Mary MacKillop Today is an international and community development organisation with a long-standing commitment to supporting and empowering people who face marginalisation in communities within Australia and Overseas.
Mary MacKillop Today walks alongside people and communities at the margins, in Australia and Internationally, in the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop. We create opportunities for self-determination through learning for life so that all might flourish. Mary MacKillop Today is a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph which implements programs that provide education, in all its forms, in Timor-Leste, Australia, Peru and Fiji. We work in the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop and Rev Julian Tenison Woods, inspired by their faith, legacy and grounded practical work.
Mary MacKillop Today is a signatory of the Australian Council for International Development’s Code of Conduct and is accredited with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Consequently, we have a high degree of accountability and transparency. Mary MacKillop Today is committed to protecting the rights of children and vulnerable adults everywhere we work, and preferred candidates are subject to child safe recruitment screening.
Please see our current vacancies below:
Philanthropy Officer
Permanent | Full-Time | North Sydney (Hybrid Work Options Available)
Build meaningful donor relationships and grow your fundraising career.
We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Philanthropy Officer to help nurture the generosity of our mid-level donors and those considering a lasting gift through a bequest. This is a new role contributing to exciting growth in the team.
Reporting to the Philanthropy Manager, you will manage a portfolio of committed donors, fostering meaningful connections through personalised engagement and thoughtful stewardship. You will play a key role in deepening relationships and encouraging increased giving over time. The role also supports the delivery of our bequest program, helping to build strong relationships with supporters who share our mission.
This is a wonderful opportunity for an early-career fundraiser or relationship-focused professional to join a collaborative, mission-driven team and make a tangible impact in the lives of people and communities experiencing disadvantage.
Key Responsibilities
- Steward a portfolio of mid-level donors through personalised engagement across mail, phone, email and digital channels
- Support the planning and delivery of donor journeys, thank-you letters, proposals and impact updates
- Assist with coordinating high-value donor events and supporter briefings
- Contribute to bequest engagement through relationship-building, record-keeping and event support
- Maintain accurate donor records and program data in Salesforce CRM
- Conduct research into trusts and foundations and assist with basic grant submissions
- Support the Philanthropy Manager in delivering income targets and strengthening donor relationships
About You
You are a warm communicator who thrives on building authentic relationships. You’re organised, thoughtful, and excited to contribute to a values-based team. You bring:
- 2–3 years’ min. experience in fundraising, supporter care or relationship-based communication
- Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in engaging donors
- Excellent writing skills and a keen eye for detail
- CRM experience (Salesforce or similar), with sound computer literacy
- A proactive, collaborative and ethical approach to donor care
- An interest in social justice, education, international development or the legacy of Mary MacKillop
Desirable
- Qualifications or training in fundraising, marketing or communications
- Experience working in a not-for-profit or Catholic organisation
- Understanding of bequest fundraising and the donor lifecycle
Why Join Us?
- Make a difference every day through purpose-driven work
- Join a passionate, values-aligned and supportive team
- Enjoy a hybrid work environment
- Grow your skills in philanthropy and ethical fundraising
How to Apply
Click here to apply online.
Or please email your application to [email protected], including:
- a cover letter responding to the selection criteria and,
- your CV.
Applications close Sunday 2 November 2025.
The successful applicant must be willing to undergo a criminal record check or obtain a statutory declaration of local legal equivalent where criminal records checks are unavailable or unreliable. Where possible and as required by Mary MacKillop Today the applicant must also be willing to undergo a Working with Children check. This position required the applicant to have the right to work in Australia.
Please note: only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Safeguarding Commitment
Mary MacKillop Today is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all people who come into contact with our organisation and our programs, especially children and vulnerable adults. Mary MacKillop Today is committed to the rights and protection of all people regardless of their age, gender, nationality, religion or political beliefs.
We explicitly prohibit all forms of harmful behaviour including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment of any kind against any persons, adult or child. We also prohibit exploitative, neglectful or emotionally abusive treatment of children. Mary MacKillop Today recognises our duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure people are safe from harm (including victims/survivors and whistle-blowers).
We are committed to demonstrating ongoing and effective leadership, communication, and to providing ongoing training and guidance to all persons within the scope of this Policy in the promotion and implementation of this policy.
Mary MacKillop Today is committed to creating an open and aware environment where concerns for the safety of children and vulnerable adults can be raised and managed in a fair and just manner to protect the rights of all.
