About Us

Our mission is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Our programs bring them fun, joy and laughter when they need it most… because happiness matters. When you join Starlight, you'll:

• Change lives for the better, positively impacting the lives of seriously ill children, young people, and their families.
• Have inspiring and positive work.
• Work to your strengths; we care about each other, and we work collaboratively.
• Be included in an exceptional team. We’ve been recognised as a Great Place to Work, we’re one of AFR’s Most Innovative Companies and we’re also the most trusted children’s charity in Australia

About the Role

The philanthropy team is responsible for major donors, bequests, trusts and foundations and capital campaigns. As part of the national philanthropy team, your role as a Philanthropy Advisor is to improve the well-being of children, young people and their families by developing meaningful relationships with philanthropic individuals, families and charitable organisations across all of these areas. You will be responsible for fulfilling the interests and needs of donors and for providing them with both the encouragement and opportunity to give, thereby extending the reach and impact of Starlight’s programs.

The role is responsible for ensuring the fulfilment of the passions and interests of new and existing donors (including philanthropic individuals, private ancillary funds, and charitable trusts) building strong relationships and engaging donors in Starlight programs .

Responsibilities will include, but won’t be limited to:

• Creating individual goals for each donor
• Identifying, researching and connecting with new potential donors
• Creating a communication plan for each donor that is focused on fulfilling the donor’s interests and needs
• Producing high quality written proposals, funding applications and reports articulating Starlight’s need and impact
• Creating opportunities to secure donor gifts
• Executing donor plans and involving CEO and other Starlight stakeholders
• Appreciation and sharing impact of support with donors
• Collaborating with Partnerships and Events teams
• Building strong networks and representing Starlight in the Philanthropy space in Victoria and SA
• Performing other duties as required, including monthly reporting that accurately reflects activity and performance, gift pipeline and future opportunities.

About You

You are a natural networker, with exceptional relationship management skills and an ability to build rapport and trust with a variety of high profile donors (current and potential) from diverse backgrounds; both on the phone and in-person as well as through various forms of written communication.

Along with this you're collaborative, creative and driven to make an impact by qualifying, engaging, acquiring and building upon a robust portfolio to meet the growing demand for Starlight's incredible programs. You are systems savvy with experience using CRM systems.

• Ability to speak and write confidently and authentically about Starlight’s programs and impact to a variety of audiences
• Outstanding writing skills with an ability to create relevant and engaging communications, from emails and letters to grants and detailed written proposals
• Self-reliant and results-oriented with ability to work independently, but also in collaboration with other team members
• Attention to detail and ability to plan, implement and track donor communication plans and keep CRM system up to date
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to take ownership of challenges and see setbacks as opportunities
• Technically savvy and have experience with CRM systems (we use Salesforce)
• Proactive in planning, implementation and tracking of detailed grant processes
• Excellent project management skills, including budgeting, reporting, resource and time management

Why Join Us?

As well as the real joy of seeing the positive difference your work makes in the lives of others, our unique benefits support you at any life stage.

• Best Self leave days and additional carer’s leave.
• Leave to support reproductive health.
• Leave options for pet owners (because pets are family too!)
• Public Holiday swap & potential to work from anywhere in the world for 20 days a year.
• A commitment to supporting your mental health and wellbeing.
• Development and growth opportunities in a workplace underpinned by positive psychology.

Ready to make an impact?

We seek candidates from diverse backgrounds who will bring rich experience and perspective to the team, which we know will enhance our creativity and collective intelligence. Our aim is for Starlight to reflect the broader community and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with diverse abilities and those who are mature aged or just starting out in their careers.

We are committed to positive employment experiences in an environment where everyone is included, respected, safe and treated fairly, so you can be your best and true self every day.

If we can make accommodations to our recruitment process to better enable you to shine, please include this in your application.

For more information on Starlight’s commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, please visit our website. Here you will also find Starlight's vision for Reconciliation and our current Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Successful applicants will undertake a Working With Children Check and a National Police Check as they join the team and throughout their Starlight career.