About Paul Ramsay Foundation

The Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) is one of Australia’s largest charitable foundations.

The late Paul Ramsay AO established the Foundation in 2006 and, after his death in 2014, left most of his estate to continue his philanthropy for generations to come.

At PRF, we work for a future where people and places have what they need to thrive.

With organisations and communities, we invest in, build, and influence the conditions needed to stop disadvantage in Australia.

Find out more about how we work at www.paulramsayfoundation.org.au

The Senior Associate, First Nations will support First Nations efforts across the organisation and work alongside various sectors and communities to empower First Nations people and communities to achieve self-determination.

The role will support end-to-end partnerships lifecycle with First Nations organisations, and will play a leadership role in guiding and supporting across the various PRF teams.

The role will be a critical support to the Head, First Nations and will facilitate strategic relationships to support the development of the First Nations Engagement Strategy, to influence strategic programmatic investments and grants. This includes with other philanthropic and granting organisations such as corporate and government entities.

You will be an excellent communicator, committed to teamwork and collegiality. You’ll be a critical thinker, able to analyse and synthesise complex ideas and information, and translate insight rapidly into action.

For this purpose, the role will be dedicated to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support in provision of critical strategic and operational advice to the Head, First Nations, Chief First Nations Officer, First Nations Advisory Council, Executive and Board of the organisation.

You will support in the creation and operational delivery of high-quality documentation for decision-making forums and promote best-practice across First Nations philanthropic efforts:

• Support strategy and investment development aligned with First Nations initiatives: Working with others, identify and develop impactful partnerships ready for investment for the portfolio (conducting analysis, stakeholder engagement, due-diligence, proposal development, evaluation approach
• Support First Nations partnership management activities: working with active partners from establishment to re-grant/exit in order to support and enable partner delivery in line with our target outcomes.
• Champions and ensures information is captured accurately in the Giving Data platform, ensuring sound record-keeping skills in line with the appropriate data protections.
• The role will also support developing and maintaining broader strategic relationships with key stakeholders such as government, other philanthropic funders and organisations and First Nations people, communities and organisations
• Problem-solving: Proven ability to liaise internally and with partners to resolve problems, take calculated risks, communicate needs, innovate, and drive continuous improvement.
• Analysis: Able to conduct and oversee sophisticated analysis of partner initiatives, including to forecast strategic trends and report on measurable outcomes.
• Management: Demonstrated experience leading a high-performing team, delivering with excellence on strategic workplans and building strong internal relationships.
• Development and delivery: Evidence of effectiveness in working collaboratively with colleagues to develop and manage new funding opportunities that drive growth and deliver impact for First Nations people, communities, and organisations.
• Communications: Exceptional interpersonal skills matched by excellent skills of written communication for internal and external audiences

Personal Characteristics:

• Strategic nous to influence relationship and connections in contributing to the vision
• A consultative style, and comfort with working in ambiguity
• Builds organisational processes which supports efficiency & effectiveness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop relationships with diverse key stakeholders (internal and external)
• A team player determined to translate ideas into actions and seek concrete results.
• Demonstrable integrity and a strong connection to the values of the Foundation

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Strong strategy development and policy analysis skills, with ability to multi-task, problem solve and deliver results in challenging time-frames
• Experience leading and executing complex projects, including demonstrated success in engaging senior internal and external stakeholders, and driving collaboration and innovation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and ability to develop executive level presentations and memos
• Strong analytical skills including research and financial analysis
• Community engagement skills and ability to engage appropriately with communities and beneficiaries, with cultural understanding

PREFERRED Skills and Experience

• Experience working with policymakers, experts and/or technical specialists to deliver outcomes
• Experience in the delivery and governance of funding, such as grants, commissioning, or impact investing.
• Experience working with communities and facilitating development and implementation of impactful programs, particularly with First Nations people, organisations or communities
• Relevant graduate qualification or commensurate experience