Head of Development

Alannah & Madeline Foundation; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NFP salary packaging benefits

Flexibility and Wellbeing focus

Employee Assistance Program

Additional 5 days leave

Friendly team environment

Job summary

A prominent national not-for-profit organization is seeking a Head of Development to enhance its fundraising and partnerships strategy. This role involves designing integrated income development strategies and connecting with funders to support initiatives aimed at keeping children safe from violence. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in relationship fundraising, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster long-term commitments from donors. The position offers flexibility and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in relationship fundraising.
• Proven experience meeting and exceeding challenging income targets.
• Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build a strong prospect pipeline for funders.
• Provide hands-on support to partnership managers.
• Develop tailored funding proposals for donors.

Skills

Relationship building

Storytelling

Contract negotiation

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Interpersonal communication

Job description

Join to apply for the Head of Development role at Alannah & Madeline Foundation

Director, Development & Communications at Alannah & Madeline Foundation

• Join a high-profile, national organisation and values-driven team.
• Grow and transform our high-potential development program, balancing strategy with hands‑on delivery and managing a small team.

ABOUT THE ALANNAH & MADELINE FOUNDATION

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is a national not‑for‑profit organisation dedicated to keeping children and young people free from violence and trauma wherever they live, learn and play. Through our Care, Prevention and Advocacy programs, we fight for their right to be safe, so their future is strong.

We also support Dolly’s Dream to help change the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families.

With a strong national presence and a clear strategic vision, we are seeking a new Head of Development to lead the next stage of our partnerships and philanthropic funding program scaling it to new heights and deepening long‑term funder engagement.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Backed by an engaged CEO and leadership team, the Head of Development will design and deliver an integrated income development and partnership strategy – across philanthropy, major giving, foundations, bequests, corporate partners, and government tenders – to help fuel our 2026 – 2029 strategic plan.

Combining strategy, creativity and relationship development, the Head of Development will connect new and current funders with our vision and purpose to ensure all children live free from violence and trauma.

They will play a pivotal role building and stewarding meaningful relationships with donors, foundations and partners, while inspiring our team, Board and community to embrace a culture of philanthropy and shared purpose.

Key responsibilities:

• Build a strong prospect pipeline and moves management plans to engage and steward funders to inspire long‑term commitment.
• Provide strategic and hands‑on support to two partnership managers, coaching them to secure ongoing partnerships as well as supporting them on larger scale pitches and proposals.
• Develop compelling cases for support and high‑quality funding proposals tailored to donor motivations and organisational priorities.
• Collaborate with the CEO, Board, and senior leaders to engage their networks and support high‑value cultivation and solicitation.

This role is full time, 2‑year contract role reporting to Director, Development & Communications, formally based in South Melbourne.

We promote flexible working arrangements, emphasising that work remains the primary focus, tailored to individual needs, role requirements, and the commitment to high‑quality work delivery.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking a dynamic, creative and experienced relationship builder and connector to lead the next stage of development of our income development and partnerships strategy.

The Perfect You

If we could create the perfect you, you would be creative, relational, and highly motivated by our important cause, with the ability to translate compelling stories into transformational giving.

You will bring:

• 10+ years experience in relationship fundraising.
• Proven experience meeting and exceeding challenging income targets and KPIs.
• Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, with a flair for storytelling.
• Captivating presentation skills, confidence to ‘make the ask’, and ability to quickly build rapport with people from all walks of life.
• Contract negotiation, strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, with experience managing budgets and financial forecasting.
• Proven experience as a people leader who can empower and inspire a high‑performing team.

What we offer you

• Access to full NFP salary packaging benefits.
• Flexibility and Wellbeing focus.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• An additional 5 days leave each year, on top of the statutory entitlements.
• A supportive and friendly team environment.
• Substitution of Public Holidays (Australia Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday).

HOW TO APPLY

Sound interesting? We’d love to hear from you!

Apply by 31 January via our website by submitting your CV and a brief cover letter addressing the selection criteria outlined in the position description.

Applications that do not address the selection criteria outlined in the position description will not be considered.

View the full position description on our website – direct link: https://www.alannahandmadeline.org.au/uploads/documents/Position-Descriptions/20251212_PD_Head-Development.pdf

For questions about the role, please contact Amy Johnston at [e-mail].

Please note: Our office will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period (20 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026). Responses to enquiries may take a little longer than usual, over this time.

Child Safeguarding Notice

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation has the highest commitment to child safety. A police check and current Working with Children Check (or equivalent) are required for the successful applicant.