Head of Sector Innovation & Collaboration

The Minderoo Foundation; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Minderoo Foundation seeks an experienced Head of Sector Development & Innovation to shape the next phase of its sector-building work in Australia. You will lead initiatives that strengthen networks, invest in shared research, tools and platforms, and collaborate with philanthropy, NGOs and social enterprise to advance shared priorities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Effective Philanthropy, you will identify emerging opportunities, translate strategic direction into practical actions,

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of the Australian for-purpose sector and its policy, funding and operating environment.
• Proven initiative with a track record turning strategy into practical outcomes.
• Experience developing or evolving strategies using evidence and stakeholder perspectives.
• Ability to recognise emerging opportunities and translate ideas into initiatives.
• Experience building partnerships across organisations with different interests.
• Understanding that networks and shared infrastructure strengthen the sector beyond any one organisation.
• Strong strategic thinking and judgement, with ability to prioritise and adapt approaches.
• Excellent communication skills to translate insights into proposals and resources.
• Commitment to creating opportunities for new and smaller organisations to contribute.

Responsibilities

• Shape future priorities: Build on the first phase of our sector development work, using evidence, learning and sector perspectives to develop future priorities and initiatives.
• Identify emerging opportunities: Scan for trends and new ideas, recognising where collaboration, innovation or reform could strengthen the sector.
• Turn opportunities into action: Develop and deliver initiatives with clear outcomes, building support and maintaining momentum from concept through to implementation.
• Strengthen networks and shared infrastructure: Develop partnerships and investments in organisations, research, tools and platforms that support the wider sector.
• Advance practical innovation: Work with partners to test new approaches to growing giving, accessing funding and collaborating on common priorities.
• Build relationships that enable change: Bring together organisations with different perspectives and interests, building trust and securing commitment to collective action.
• Influence the broader environment: Advance opportunities to improve the policy, funding and operating conditions that shape sector effectiveness and sustainability.
• Learn and adapt: Track progress, share useful insights and make informed decisions about what to continue, adapt, expand or stop.

Skills

Sector knowledge

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Communication

Policy/funding environment

Tools

Job description

Minderoo Foundation seeks an experienced Head of Sector Development & Innovation to shape the next phase of its sector-building work in Australia. You will lead initiatives that strengthen networks, invest in shared research, tools and platforms, and collaborate with philanthropy, NGOs and social enterprise to advance shared priorities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Effective Philanthropy, you will identify emerging opportunities, translate strategic direction into practical actions,