Head of Strategic Philanthropy

Sacred Heart Mission; Saint Kilda Junction; Hybrid; AUD 119,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Regular supervision

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Training opportunities

Salary packaging up to 15900 AUD pre‑税

Job summary

Sacred Heart Mission is seeking a Head of Strategic Philanthropy to design and deliver a bold philanthropy blueprint. You will work with the executive team, board and frontline leaders to secure major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners for scalable social impact.

This senior role focuses on driving strategy into action with a strong fundraising mindset and lived experience voice, enabling growth of services to reduce homelessness and disadvantage.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in fundraising or philanthropy.
• Track record in delivering strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Ability to build partnerships with donors, trusts and foundations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of Sacred Heart Mission's strategic philanthropy blueprint.
• Develop partnerships and investments to expand services and create social impact.
• Collaborate with executive team, board, fundraising and frontline leaders.
• Turn Strategy 2030 priorities into sustainable funding opportunities.

Skills

Philanthropy leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Job description

Sacred Heart Mission is a community of dedicated people working together to end homelessness, deep disadvantage, and social exclusion. Our strength lies in our shared purpose and values. We welcome individuality and support each other to bring our best and whole selves to the work we do each day.

Your New Role

Sacred Heart Mission is growing. We want to expand into new services and geographies to serve more people and communities. We have a bold vision and clear growth directions – now we need a senior leader who can drive the philanthropic support that will turn our strategy into action.

As Head of Strategic Philanthropy, you’ll work closely with our executive team, board, fundraising team and front-line leaders to lead the design and delivery of Sacred Heart Mission’s strategic philanthropy blueprint, building the partnerships and investment needed to expand services and create lasting social impact.

This influential role will work with major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners to turn Strategy 2030 priorities into compelling, sustainable funding opportunities.

For this role, you'll bring a passion for social justice that has shaped a career focused on addressing the structural causes of disadvantage. Through your previous fundraising leadership roles, you've developed a strong strategic mindset while staying grounded in lived experience voice.

If you're excited by this opportunity, we're keen to hear from you.

• This is a full time, 3 year contract position.
• Base salary is approx $140K plus super, depending on experience
• Salary packaging expenses like your rent, holiday accommodation and dining out: up to $15,900 pre-tax.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Joining a dedicated and professional team.
• A supportive work environment: Regular supervision, Psychological First Aid, EAP, regular opportunities for training etc.
• Access to the Victorian Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme.
• Knowing your work contributes to positive outcomes for those experiencing homelessness or social disadvantage.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Friday 9th October 2026.

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately, and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.

SHM is committed to equal employment opportunities for all people regardless of age, gender, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation. We recognise the strength and value in diversity, and actively foster an inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

All appointments are subject to Police Checks and certain roles require additional pre-screening or evidence of COVID-19 vaccination as outlined in the position description.