Philanthropy & Engagement Manager

Philanthropy & Engagement Manager (8-month contract)

Fixed-Term Contract | October 2026 – June 2027 (with structured handover period)

Location: Melbourne incl. Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

About the Role

Reporting to the CEO, you’ll play a key role in growing Payton Foundation’s philanthropic community; cultivating trusted relationships with donors and charity partners, creating spaces where generosity, shared understanding and authentic partnership can flourish. You’ll help people move beyond transactional giving by connecting them with the people, stories and opportunities that inspire lasting impact.

This is a highly relational role that combines fundraising, philanthropy and partnership development. You’ll identify and engage new philanthropic opportunities, inspire generosity through authentic relationships and help connect donors with high-impact organisations addressing complex social challenges.

We’re looking for someone who is genuinely interested in the issues facing vulnerable people and the motivations of generous people. You’ll be comfortable facilitating authentic conversations with both donors and charity partners, helping people give with greater purpose, understanding and compassion. 

Success in this role isn’t measured simply by funds raised, but by the quality of relationships built, new partnerships established, generosity inspired and the lives impacted. 

You will thrive in this role if you’re someone who naturally builds trust, listens well and enjoys bringing people together around a shared purpose. You approach conversations with humility, authenticity and curiosity, and you’re excited by the opportunity to influence more and better giving. You’ll ideally bring:

• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic funding, major gifts or strategic partnerships
• Experience developing new donor relationships and growing philanthropic networks
• Experience in philanthropy, fundraising, partnerships or the not-for-profit sector.
• Exceptional relationship management and communication skills.
• Strong written communication and storytelling ability.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively
• Experience using CRM systems and digital communication platforms.
• A proactive mindset and willingness to take initiative.
• At least five years’ relevant experience will be highly regarded. 

Key Responsibilities 

Donor Relationships & Philanthropy

• Build, steward and grow relationships with existing and prospective
• Identify, cultivate and secure new philanthropic partnerships and major
• Guide donors in developing intentional giving
• Facilitate meaningful connections between donors and charitable
• Maintain donor engagement and CRM 

Strategic Partnerships

• Develop relationships with businesses, family foundations and philanthropic
• Build relationships across the philanthropic and not-for-profit
• Identify new funding opportunities that contribute to the Foundation’s strategic fundraising goals.
• Represent Payton Foundation within relevant networks and events. 

Next Generation Giving 

• Support the delivery and growth of our Next Generation philanthropy program
• Lead the launch of a Giving Circle initiative 

Marketing & Communications

• Coordinate donor communications, newsletters and impact stories
• Coordinate social media, website and fundraising campaigns
• Support Foundation events and participant engagement 

Charity Engagement

• Build authentic relationships with our charity
• Support due diligence and help charities communicate their impact to

Join a Foundation changing lives through generosity.

At Payton Foundation, we believe generosity transforms lives; both for those receiving support and those who choose to give. We inspire and equip Australian to use their wealth, influence, time and skills to create lasting impact.

Guided by our faith, we build authentic partnerships with donors and charities to enable meaningful change in the lives of donors and the communities we serve.

Our vision to empower vulnerable people to transform their lives through:

• Health and nutrition
• Housing with support
• Education and training

This is a unique opportunity to join a small, purpose-driven team and contribute to work that creates lasting change both locally and globally.

Applications
If you’re passionate about inspiring generosity, building authentic relationships and helping create opportunities for vulnerable people to thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume together with a cover letter outlining why this opportunity interests you and how your experience aligns with the role to info@payton.foundation