Lead one of Australia's most significant philanthropy growth opportunities.
Join Australian Red Cross at a pivotal moment as we launch a new organisational strategy and reimagine how philanthropy can drive long-term humanitarian impact across Australia.
- Full time, permanent role
- Flexible location + Hybrid working.
- Become part of the world’s largest humanitarian movement
About Red Cross
Australian Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian movement. We support and empower people and communities in times of vulnerability. We act for humanity.
About the role
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of philanthropy at one of Australia's most trusted humanitarian organisations.
Reporting to the Director of Fundraising Partnerships & Revenue Growth, you will lead the strategic renewal and growth of the Australian Red Cross philanthropy portfolio, spanning major donors, trusts and foundations, structured philanthropy and transformational giving.
Working closely with senior executives, Board members and influential supporters, you will build a high-performing philanthropy function that secures significant multi-year investments, unlocks new funding partnerships and positions Australian Red Cross as a partner of choice for donors seeking lasting social impact.
This is more than a fundraising leadership role. It is an opportunity to help translate our new organisational strategy into meaningful outcomes for people and communities experiencing vulnerability across Australia.
About you (Key Selection Criteria)
- You are an accomplished philanthropy leader who combines strategic vision, commercial acumen and exceptional relationship-building skills.
- You are energised by the opportunity to build, influence and drive growth at scale.
- You have extensive senior leadership experience in philanthropy, major gifts and/or high-value fundraising, preferably within complex or national organisations.
- You have demonstrated success in securing multi-year, seven-figure or transformational gifts.
- You display comprehensive knowledge and confidence when engaging directly with Boards, CEOs and senior executives to activate networks and sponsorship.
- You have successfully led teams through growth, change and capability uplift.
- You have extensive experience with structured giving, PAFs and/or innovative funding models.
- A passion for creating meaningful impact and bringing donors closer to the change they want to see in the world.
Why “This Role” and “Why Now?”
- Lead philanthropy for one of Australia's most recognised and trusted humanitarian organisations.
- Help shape and activate a new organisational strategy with strong executive and Board support.
- Build deeper engagement with major philanthropists, foundations and strategic supporters.
- Drive innovative approaches to transformational giving and systems-change philanthropy.
- Work with passionate colleagues committed to creating impact for communities across Australia and beyond.
Every day, Australian Red Cross supports people before, during and after emergencies, helps strengthen communities and creates pathways out of vulnerability. As our next Head of Philanthropy, you'll play a critical role in ensuring we have the resources, partnerships and investment needed to deliver that impact for years to come.
Benefits that act for you, while you act for humanity
Work flexibility: Australian Red Cross operates under a hybrid working model which includes two days on-site and three days from home proving you more work/life balance
Financial wellbeing: In addition to your salary, you can take advantage of salary packaging that could provide you with a great way to reduce the amount of tax you pay - and get more from your salary. You can salary package up to $15,900 for living expenses (such as rent, groceries, utility bills); up to $2,650 for holiday accommodation and meals when dining out; Novated car leases; superannuation and purchase additional annual leave.
Life, Health & Wellbeing: You can access a paid ‘Me’ day just for you and a wide range of other paid leave options. You can also tap into specialist health and wellbeing advice via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, Converge International.
Career development: Access to ongoing learning, training, and development.
Further information
This role is covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award - Level 7, Red Cross Job Grade 8.
For additional enquiries, please contact Natalia Meyer at
[email protected] for a confidential discussion. Please note, email is for enquiries only. Applications must be received online to be considered. Applications not addressing the Key Selection Criteria will not be considered.
Applications close: Tuesday 21st July.
While we appreciate the interest in our organisation, we will not be engaging with agencies or agency candidates for this position.
Red Cross strives to create a safe and inclusive culture with wellbeing at its centre. We embrace diversity and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with diverse lived experiences, abilities, genders, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations. We are a child safe organisation with zero tolerance of any harm to children. Our vision is to be trusted as the leading humanitarian organisation making a genuine difference in the lives of people and communities.
Thank you for considering a career at Red Cross. We also have great opportunities to volunteer. Click here to find out more.
