Head of Fundraising

Melbourne Football Club; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Access to AFL/AFLW experiences andClub

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Melbourne Football Club is seeking an experienced Head of Fundraising to lead our fundraising and philanthropy function in Melbourne. You will develop a strategic vision, identify opportunities, and build lasting donor partnerships to support the Club’s growth and community programs.

You will manage a dynamic team, collaborate with senior stakeholders, and deliver sustainable revenue streams through major gifts, trusts and foundations, and sponsorships.

Qualifications

• Proven success in fundraising, philanthropy, business development, sponsorship or another relationship-led revenue role.
• Strong track record of delivering results and driving revenue growth.
• Ability to identify opportunities, build partnerships and present compelling proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the fundraising and philanthropy strategy.
• Build and manage relationships with major donors, benefactors, trusts and foundations.
• Identify and deliver new fundraising initiatives and revenue opportunities.
• Lead donor acquisition, engagement and stewardship.
• Develop a strong pipeline of major gifts and philanthropic opportunities.
• Work closely with stakeholders to maximise fundraising opportunities.
• Represent the Club across philanthropic, corporate and community networks.

Skills

Fundraising

Philanthropy

Business development

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

As the pioneers of Australian Football, the Melbourne Football Club holds a unique and celebrated place in sporting history. For 168 years, we have shaped the game - writing its rules, leading its evolution, and carrying the distinction of being the oldest professional sporting club in the world.

Our Demon Spirit is grounded in the values that define us: Trust, Respect, Unity and Excellence. These values guide our people, our decisions, and our ambitions. We are proud of where we’ve come from - and even more excited about where we’re going.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Melbourne Football Club is looking for an experienced Head of Fundraising to lead and grow our fundraising and philanthropy function.

This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity for a commercially minded and driven professional who can develop and deliver a strategic fundraising vision, identify new opportunities, build meaningful relationships and generate sustainable outcomes that support the Club’s future growth and success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, you will:

• Lead the Club’s fundraising and philanthropy strategy.
• Build and manage relationships with major donors, benefactors, trusts and foundations.
• Identify and deliver new fundraising initiatives and revenue opportunities.
• Lead donor acquisition, engagement and stewardship.
• Develop a strong pipeline of major gift and philanthropic opportunities.
• Work closely a range of stakeholders to maximise fundraising opportunities.
• Represent the Club across philanthropic, corporate and community networks.

Given the nature of the Club's operations, flexibility to work outside standard business hours, including match days, events and other Club-related activities is required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You’ll bring proven success in fundraising, philanthropy, business development, sponsorship or another relationship‑led revenue role, with a strong track record of delivering results.

You’re a commercially minded, confident relationship builder who can engage and influence major donors, philanthropic partners and senior stakeholders. You’ll be comfortable leading high-level conversations, presenting compelling proposals and pitches, negotiating outcomes and turning relationships into opportunities.

Proactive, hands‑on and results-driven, you’ll bring strong commercial acumen, communication and presentation skills, along with a genuine enthusiasm for creating lasting value for Melbourne Football Club and its wider community.

WHY JOIN THE CLUB

This role offers the opportunity to join a values‑driven Club with a strong commitment to excellence, sustainable performance, and the wellbeing of its people. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where our people feel valued, supported and empowered to grow and perform at their best. In return, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible working arrangements where possible to support work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for ongoing learning, growth and career development.
• Access to unique AFL and AFLW experiences and Club events.
• Access to a range of sponsor‑related offers and discounts
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your immediate family, along with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including free flu vaccinations, corporate health insurance discounts, and complimentary healthy snacks and fresh fruit.

Applications close Friday 20 November 2026. Please note that interviews may commence prior to the closure date, so we encourage applications to be submitted as soon as possible.

Please note that due to the overwhelming number of applications received by the Club, we are unable to reply to every application. Only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Melbourne Football Club is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and included. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals and people of all ages. We recognise that talent comes in many forms and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, as your unique skills, experiences and potential may make you a valuable addition to our Club.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Melbourne Football Club is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, together with their families, across all Club services, sites and operations, by fostering a culturally safe environment where children and young people feel safe and welcome. We expect all Club representatives and any other affiliated persons, regardless of their role or level of responsibility, to act to safeguard children and young people from harm and neglect, and to ensure that all children feel safe and are safe.

Appointment to this role is subject to satisfactory pre‑employment screening, including a National Police Check and a Victorian Working with Children Check.