Philanthropy Specialist

Build philanthropic relationships that power human rights and inspire multi-year gifts with Amnesty International Australia.

• Build genuine, long-term relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations and partners to grow philanthropy and support human rights
• Join one of the world’s leading human rights organisations and help secure the funding that drives lasting social change
• Permanent, full-time | Sydney | Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Impact of the Organisation

Amnesty International is a global movement campaigning for a world where everyone’s human rights are protected. Independent of governments, political parties, religions and economic interests, Amnesty International investigates and exposes human rights abuses, campaigns for justice, and empowers people to challenge inequality and oppression. In Australia, Amnesty International works alongside First Nations communities and people seeking asylum to challenge discrimination, end unfair detention practices and advocate for a fair and just legal system for all. The organisation also supports women’s and LGBTI activist networks that campaign for equality, inclusion and human rights, while continuing to influence Australian governments to strengthen laws and policies that uphold human rights and meet international obligations. Amnesty International Australia plays a critical role in advancing this mission by mobilising the generosity of supporters, philanthropists and partners who believe in creating a more just, equal and compassionate world. Their work creates lasting change for individuals and communities around the world.

The Impact You Will Have in This Role

Reporting to the Philanthropy Manager, you will develop and grow a portfolio of major donors, trusts, foundations and partners, creating tailored engagement strategies that inspire long-term investment in Amnesty International’s work. You will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward high-value supporters while developing compelling cases for support, delivering personalised donor experiences and securing significant philanthropic gifts. This is an ideal role for someone who genuinely enjoys being out and about meeting with donors, understanding what motivates their philanthropic giving, and building authentic, long-lasting relationships. You will work alongside supporters, helping them connect their values with Amnesty’s mission and inspiring multi-year philanthropic support that advances human rights initiatives in Australia and around the world. Working collaboratively across fundraising, campaigns and senior leadership, you will coordinate strategic donor meetings, events and engagement opportunities, while partnering with the National Director, Board members and campaign leaders to strengthen donor relationships. You’ll also contribute to long-term fundraising strategy, pipeline development and revenue planning, helping shape the future growth of Amnesty’s philanthropy program. You will thrive in this role if you’re motivated by building meaningful relationships, enjoy setting ambitious goals, achieving ambitious annual income targets and seeing the results of your work, and are excited by the opportunity to secure transformational, multi-year support for Amnesty Inte national’s human rights mission. If you’re energised by building new relationships, developing ambitious pipelines and securing transformational gifts, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, trusts, foundations and partners through tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• Play a pivotal role in expanding the organisation’s major donor pipeline, bringing fresh thinking and a proactive approach to new business development.
• Take ownership of building a robust pipeline of prospective major donors, developing tailored engagement strategies that inspire transformational giving.
• Develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, donor communications and stewardship materials that inspire long-term philanthropic investment.
• Plan and deliver strategic donor meetings, engagement opportunities and events that strengthen relationships and increase giving.
• Identify and secure new philanthropic opportunities aligned with Amnesty’s mission and priorities.
• Develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising strategies, managing income targets, budgets and pipeline performance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify funding opportunities and coordinate donor reporting and stewardship activities.
• Manage donor records, gift processing and reporting, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Analyse fundraising performance and donor data to identify opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate engagement opportunities involving senior leaders, campaigners and Board members to deepen donor relationships.
• Support the broader Philanthropy Team and contribute to cross-functional fundraising initiatives, including the reintroduction of community fundraising activities.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing and growing relationships with mid-value and/or major donors, with a proven track record of securing philanthropic support.
• Proven success developing fundraising strategies, managing donor pipelines and achieving revenue targets.
• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating and securing new major gift opportunities from high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic partners.
• Proven ability to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective major donors, developing tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• A track record of proactively identifying new funding opportunities and converting prospects into long-term philanthropic partners.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage, influence and inspire a wide range of audiences.
• Outstanding relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with a genuine passion for developing long-term partnerships.
• Experience writing compelling funding proposals, cases for support and donor communications.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Analytical capability and experience using donor databases or CRM systems to manage portfolios and inform fundraising strategy.
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach with excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Experience within the not-for-profit sector and a genuine passion for human rights, social justice and creating meaningful social change.

DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

AIA is committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates with a disability or other access needs during the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment and interview process, please email us at humanresources@amnesty.org.au.

AI Australia is committed to equal opportunities in all areas of our work, community and partner relationships. We want people to achieve their full potential, which will positively impact on our work and the communities in which we operate. At AI Australia, our values empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment. We have a global, multicultural following and want to actively contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive team at AI Australia.

We are committed to equal opportunities in all areas of our work, community and partner relationships. We want people to achieve their full potential, which will positively impact on our work and the communities in which we operate. At AI Australia, our values empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment. We are a movement of people from all walks of life around the world. We intend to actively contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive team.

Do you want to know more about Amnesty International Australia?

We are an independent, global movement that campaigns courageously for human rights for everyone. We’re ordinary people from all walks of life, using our passion and commitment to bring torturers to justice, change oppressive laws and free people imprisoned just for voicing their opinion.

We’re independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion to ensure we can speak out on human rights abuses wherever they occur.

We stand for equality, justice, freedom, and human dignity and uphold these values:

• Empowerment – we build people power
• Persistence – we are resolute in pursuit of our goals
• Integrity – we hold ourselves to the highest standards
• Courage – we are fearless in upholding human rights

Everyday we move closer to a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter and explain how your experience has prepared you for this role.

We will review applications as they are submitted.