Development Director

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Flexible within Australia (Sydney/Melbourne preferred)

Employment: Permanent, Full-time (or Part-time negotiable)

Salary Range: $119,000–$139,000 + superannuation (commensurate with experience)

Classification: Senior Leadership / SCHADS Level 7-8 equivalent

About Parents for Climate

Parents for Climate is Australia’s leading voice for parents and carers on climate change. We are a national, non-partisan charity mobilising families to advocate for affordable, healthy, and fair climate solutions that protect children’s futures. With 25,000 supporters and more than 25 local groups, we deliver evidence-based campaigns that reduce emissions, improve community wellbeing, and build parent power for a safe climate.

Entering a period of strategic growth, Parents for Climate is expanding its leadership team to deliver on its 2025–2028 strategic plan.

Purpose of the Role

The Development Director is a member of the Senior Management Team and a strategic partner to the CEO. The role leads the design and execution of an integrated development strategy encompassing philanthropy, major giving, institutional fundraising, and contributes to public appeals (managed by the Digital Engagement Specialist).

This position provides strategic leadership to grow and diversify income, build long-term relationships with donors and partners, and ensure our fundraising ecosystem supports the organisation’s 2025–2028 strategic plan, from public engagement to major gifts.

The role will also provide cross-organisational leadership, shaping the way our campaigns, communications, and donor journeys connect to drive sustained impact and financial resilience.

Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Lead the organisation’s fundraising and partnership strategy, aligning all development activities with the 2025–2028 strategic framework.
• Collaborate with the CEO, Board, and Campaigns Director to set income targets and strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic input on organisational planning, growth, and risk management as part of the Senior Management Team.
• Strengthen a culture of philanthropy and partnership across staff, board, and volunteers.

2. Fundraising Pipeline, Donor Journeys, and Appeals

• Build integrated donor journeys that nurture supporters into lifelong partners and prospective major donors
• Lead collaboration between fundraising, digital, and storytelling functions to maintain consistent narrative and brand integrity across all donor touchpoints.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of annual and special fundraising appeals in collaboration with communications and campaigns teams.

3. Philanthropy, Trusts, and Foundation

• Identify, cultivate, and steward high-value relationships with philanthropic partners, major donors, and foundations.
• Lead the preparation of compelling funding proposals, donor reports, and partnership pitches.
• Manage the portfolio of existing philanthropic partners including grants and foundations, while expanding the network for future growth.
• Oversee grant compliance, reporting, and donor communications to the highest standards of accuracy and transparency.

4. Partnerships and Major Giving

• Build and manage a pipeline of major donors and corporate partners aligned to the organisation’s mission and values.
• Develop creative partnership propositions that deliver mutual value and social impact.
• Represent the organisation externally at events, roundtables, and donor briefings.

5. Fundraising Operations

• Lead development of compelling messaging and creative content that connects donors, partners, and parents to our mission.
• Collaborate across teams to produce engaging stories and materials that inspire belief and action.
• Oversee systems for donor management (CRM, prospect research, reporting).
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting for fundraising activities.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, privacy, and ethical standards.

6. Leadership, Management, and Culture

• Provide leadership to staff, contractors and volunteers contributing to fundraising, donor engagement, and communications.
• Model inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven leadership.
• Support professional development of staff in fundraising, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

Selection CriteriaEssential

• 8+ years’ experience in philanthropy, partnerships, or fundraising leadership roles in the NFP or social-impact sector.
• Proven success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts or grants from major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with executive-level presence and diplomacy.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and proposal-writing abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to operate under limited direction, manage competing priorities, and deliver results.
• Deep alignment with Parents for Climate’s mission and non-partisan values.

Desirable

• Experience in climate, environment, or social justice sectors.
• Familiarity with philanthropic trends, ESG and corporate social responsibility landscapes in Australia.
• Experience reporting to boards or fundraising committees.

Position Context and Reporting

The Development Director reports to the CEO and works closely with the Campaign Director and Board Fundraising Committee. The role carries delegated authority for fundraising strategy, donor relations, and budget management, and is expected to represent Parents for Climate externally as one of the organisation’s senior leaders.