About Athletes For Hope Australia

Athletes for Hope Australia (AFHA) is the first international chapter of Athletes for Hope, established in the United States in 2006 by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm and other influential US athletes.

AFHA empowers athletes of all ages to give back to causes, charities and community organisations in a way that brings the athletes connection, wellbeing and purpose, and supports the organisations they serve in an impactful way.

Based in Melbourne, AFHA is an incorporated not-for-profit company registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission and has DGR endorsement.

Role Overview

You will be responsible for delivering the fundraising strategy that creates financial sustainability for our organisation, which includes philanthropic, corporate and government grants and donations. The position is intended to extend beyond its initial one year term, subject to funds raised through the implementation of the fundraising strategy. 

This is a hands-on role for a driven and dynamic Fundraising Manager who understands the financial and operational realities of working in an emerging charity. As one of two paid employees (initially), you will be working closely with our Chief Impact Officer, two Co-founders and Board as a collaborative team.

This role has no direct reports. Whilst the team are based around Melbourne, the successful candidate can be located anywhere in Australia and will have flexible work arrangements. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with new and warm HNW prospects with the focus on developing your portfolio to consider new opportunities
• Identify donors, clients, volunteers or stakeholders who may be interested in making a major gift
• Work closely with Board Members, our Chief Impact Officer and Co-founders to help gather the project information required and to present funding opportunities to current and potential donors
• Manage the process of engaging current and potential major donors in order to deliver above your budgeted annual fundraising target
• Work systematically to ensure that your weekly calendar includes frequent major donor appointments
• Develop a comprehensive pool of knowledge regarding donors/potential donors
• Ensure that all regular reports are submitted accurately and in a timely manner, and that all other requested information is provided quickly and accurately
• Develop a substantial annual grant submission pipeline and lead the preparation and submission of grant applications, ensuring alignment with funding criteria and strategic priorities
• Manage corporate sponsorships and funding agreements, including introductions, proposal development, negotiation, and activation of partnerships
• Design and execute compelling fundraising campaigns and donor engagement initiatives
• Develop and maintain a donor database, ensuring accurate and timely communication with all supporters via existing CRM capabilities
• Attend relevant sector events and networking opportunities
• Provide hands-on support for AFHA events as needed

Qualifications and Experience:

• Three years minimum experience in presenting funding opportunities to philanthropic, corporate and/or private donors.
• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or a similar role within the not-for-profit sector, ideally with experience in the sports or community sectors.
• Demonstrated success in securing government grants, philanthropic funding, and corporate sponsorships.
• Strong communication, relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a part-time capacity.
• Proven experience developing fundraising assets and collateral.