Fundraising and Partnerships Lead

·       Salary: $90,000 (or pro-rata at 0.6 or 0.8 FTE) plus superannuation, plus salary packaging.

·       Location: Hybrid / Scoresby / Dandenong South

·       Permanent full time or 0.6 or 0.8 Part time

·       Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing & Partnerships

Lead growth. Build partnerships. Deliver impact that changes lives.

At State Schools Relief (SSR), we work alongside schools to ensure every student has what they need to fully participate in education with dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

We’re entering a new phase of growth, combining our longstanding impact with a strengthened, sustainable funding model. This role plays a critical part in driving that next chapter.

The opportunity

This role offers excellent work/life balance with flexible contact hours (0.6 or 0.8 or 1.0 FTE) and flexible hours per day, spread across the week, according to what works for you.

We’re looking for a strategic, relationship-driven Fundraising and Partnerships Lead to grow and diversify revenue in a way that expands our impact across Victoria.

You’ll lead an integrated fundraising program, build high-value partnerships, and help shape how SSR engages with donors, corporate partners, and funders, ensuring more students can access the support they need to thrive.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys delivery, and who is motivated by meaningful outcomes, not just revenue targets.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and growth

• Deliver a fundraising and partnerships strategy aligned to SSR’s growth ambitions

• Achieve ambitious revenue targets across diverse income streams

• Identify and unlock new funding and partnership opportunities

Fundraising program delivery

• Lead an integrated fundraising program across major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, bequests, and community fundraising

• Support donor acquisition, retention, and engagement strategies

• Support campaigns and initiatives that grow awareness, reach, and income

Partnerships and stakeholder engagement

• Build and manage strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, trusts, and foundations.

• Steward high-value relationships to ensure long-term engagement and impact

• Position SSR as a trusted, high-impact partner

Grants and proposals

• Lead the development of compelling grant applications and funding proposals

• Manage reporting and compliance requirements

• Translate SSR programs into strong cases for support

Communication and impact storytelling

• Work closely with Marketing and Partnerships to deliver clear, consistent messaging

• Communicate impact in a way that resonates with donors and partners

• Help strengthen SSR’s reputation as a purpose-driven, outcomes-focused organisation

Data, insights and performance

• Maintain CRM systems and donor records

• Track performance, analyse results, and optimise fundraising activity

• Monitor return on investment and inform strategic decision-making

Internal leadership and collaboration

• Foster an organisation-wide fundraising culture

• Work closely with internal teams to align funding with program delivery

• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across the organisation

About you

Experience

• 3+ years’ experience in fundraising, partnerships, or a similar not-for-profit role

• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding revenue targets

• Experience across multiple fundraising streams (grants, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, donor programs)

Strategic capability

• Commercially minded, with a focus on sustainable growth and impact

Communication and influence

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to craft compelling proposals and engage a range of stakeholders

• Confident presenting and building credibility with senior partners

Relationship leadership

• Proven ability to build trusted, long-term relationships

• Collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and values-driven

Data-driven mindset

• Experience using CRM and analytics to guide decision-making

• Ability to translate insights into improved outcomes

Personal attributes

• Self-motivated and outcomes-focused

• Passionate about social impact and equity in education

• Values-driven, culturally aware, and committed to making a difference

Why join us?

• Be part of an organisation with nearly 100 years of impact supporting students and schools

• Work in a team driven by purpose, dignity, and belonging

• Contribute to a growing, innovative model that combines social impact with sustainable funding

• Build partnerships that create real, measurable change in communities.

Apply now

If you’re ready to lead fundraising that creates meaningful, measurable impact, we’d love to hear from you.