Philanthropy Manager - Wayside Chapel

Build philanthropic relationships and grow an established major gifts program supporting Wayside Chapel’s work with people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and social isolation.

• Shape and grow an established major gifts program, with a focus on securing transformational philanthropic support
• Work closely with the CEO, senior leaders and Programs team to create compelling funding opportunities and donor experiences
• Permanent, full-time or 4 days | Potts Point, Sydney | Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Impact of the organisation

Wayside Chapel has provided unconditional love, care and support to the most marginalised people on and around the streets of Sydney since 1964. Our mission is to create a community with no ‘us and them’, and address underlying issues of inequality, wellbeing and loneliness.

From our centres in Kings Cross and Bondi and through outreach teams, we offer a range of support services that place dignity, respect and low at the heart of what we do.

Every day, we walk alongside people facing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges and isolation. We provide care that is trauma informed, respectful and human.

The Impact you will have in this role

Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager, you will be a key driver of Wayside Chapel’s Major Donor Program, developing and delivering strategies that grow philanthropic revenue and strengthen long-term donor relationships.

This is a strategic yet hands-on relationship fundraising role. You’ll manage a portfolio of existing and prospective major donors, building trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals, PAFs, family foundations and trusts, with a focus on securing gifts of $50,000+ and developing larger, transformational partnerships.

You’ll work across the organisation to develop compelling cases for support, identify new funding opportunities and create meaningful donor journeys, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation and stewardship. You’ll also work closely with the CEO and senior leaders, preparing them for high-value donor engagement and supporting strategic solicitation opportunities.

With scope to shape and grow the major gifts program, you’ll use donor insights, Salesforce and pipeline data to identify opportunities, strengthen stewardship and drive sustainable revenue growth.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to Wayside’s financial sustainability while building meaningful relationships with people who share its vision of creating a community with no “us and them.”

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager to develop and deliver an ambitious and innovative major gifts strategy that drives philanthropic revenue growth and donor engagement.
• Personally manage, cultivate and grow a portfolio of existing and prospective major donors, developing tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals, Private Ancillary Funds, family foundations and trusts.
• Identify, qualify and develop new major donor prospects aligned with Wayside’s mission and strategic priorities, building a strong and sustainable pipeline.
• Secure significant philanthropic gifts, with a focus on gifts of $50,000+ and opportunities to develop larger and multi-year partnerships.
• Design and deliver sophisticated donor journeys and stewardship plans that convert prospects into committed, long-term supporters.
• Provide strategic support to the CEO and senior leaders in major donor engagement, including meeting preparation, briefing materials and solicitation strategies.
• Work closely with Program teams to identify compelling funding opportunities and develop inspiring cases for support, proposals, impact reports and donor engagement initiatives.
• Create and collaborate on cultivation events and experiences that deepen donor connection to Wayside’s work and mission.
• Use prospect research, donor intelligence, CRM data and supporter insights to identify opportunities, inform relationship strategies and drive portfolio growth.
• Monitor portfolio performance, pipeline movement, revenue forecasting and stewardship outcomes, contributing to budget management and regular reporting.
• Maintain accurate and detailed donor records in Salesforce, including engagement plans, contact reports, communication preferences and funding activity.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to embed philanthropy into campaigns, programs and organisational initiatives, ensuring a consistent and integrated supporter experience.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in relationship fundraising, philanthropy or major gifts, with a track record of securing major gifts and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Proven experience developing and implementing major donor fundraising strategies that deliver revenue growth and increased donor engagement.
• Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape, ideally including experience with Private Ancillary Funds, trusts and foundations.
• Demonstrated experience across the full major donor cycle from identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding relationships.
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and influence a diverse range of donors and senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication, presentation, proposal writing and negotiation skills, with the ability to translate organisational priorities and social impact into compelling philanthropic propositions.
• Confidence working with CEOs, senior executives and other influential stakeholders, including preparing and supporting them for high-value donor engagement.
• Strong prospect development and research skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and build a healthy donor pipeline.
• Good CRM capability with an ability to use data and donor insights to inform fundraising decisions.
• Understanding of donor stewardship and impact reporting best practice, with a genuine commitment to creating meaningful donor experiences.
• Financial acumen, including experience with budgets, revenue forecasting and pipeline analysis.
• Highly organised and proactive, with project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• A collaborative, practical and entrepreneurial approach, with the confidence to work independently while bringing others along with you.
• A genuine connection to Wayside Chapel’s mission and values, and a commitment to creating positive social change and a community with no “us and them.”

What’s in it for you?

• Five weeks’ annual leave
• Flexible/hybrid working options
• $15,900 of your annual salary tax-free through generous NFP salary packaging
• Paid cultural and ceremonial leave for First Nations employees
• Cultural loading allowance
• Employee Assistance Program – free, confidential counselling service
• Wayside is a registered portable long service leave employer

Applications

Please apply by uploading your resume via the "Apply Now" button. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with conversations progressing with suitable candidates throughout the recruitment process. Interviews may commence prior to the closing date, so we encourage early applications.

Please direct all enquiries to Nadia Pachon at Impact Advising on nadia@impactadvising.com.au using the subject line: Philanthropy Manager - Wayside Chapel enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds, including people with lived or living experience of refugee backgrounds. We value a range of experiences, perspectives and career pathways. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in the workforce.