understanding and respect.

• Professional Learning opportunities for career advancement
• Salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay
• Hybrid working arrangements, flexibility between the office and home/remote
• Modern workspace with end-of-trip facilities, on the doorstep of Chatswood train and metro station, dining and retail outlets
• Employee referral incentives
• Discounted membership to fitness facilities through Beny
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

To apply: To apply, click the “I’m Interested” button and submit your application; a cover letter is optional. 

Aspect reserves the right to interview and appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.. 

Aspect is committed to increasing the number of Autistic staff and providing an inclusive workplace where everyone can feel that they belong. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, neurodivergent people, people with a disability, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to apply. We have a range of universal strategies to meet the needs of different people in our hiring processes, and are happy to individualise these.

Learn more about us: www.autismspectrum.org.au