Are you an experienced Fundraising Manager who thrives on building purpose-driven relationships with key donors, trusts and foundations? Do you also get excited about building large scale consumer facing fundraising campaigns? Then this is your chance to join Essendon Football Club as we look to appoint a Fundraising Manager.
About us
The Essendon Football Club - “The Bombers” - are a professional sporting organisation in the Australian Football League, home to several teams, including AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and Wheelchair Football programs. But we’re more than the game. At Essendon, unity binds us. We firmly believe that our strength comes from standing together as One Club, embracing our rich diversity, and uniting around a shared purpose. Our passion fuels every kick, every play, and every decision. The essence of the Essendon legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Australian sporting calendar, through significant events such as the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime clashes, underscoring our commemoration and connection to national identity. Our heritage sets us apart, shaping our ethos and inspiring our journey.
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Fundraising and EFC Network, you will play a pivotal role in developing and executing the club's fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with overall goals. You will identify new revenue opportunities and craft compelling cases for support to secure significant income growth and be responsible for developing and managing all consumer (fan and member) fundraising initiatives across the Club. Implementing donor acquisition strategies through thorough research and identification processes and building and maintaining strong relationships with high-value donors, trusts, and foundations will be key to your success. Additionally, you will set annual income projections and provide insightful input for organisational planning.
About you
To be considered for this role, you should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or CSR initiatives, preferably with a sports or not-for-profit background along with a proven ability to build effective relationships with high net worth individuals and C-suite executives. Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and excellent closing abilities are essential, as is experience in account management and data management, including CRM processes. You are an energetic, self-starter who is goal-driven, and is regarded for outstanding customer service and negotiation skills. The ability to manage multiple projects under pressure and meet tight deadlines is crucial, as is flexibility to work varied hours to align with the football season.
The Perks
- Our work doesn’t always fit the 9 to 5. Your life doesn’t always fit the hours around it. We offer flexibility with hybrid office / home working arrangements and hours.
- More leave? Sure! EFC People are gifted up to 10 additional leave days per year taken to coincide with Footy Department breaks or at the discretion of the Executive Team.
- Parent friendly - We put family at the centre of our work. We know they are the centre of yours. We offer paid parental leave to both eligible primary and non-primary carers.
- Access to our Fitness & Wellbeing Benefits - including our partnership with Converge supporting a Healthy Mind, Healthy Body and Healthy Workplace; as well as heavily discounted access to our Windy Hill Fitness Centre for you and your partner.
- Continuous professional development - to compete at our best we have to keep learning. It’s an expectation and a commitment we make to everyone at EFC. All EFC people will have access to the Essendon Leadership Academy which consists of face-to-face and online learning to support you in achieving your career goals.
- But wait there’s more - You will have access to great benefits and discounts through our Commercial Partners. Along with two x Flexi Home & Away memberships giving you access to our Home & Away games at Marvel Stadium and the MCG. Free onsite parking at our premium workspace, The Hangar, and more.
Please keep reading...
Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised folks tend to only apply when they check every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point above, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.
We pride ourselves on creating an environment of shared spirit of passion, innovation, and inclusivity. As an Equal Opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is fundamental to our success.
To Apply
Please submit your application as soon as possible as shortlisting will commence immediately. Please include in your cover letter why you are a great fit for this role, and why you want to work with Essendon Football Club. Cover letters should be no more than one page and outline what you bring to this position.
With our commitment to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld. This includes ensuring all our people hold a valid employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
All applications will be treated with respect and confidentiality, including timely responses.
We politely ask not to be approached by recruitment agencies at this time.
