Philanthropy Manager

• Help young Australians to prove their long-term educational outcomes


• Permanent full time position


• Based in Sydney National Office, NSW or Melbourne, VIC

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that works with children and young people to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty – so they can thrive now and into their futures. 

About the role

We are seeking a Philanthropy Manager to play a key role in deepening our relationships with philanthropic partners and establishing new partnerships. Reporting to the National Manager, Trusts & Foundations and working alongside dedicated, energised, and passionate team members, you will:

• Be responsible for the management and stewardship of trusts and foundations as designated by the Manager to deliver above budgeted income levels


• Develop, project manage and write high quality submissions to secure funding from trusts and foundations


• Develop, project manage and write high quality acquittal reports and other reporting collateral for trusts and foundations


• Contribute to team research of the philanthropic environment to inform planning, maximising funding opportunities and increasing revenue generation from trusts and foundations


• Work with cross-functional teams to manage, facilitate and lead writing both funding applications and acquittal reports


• Collaborate with Policy & Programs team, General Managers, Regional Program Managers and the broader Philanthropy team to both create and respond to funding opportunities in line with The Smith Family’s strategic plan, and to prepare high quality, accurate acquittal reports for donors

About you

As well as passion for community, you will bring the following: 

• Tertiary qualification and/or commensurate workplace experience in a similar role


• Grant, tender or similar writing experience, with keen attention to detail and the ability to craft a persuasive narrative


• Three years plus working in the philanthropic, not-for-profit, CSR sector, and/or similar sector


• Strong understanding of philanthropy and the basic structures and motivations for giving


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  - an engaging and professional communications style, especially over email


• Superb interpersonal skills and a proven ability to develop mutually beneficial, professional relationships


• Strong analytical skills and the ability to grasp and interpret complex information quickly

Our benefits

Employees are at the centre of The Smith Family’s values and operations. By joining our team, you can expect to: 

• Find balance; with flexible work options and opportunities to purchase additional annual leave


• Maximise your take home pay; with salary packaging, as well as opportunities to save with discounts at retailers across the country


• Fulfill your potential, with excellent career opportunities, a suite of development programs and a dedicated learning and development platform


• Feel you belong; with inclusive leave options, including paid parental, cultural and gender affirmation leave


• Thrive; with support for you and your family’s mental and physical health including a complete care and safety platform, unlimited Employee Assistance and access to a huge range of fitness facilities with Fitness Passport

About us

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity with a vision of a world where every child has the opportunity to change their future, no matter their circumstances. We believe that education is one of the most powerful change agents, and we work with young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty – so they can thrive now and into their futures.

If you are passionate about what you do, committed to make a difference and this sounds like your next role, please click apply, we’d love to hear from you. You may view the position description here.

Closing date: 12 February 2026

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a National Police Check and a Working with Children’s Check. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to principles of cultural diversity. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.