Philanthropy Manager

About RSPCA Victoria

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is ‘to exist for animals to live better lives’. We are Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation.

Our organisation’s vision is to have ‘a world where animals and people live together with dignity, respect and compassion’.  RSPCA’s values – show compassion, lead the way, act with courage and seek positive outcomes – set clear expectations for all our employees and volunteers

About the Role

We are seeking a driven and relationship-focused Philanthropy Manager to lead our Major Gift and Philanthropic Grants program. In this pivotal role, you will engage high-value donors and philanthropic institutions to significantly grow revenue and support our vital strategic priorities. You will drive a dynamic major donor portfolio, oversee our grants program, and secure matching gifts to support our annual  Give To Get Them Home Campaign.

Key Responsibilities

• Major Giving & Grants Strategy: Build and maintain a strategic framework for major gifts and philanthropic trusts, expanding project-based, thematic, and capital campaign funding.
• ‘Moves Management’ Strategy: Create and drive a structured donor lifecycle strategy, including:
  • Prospecting & Identification: Uncover and engage new high-value supporters, and philanthropic institutions aligned with our mission.
  • Cultivation & Solicitation: Design tailored, compelling proposals and confidently lead the conversation to secure major gifts and secure long-term donor commitment.
  • Stewardship & Retention: Nurture meaningful, lasting relationships through personalised touchpoints and milestones, including face-to-face meetings, exclusive shelter tours, and special events.
  • Trusts & Foundations: Oversee our grants program to successfully secure vital funding for both operational growth and capital needs.
• Campaign Delivery: Lead the philanthropy components of the annual Give To Get Them Home Giving Day, securing matched giving commitments and managing end-to-end project execution.
• Planning & Reporting: Design and deliver the annual philanthropy business plan within budget, tracking supporter records and pipelines accurately in Salesforce.
• People Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop the Philanthropic Grants Coordinator.

What you will bring to this role

• Expert Fundraising & Strategic Insight: A thorough understanding of major gift principles, charitable giving legislation, and best practices in designing and scaling successful philanthropic programs.
• Proven Relationship-Building Skills: Demonstrated experience in high-value donor acquisition, cultivation, and retention, with the confidence to pitch bespoke proposals and secure major gifts.
• Campaign & Project Management Expertise: The ability to coordinate the philanthropy components of end-to-end fundraising campaigns—such as Give To Get Them Home—managing internal stakeholders, external suppliers, and milestone tracking.
• Data & CRM Proficiency: Strong capability in leveraging CRM databases (like Salesforce) for accurate record-keeping, pipeline management, and a data-driven approach to strategic planning.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Experience in coaching and empowering direct reports (such as the Philanthropic Grants Coordinator) alongside a collaborative mindset to align fundraising goals with cross-functional operational needs.

What we can offer you

• Genuine Work-Life Balance & Generous Leave: Access a comprehensive suite of leave entitlements designed to support your lifestyle and wellbeing. This includes annual and personal leave, 6 additional days of paid leave per year (pro-rata), purchased leave options, paid parental leave, study leave, and paid family and domestic violence leave.
• Accrued Days Off (RDOs): Enjoy standard RDO agreements that offer up to 12 additional days off per year, allowing you more time to recharge.
• Holistic Wellbeing Support: Your mental and physical health matter to RSPCA. Benefit from a wide range of wellness initiatives, including confidential counselling via their Employee and Volunteer Assistance Program (EVAP), dedicated wellbeing activities, and educational programs.
• Exclusive Staff Discounts: Take advantage of premium discounts across our partner networks and services, including Royal Canin pet food, RSPCA Pet Insurance, Hush Puppies footwear, and RSPCA Victoria retail and veterinary clinic products and services.
• Maximise Your Take-Home Pay: Access tax-effective salary packaging and novated lease arrangements through their leading workplace benefits provider, Maxxia.
• Continuous Growth & Development: RSPCA invests in your professional journey with robust learning and development opportunities specifically curated to support and elevate you in your role.

Recruitment Requirements

• Willingness to undergo a National Police Check
• Driver’s license preferred (however not essential)

Ready to join a team that makes a difference? 

How to apply

To learn more about our organisation and this job opportunity, please visit our website at rspcavic.org and apply online via our Employment Opportunities page. If you have any questions in regards to this role, please contact our Recruitment Team at ***********@rspcavic.org.au

If this role is of interest to you, submit your application with your cover letter and resume.

**Please note we are actively reviewing applications for this position, so if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible**

RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are welcome to access RSPCA Victoria’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.