ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) Communications and Grants Officer is a full-time role for an 18-month term. VFFF operates on a four-day work week (Monday to Thursday).

This role is a combination of managing the VFFF communication portfolio as well as being the administrative hub of the small VFFF team to ensure smooth ongoing operations. This includes responsibility for communication tasks for the VFFF website, social media and internal and external newsletter, as well as the grants database, grantee reporting and payment processes. The role also involves providing general support to the Chief Executive Officer, Foundation Manager and team. The Communications and Grants Officer position reports to the Foundation Manager and works closely with the VFFF Chief Executive Officer and the three Program Managers.

This role will suit a dynamic self-starter interested in progressing a career in philanthropy or the not-for-profit sector. VFFF is seeking a values aligned team member who is curious about family philanthropy and will contribute to a positive work culture within the family office.

An interest in and knowledge of supporting the needs of young people and rural and regional Australia is preferable as this is well aligned to the Foundation’s grant making strategy, Backing Young People.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications (40%)

• Assist the implementation of VFFF’s communications strategy, including website content, quarterly newsletters and social media, with a strong focus on storytelling as a way to amplify the impact of the Foundation’s work
• Preparation of grant letters and grant agreements
• Assist with preparation of the Annual Report
• Maintain effective communication and contact with grant seekers and grant partners, including VFFF’s new Backing the Future grant recipients
• Support VFFF team relationships with the Fairfax family, wider Family Office, the VFFF Youth Advisory Group, philanthropic and not-for-profit sectors

Grant Making Support and Administration (60%)

• Provide support to the Program Managers in addressing funding enquiries with grant seekers
• Provide support to Program Mangers in due diligence and analysis of funding opportunities and developing Board submissions
• Support the Board paper preparation process in planning, formatting and liasing with other teams within the Family Office to incorporate their relevant components (for example, the accounting and investment teams)
• Update VFFF's Funding Map with new grantee data
• Manage grant administration and timelines for the payment processes following Board and Grants Committee meetings
• Manage grant reporting process including requesting, reviewing and following up progress and acquittal reports
• Manage Blackbaud/GIFTS Online (database including creating and updating reports and templates) and conduct grant making analysis using the database
• Develop knowledge of and engage with philanthropy and not for profit sectors
• Attend sector events and training to build skills and networks
• Provide advice and support about VFFF funding priorities and processes to grant seekers and recipients

ABOUT YOU

• Approximately three to five years work experience with demonstrated interest in philanthropy and/or the not for profit sector
• Highly organised and methodical with strong attention to detail and process
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills
• Commitment to teamwork and the development of effective relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and produce high quality work within agreed timelines
• IT skills including Microsoft Office and knowledge of Wordpress and Mailchimp

WHAT WE OFFER

You will be part of a small team that is embedded within a larger family office team. We work in a Central CBD office across from the Botanic Gardens, participate a thoughtful wellness program (fitness, cultural experiences, mindfulness), monthly staff social events and an inclusive office culture.

Next steps

To apply, please click Apply Now and follow the prompts. 

For further information or any questions please email VFFF HR Manager, Helen Frketic: [email protected] using the subject line: Communications and Grants Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.