Philanthropy Advisor in St Leonards

We are committed to providing services for people with low vision or blindness by tailoring solutions to help overcome barriers and build independent and fulfilling lives. We are united in our shared mission of creating opportunities, championing the rights of people with low vision or blindness, and building communities who share our mindset and ambition for accessibility and inclusivity. With a strong culture of innovation, learning, flexibility and belonging, we live our values and allow our team members to be the best version of themselves inside and outside work.

New role within Guide Dogs NSW/ACT's Philanthropy Team. This is a permanent, Full-time role, however we would also consider a 4 day/28 hour arrangement.

Are you an experienced relationship-led fundraiser who can inspire meaningful giving and build lasting connections with major donors, trusts and foundations? Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is seeking a Philanthropy Advisor to help grow and steward a significant pipeline of major donors, trusts and foundations in support of our mission to create a space of freedom, independence, inclusion and choice for people with low vision or blindness.

Working closely with the Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will identify new opportunities, cultivate authentic donor relationships, develop compelling proposals, and deliver exceptional stewardship that connects donor interests with the life‑changing work of Guide Dogs.

• Identify and qualify major donors, trusts and foundations.
• Map and grow a pipeline of existing and prospective major donors, trusts and foundations aligned to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s strategic priorities.
• Use research, donor data analysis and targeted activity to identify high‑potential giving opportunities.
• Qualify prospective supporters through personal contact, meetings, events, research and tailored engagement strategies.
• Cultivate and solicit major donor and trust and foundation pipelines.
• Build authentic, professional and personable relationships through personalised communications and engagement plans.
• Prepare and pitch compelling cases for support, grant submissions and tailored funding proposals.
• Research, document and deliver personalised donor journeys based on each supporter’s interests, motivations and desired outcomes.
• Actively solicit major gifts and grants through written proposals, face‑to‑face meetings, phone conversations and email engagement.
• Provide outstanding donor care that confirms the impact of giving and strengthens trust in Guide Dogs.
• Maintain meaningful, ongoing engagement with supporters to deepen relationships and encourage continued giving.
• Ensure donors receive timely updates, appropriate recognition and a consistently high‑quality supporter experience.
• Work with the Senior Philanthropy Manager to understand and translate philanthropy priorities into attractive funding opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong knowledge of Guide Dogs’ services, strategies and philanthropy products.
• Create bespoke funding packages that align donor interests with organisational priorities and policies.
• Collaborate with fundraising and events teams to deliver high‑quality donor experiences and special events.
• Coordinate event‑related activity with strong attention to detail, stakeholder experience and relationship outcomes.
• Maintain accurate donor and pipeline records in Guide Dogs’ CRM in collaboration with the broader fundraising team.
• Undertake data reporting, analysis and benchmarking to inform decision‑making and track progress.
• Provide regular reporting against philanthropy activity, strategic objectives and targets.

You are a confident and emotionally intelligent relationship builder with a strong fundraising, account management or major supporter background. You know how to listen deeply, understand what motivates supporters, and translate purpose into compelling opportunities for giving.

You will bring:

• Experience in fundraising, relationship management or account management, ideally with major donors, high‑value supporters, trusts or foundations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, networking and negotiation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive proposals and confidently ask for financial support.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple relationships and priorities at once.
• Strong administration, data management and Microsoft Office skills.
• A current driver’s licence or the ability to travel independently.
• Comfort working around large dogs.

As a member of the Guide Dogs team, you will have access to a wide range of benefits tailored to your needs. A competitive remuneration package is available commensurate with skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $15,900. EAP – Get support when you need it with Employee Assistance Program counselling sessions. Me Days – Receive two paid days per year to support your health and wellbeing. Paid Parental Leave – take time to bond with your new child with 15 weeks paid leave after qualification period. The option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave each year. Employee benefits program and Reward and Recognition program. Support for your professional development including paid study leave and educational assistance. Join an organisation that makes a meaningful and positive impact on our society.

Our clients come first in everything we do. Walk the Talk – The buck stops with us. So we keep our word and keep going, no matter what. Lead with Head and Heart – Forever focused on our purpose and mission, we combine care and careful planning to deliver successes worth celebrating. Lift each other – From a guiding hand to a high five, we unleash and acknowledge everyone’s potential. Never stop exploring – We’re fearlessly creative. We’ve always asked and answered the tough questions and if there’s a better way, we’ll find it.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are proud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community and are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of your disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status, or political opinion.

If you require an adjustment within the recruitment process, please contact jobs@guidedogs.com.au to inform us of your preferred method of communication.