Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy

Lort Smith Animal Hospital provides world-class animal healthcare and wellbeing services – regardless of the financial circumstances of the carer. It is a not-for-profit organisation that has been serving the people and animals of Melbourne since 1936, helping more than one million animals and ensuring that quality veterinary care and the opportunity to share in the human-animal bond are accessible to all.

The Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy will develop the strategic and creative direction for stewardship, which will encompass a robust portfolio of regular givers, major donors and bequests programs. This pivotal role will support the CEO to execute a Targeted Capital Campaign over the next 2 years and produce the annual budget. The role will be supported by the Fundraising team of 3 and work closely with the Communications team to create compelling content and promote the brand, and be part of the Executive Team to oversee Lort Smith businesses and programs.

Reporting to the CEO, this role will conduct prospect research and oversee donor acquisition and the production of materials to maximise income. You will plan, implement and evaluate major gift products, including the preparation of business cases for new and innovative ideas and campaigns, manage the Guardian Circle major giving program and build strong relationships with significant givers. You will develop short, sharp target gift or capital campaigns to support the North Melbourne hospital, which may include securing new major donors, attending face-to-face meetings and searching for philanthropic giving opportunities.

You will also identify and cultivate prospective bequestors to manage Pet Legacy and see the program grow, and apply for appropriate grants, ensuring accurate reporting to trusts and foundations and strong relationships with key stakeholders. You will lead a team, be accountable for financial KPIs, provide relevant reporting and analytics, and represent Lort Smith at special events.

About YOU

1. • At least 5 years of fundraising experience in major gifts and/or bequests, with a proven track record of success,
   • Excellent demonstrated relationship management and engagement skills,
   • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, with public speaking experience desirable,
   • Proven experience in strategy development, managing budgets, meeting financial targets, writing trust and
     foundation submissions and working to tight, competing and sometimes conflicting deadlines and priorities,
   • Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with working knowledge of CRMs a benefit (Raiser’s Edge preferable),
   • Experience working on a capital campaign and for a not-for-profit is highly regarded,
   • You are a people person and team player, not afraid to be hands-on. You are professional and mature,
     innovative, proactive, and demonstrate a “can do” attitude. You are flexible and comfortable in a changing
     environment and able to identify opportunities for growth,
   • You are committed to animal and social welfare, and confident working with animals and a wide range of people.