Senior Manager, Philanthropy

_{27th August, 2026}

For almost 70 years, Guide Dogs Victoria has been empowering people with low vision, blindness and other disabilities to live a life without limits. As one of Australia's most trusted charities, Guide Dogs Victoria delivers life-changing services, advocacy and support that create greater independence, inclusion and opportunity for the people it serves.
  
Reporting to the General Manager Fundraising & Philanthropy, the Senior Manager, Philanthropy is a key leadership role responsible for driving the organisation's philanthropic growth strategy and strengthening relationships with major donors and supporters. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising, managing a portfolio of high-value donors while leading a small philanthropy team to deliver exceptional engagement, stewardship and sustainable revenue growth.
  
This is a highly visible role that will see you work closely with the CEO, Board and Executive team to strengthen and grow philanthropic giving across Guide Dogs Victoria. Combining strategic thinking with exceptional relationship management, you will engage existing and prospective supporters through compelling cases for support and stewardship, personalised stewardship and inspiring opportunities to connect with the organisation's impact.
  
About YOU
You are an experienced relationship-builder who can engage, influence and inspire supporters around a meaningful cause.
  
You will bring:

• Demonstrated success securing significant gifts, philanthropic support, partnerships or other high-value revenue opportunities
• Experience developing and implementing growth strategies, identifying opportunities and converting them into results through proactive pipeline management.
• Proven ability to build, nurture and leverage trusted relationships to secure meetings, progress opportunities and successfully solicit support from donors and key stakeholders.
• Strong leadership capability, with experience coaching, mentoring or leading teams
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with proven ability to engage and influence high-net-worth individuals, senior executives, board members, philanthropists, partners and supporters.
• Outstanding communication and storytelling ability, including developing compelling donor proposals and reports
• Experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM platform
• A genuine commitment to inclusion, accessibility and social impact. Lived experience of disability, or supporting a person with disability, is highly valued.

This is an opportunity to join a respected and purpose-driven organisation where your work will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of people living with low vision, blindness and disability.
  
You'll be supported by an experienced leadership team, work alongside passionate colleagues, and help shape the future growth of philanthropy at one of Australia's most recognised charitable organisations. Plus, you'll enjoy a unique workplace environment surrounded by some very special four-legged colleagues.
  
Gembridge Australia champions diversity and is committed to building an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation and genders.
   
APPLY NOW if you are ready to lead a growing philanthropy program and inspire transformational support for an organisation changing lives every day.
  
Gembridge is proud to partner exclusively with Guide Dogs Victoria on this important appointment. We are managing the recruitment process on behalf of the organisation, and all applications and enquiries will be managed in confidence by our team.
  
For a confidential discussion, contact Lisa Krishtul or Michelle Varcoe at Gembridge on 1300 313 413 or apply@gembridge.com.au