Head of Foundation

Forty-two young people are on Co-Hive’s waitlist. Not because we can't help them; because they can't afford to get in the door. Many more don’t live near our Alexandria hubs or know Co-Hive.

Co-Hive Foundation exists to change that. It's the philanthropic engine behind Australia's first education-led community for young adults with mild disability and neurodivergence, that’s already producing outcomes almost no other program in the country can match: 92% in open employment at 12+ months, 89% TAFE completion, 87% increased independence.

The Foundation ensures no financial barrier prevents a young person from accessing Co-Hive and building the life they are capable of. It funds participant scholarships, builds capacity for growth, develops the strategic partnerships that build awareness and sustainable funding, and scales Co-Hive’s impact nationally.

Now the Foundation needs someone to build it.

This is a brand-new, senior leadership role with no playbook and no ceiling. It is a critical, strategic role that powers Co-Hive’s growth and reach. Surrounded by a small cross-functional management team, this role leads Co-Hive Foundation and designs and brings the entire philanthropic strategy - major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, scholarships - to life.

Reporting directly to the CEO and Foundation Board, you'll turn genuinely extraordinary impact data into the kind of donor story that writes itself, builds sustainable, productive partnerships, and creates a positive ripple effect for young adults, families, businesses and communities across Australia.

If you've built a career in philanthropy or fundraising and want your next career move to create a real legacy, this is a genuine opportunity to bring that dream to life.

You'll bring:

• 7+ years' senior fundraising, philanthropy or not-for-profit leadership experience, with a track record of establishing partnerships and secure fundraising for major impact
• Proven hunger for and success in building high-value donor and corporate relationships from scratch
• Strong grant writing and event-based fundraising experience
• Comfort translating impact data into compelling donor narratives and proposals
• Board-level reporting experience and solid financial literacy, comfortable working cross-functionally as senior leadership level contributor
• The curiosity, self-direction, and multiplier mindset to build a new Foundation with high autonomy, and no large team (initially) behind you to realise exponential impact

If you're energised by building something meaningful from the ground up, and you've got the runs on the board to do it, we'd love to hear from you.

This role could genuinely begin as a part time or full time role, with flexibility in when and where work is performed to suit your caring or study needs. We’re focused on outcomes and impact, not hours worked. This role will require you to perform work outside of standard business hours so this is a two-way street.

If this sounds like you, click “Apply now” to submit your interest.

About Co-Hive

Founded in 2024, Co-Hive is Australia's first education-driven community built for young adults aged 17–35 with mild disability and neurodivergence, a cohort too often left without support once school ends. Today, 150+ young people attend weekly, building skills, confidence and genuine pathways to employment, further study and independence. Learn more at www.cohive.com.au and follow us on socials.

About Co-Hive Foundation

Established in 2026 as a registered charity, Co-Hive Foundation is the philanthropic engine that ensures no young person is turned away from Co-Hive for financial reasons. It funds participant scholarships and builds the partnerships needed to sustain and scale Co-Hive's impact nationally. Learn more at www.cohivefoundation.org.au.