About Us:

The House of Welcome (HOW), a project of St Francis Social Services, is committed to serve people seeking asylum without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, sexuality and religion. We recognise that as people, displaced from their homes through war, conflict and persecution and suffering the effects of these events, as well as of time in immigration detention, and experiencing the difficulties of settlement, they are in special need.

House of Welcome (HoW) provides support for people seeking asylum and refugees who are living in the community.

About the Role:

The Grant Writer & Communications role is a dynamic position requiring the ability to utilise skills with creativity and flexibility. The role will lead the grant writing for organisation and take an active role in building opportunities and campaigns.

Professional Accountability

• Work closely with the House of Welcome team to understand HoW programs and their priorities for funding
• Proactively identify and pursue fundraising opportunities through grants and other funding opportunities
• Research, write and submit compelling grant applications
• Manage a detailed, prioritised calendar to ensure an adequate pipeline of applications and acquittals
• Prepare reports, statistics, and other relevant information as required for compliance with submissions and funding agreements
• Research and enlist individual, foundation and corporate support that results in philanthropic gifts, grants and pro-bono support

• Producing online and print communication materials, such as website content and electronic newsletters
• Developing rich content, stories and key messages for collateral and advocacy campaigns
• Maintain social media presence on Facebook and Instagram accounts

• Create regular comms/advocacy strategies to increase visibility and participation of the organisation
• Establish a network of media contacts, prepare media releases and assist with media interviews
• Input to strategy and assist with major SFSS and HOW fundraising campaigns and events

This Position Description is not exhaustive and may change from time to time.

Essential Criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, marketing, journalism or other related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing and communication skills with proven experience in creating engaging content for newsletters, social media, eDM campaigns, web content
• Proven success to write grant proposals and reports that are succinct, professional and compelling - with the capacity to adjust style to suit various audiences
• Demonstrated knowledge of social media, mailchimp, CMS and other digital fundraising platforms.
• Able to competently and rapidly understand program work and fundraising activities to accurately express in writing
• Demonstrated ability to work sensitively in a culturally and linguistically diverse environment.

• Ability to work with various church and community groups without discrimination.

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience within the not for profit sector as an employee or volunteer.
2. Demonstrated understanding of policy framework and issues encountered by refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
3. Driver’s licence

For any further enquiries about the role call (02) 9727 9290.

A position description is attached.