Philanthropy Manager – NextSense
Identify, cultivate, and manage major donor relationships, leading the full donor journey from prospecting to securing and stewarding transformational gifts that drive NextSense’s programs and initiatives.
* Transform lives by connecting generous supporters to life-changing programs for people with hearing and vision loss
* Join a highly collaborative team, working together on inspiring programs and innovative initiatives that make a real difference
* Macquarie Park, Sydney | Full time
Impact of the organisation
NextSense, Australia’s second oldest charity has for 165 years made life-changing impact upon children and adults who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision. Through world leading early intervention programs, Australia’s largest cochlear implant program, specialist education services, diagnostic audiology and allied health supports, the organisation helps individuals build communication skills, independence and confidence, while supporting families every step of the way.
Beyond direct services, NextSense strengthens the broader sector through research, innovation and professional education. Its collaborative, multidisciplinary teams deliver evidence-based care that improves long-term outcomes and expands opportunities for people with hearing and vision loss.
NextSense invests in professional development and pioneering programs, creating an inclusive environment where clients and staff can thrive. By combining innovation with compassion, the organisation drives lasting impact across communities nationwide.
Impact you will have in this role
As the Philanthropy Manager at NextSense, you will help change lives in the most tangible way. The relationships you build and the major gifts you secure will directly fund specialist education and life-changing support services. Because of your work, a child may hear their parent’s voice for the first time, gain confidence in the classroom, or develop the independence to navigate the world with greater freedom.
You will be the link between generosity and impact, connecting passionate donors with powerful programs and research. Every conversation, every proposal and every gift you steward will help create opportunity, dignity and hope for people with hearing and vision loss across Australia.
Reporting to the Head of Fundraising who also manages a portfolio of Major Donors, you will have great support and encouragement as well as the backing of the broader Fundraising and Development Team.
You will lead the end-to-end major donor journey, from identifying and cultivating prospects to securing and stewarding transformational gifts. By meeting donors face-to-face, crafting compelling cases for support, leading targeted campaigns and collaborating with senior leaders and Board members, you will grow philanthropic support on a national scale. Your ability to manage and strengthen the donor pipeline will ensure sustainable funding for programs and innovation across the organisation.
Key responsibilities
* Drive life-changing impact by growing and stewarding a national portfolio of major donors, securing vital funding that transforms the lives of people with hearing and vision loss.
* Lead the full donor journey, from prospecting and cultivating through to soliciting and stewarding transformational gifts, owning relationships end-to-end.
* Build meaningful, face-to-face relationships with generous supporters, creating personalised experiences that inspire long-term commitment and generosity.
* Craft compelling cases for support that bring programs, innovation and research to life, clearly connecting donor investment to real-world outcomes.
* Partner with senior leaders and Board members to identify, cultivate and secure new major donors, expanding philanthropic support on a national scale.
* Design and deliver targeted campaigns and engagement events that connect donors directly to the powerful stories and impact behind the mission.
* Strengthen and grow the major donor pipeline, re-engaging lapsed supporters and identifying new opportunities through research, networking and sector insight.
* Champion a donor-centric culture internally, collaborating across programs, marketing and services to maximise opportunities and elevate the supporter experience.
* Lead capital campaign initiatives and strategic projects, contributing to ambitious growth goals and long-term organisational sustainability.
* Track, report and evaluate performance with confidence, managing CRM records, monitoring pipeline activity and ensuring measurable, mission-driven results.
Skills and experience
* Significant experience in Philanthropy, business development, fundraising, sales or marketing, including working with high-net-worth individuals, with a proven track record of building strong relationships and driving results.
* Ability to identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with key clients, supporters, or stakeholders to grow opportunities and achieve targets.
* Exceptional presentation, communication and storytelling skills, with experience delivering persuasive proposals to senior leaders, clients, or boards.
* Highly organised with strong planning and multitasking abilities, able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
* Strong research, analytical and commercial skills, including pipeline management, reporting, and performance tracking.
* Innovative, strategic and creative thinker, able to generate new opportunities, solve problems and deliver compelling value propositions.
* Hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable access to a car to travel for meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement.
* Comfortable with to interstate travel on an as needs basis
* Passionate about making a difference in the lives of people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision, with a deep commitment to NextSense’s mission, values and collaborative culture.
Applications
Please apply by uploading your resume and if you have any questions please
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