Help unlock philanthropic investment that strengthens rural, regional and remote Australia
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) is a national not‑for‑profit that designs and delivers leadership programs supporting thriving rural, regional and remote communities. For more than 30 years, ARLF has worked with leaders across sectors to create positive, long‑term impact.
We are seeking an experienced Manager, Major Gifts to lead and grow our major gifts program and secure transformational philanthropic support for our work.
As Lead, Major Gifts, you will lead ARLF’s major gifts strategy, focusing on securing high‑value philanthropic support from individuals, trusts and foundations. You will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors, with a strong emphasis on unrestricted funding and long‑term relationships.
Working in close partnership with the Manager, Philanthropy, who leads annual giving, campaigns and broader donor engagement, this role focuses on high‑value relationships and major gift strategy. You will work closely with the CEO, Board members and senior leaders to secure transformational philanthropic investment aligned with ARLF’s purpose and impact.
This role plays a key part in achieving a major gifts target of $500,000 in FY27, with an ambition of $2 million in cumulative major gifts by the end of FY29.
This role sits alongside the Manager, Philanthropy, who leads annual giving, campaigns and broader donor engagement.
Key Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the development and implementation of ARLF’s major gifts strategy, with a focus on building a sustainable pipeline and portfolio of qualified major donor prospects (approx. 80-120) and aligning with the broader philanthropy strategy led by Manager, Philanthropy.
- Play a key role in achieving a major gifts FY27 target of $500K with an ambition of a cumulative $2M target in major gifts by the end of FY29
- Identify, research, qualify, segment, cultivate, solicit and steward major donor prospects and supporters including individuals, trusts, foundations and Private Ancillary Funds.
- Build and manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, progressing tailored moves management plans with clear next actions, timelines, stewardship approaches and agreed annual revenue and engagement targets.
- Lead or co-lead major gift solicitations, including preparing for and making direct asks in partnership with the CEO, Board members and senior leaders.
- Develop compelling cases for support, donor proposals, reports, presentations and other tailored materials to support major gift conversations and funding opportunities.
- Work closely with the CEO, Executive, Board members and internal stakeholders to support donor introductions, relationship building, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activity.
- Establish, maintain and document ARLF’s major gifts systems, processes and playbooks, including accurate CRM records, pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking to support continuity, scalability and future team growth.
- Represent ARLF professionally in external settings and ensure all activities are undertaken in line with ARLF policies, ethical fundraising practice and relevant professional standards.
