The organisation
For more than 200 years, The Benevolent Society has worked alongside families and communities to help build a more just society where everyone is valued, safe and belongs. Guided by its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan
, Benevolent is focused on improving safety and wellbeing for children and families, building social inclusion and community capacity, and increasing impact and social change.
Operating nationally but with a core service footprint in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, Benevolent delivers services that respond to the root causes of poverty, inequality and harm. It is a practice-led organisation, committed to evidence-informed service delivery, social innovation and investing for impact. Its strategic ambition is not only to deliver effective services, but also to draw on its practice and experience to influence positive change across systems.
As the organisation continues to evolve, there is a clear ambition to diversify revenue streams and strengthen financial sustainability. Philanthropy represents a significant opportunity to support this ambition. With a strong brand, committed leadership and Board support, Benevolent is well positioned to build a contemporary, high-performing philanthropy function that deepens engagement with donors, partners and the broader community.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Executive Director responsible for Growth, the Director Philanthropy and Fundraising is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering a contemporary, high-impact philanthropy strategy aligned to Benevolent’s broader organisational goals.
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a philanthropy and fundraising function at a pivotal stage of maturity. While Benevolent has a proud history of philanthropic support, including a strong legacy of bequests, the current function presents significant opportunity for growth, diversification and innovation. You will bring fresh thinking to donor acquisition, engagement and stewardship, and establish a compelling value proposition that resonates with modern philanthropists and partners.
Leading a small and evolving team, you will oversee the full spectrum of philanthropy activity, including major gifts, high-net-worth engagement, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, regular giving and bequests. You will build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, acting as a senior ambassador for Benevolent across philanthropic networks and communities.
Working closely with the CEO, Executive and Board, you will play a key role in shaping how Benevolent engages with supporters and translates its mission into compelling, investable opportunities for impact. You will also contribute to building the internal capability, systems and culture required to sustain long-term growth in philanthropic income.
About you
You are a strategic and commercially astute fundraising leader with a strong track record of securing significant philanthropic income and building high-performing donor programs. Comfortable operating at a senior level, you bring experience across major donors, high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and broader giving programs, along with the presence and credibility to engage and influence senior stakeholders. Previous experience working in the child and family or broader social purpose sectors will be highly beneficial.
You combine strategic thinking with execution, able to build donor pipelines, shape compelling cases for support and translate organisational purpose into meaningful supporter engagement. An engaging communicator and relationship builder, you are known for your ability to foster trust, steward long-term partnerships and deliver sustainable growth.
Above all, you are motivated by purpose and impact, with a commitment to ethical fundraising and a desire to build a philanthropy function that delivers lasting social change.
How to apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Jess Lewy or Lisa Gleichmann of The Orchard Talent Group at Benevolent@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a cover letter by email at Benevolent@orchardtalent.com.au
Applications close Tuesday 21 April 2026.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Director Philanthropy and Fundraising, The Benevolent Society
Contract Type:
Full Time
Location:
Sydney
Industry:
Community Services & Development
Contact Name:
Lisa Gleichmann
Contact Email:
lisa@orchardtalent.com.au
Contact Phone:
02 9157 6222
Date Published:
31.03.2026