Penington Institute’s vision is safe and healthy communities free from the harms of drugs, whether legal or illicit.

Frank and fiercely independent, Penington Institute works to realise this vision by empowering the community, policymakers and frontline workforces with the knowledge and tools to better manage drugs.

Penington Institute believes that though our default as a society is to pour scorn on people who use drugs and judge them harshly by seeing their problems as self-inflicted, human beings are complex and so is this issue.

Judging is easy. Helping is more of a challenge.

The role

The Head of Philanthropic Giving is a pivotal senior role within Penington Institute, designed to break down barriers and secure the support needed to advance better policy in relation to drugs.

In this role, you will be a motivating and willing advocate for the wider community in Australia and internationally to support our work in embedding better policy, improving professional practice for frontline workers, conducting research and vital public health education initiatives through major donations, trusts and foundations and external funders to continue the work Penington Institute is moving forward with.

In this role, you will have the autonomy and support to secure funding, resources and commitments to continue the fantastic work Penington Institute have already been doing and the innovative work to come.

If you’re looking for a high-impact role with the room to develop and deliver funding strategies, this could be the one for you.

You will be responsible for the following:

• Creating and cultivating relationships with high net-worth donors and educating them on the work Penington Institute are doing to break down stereotypes and barriers related to our work
• Develop relationships with trusts and foundations in Australia and overseas to secure funding to further research and program development
• Be a key stakeholder in delivering funding to programs, identifying prospective income opportunities and working with the ELT to meet targets
• Identify and research prospective donors to support programs and targets
• Be a strong financial and budget leader to boost support across multiple projects

Skills and experience

To be successful in the Head of Philanthropic Giving at Penington Institute, you will have the following skills and experience:

• A proven track record working with philanthropic partners and major donors
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and written communication skills
• The ability to network with identified stakeholders and donors to contribute to revenue targets
• Experience or knowledge on international philanthropy and fundraising is highly desirable, including a current network in international funding where possible
• Demonstrated success securing fundraising from major donors, trusts and foundations
• Experience securing successful trust applications (both within private trusts, foundations and ancillary funds) with clear financial objectives
• A positive attitude, looking at the greater cause and how it translates into donor commitments

This role provides flexibility and a hybrid work model for the right candidate. Penington Institute encourages employees to participate onsite in Melbourne where possible. This is an opportunity to shape an emerging fundraising portfolio and contribute to one of Australia’s most important causes.

To apply

Please click the 'Apply Now' button, or for a confidential conversation, please contact Lyndsey Walker – [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Philanthropic Giving - Penington Institute enquiry via EthicalJobs for more information.

deliberateImpact are the retained recruitment partner with Penington Institute for this assignment. Any direct applications will be forwarded to deliberateImpact for review.

Penington Institute are an equal opportunity employer and encourage all interested candidates to apply.

As the successful candidate, you will be expected to provide current police and education checks.