Foundation Manager

ELMO Cloud Recruitment•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Foundation Manager drives philanthropic growth and builds lasting relationships for the Richmond Football Club Foundation. Reporting to the Head of Foundation and Commercial Growth, the role designs and delivers fundraising strategies focused on expanding revenue streams, cultivating partnerships, stewarding major donor and bequest portfolios, delivering flagship events, and supporting capital campaign initiatives to maximise the Foundation’s long-term impact. The position strengthens donor relationships, grows fundraising opportunities, and supports the Foundation’s long-term impact through donor stewardship, giving programs, campaigns, events, community engagement, accurate donor data, and performance reporting. The role also supports Foundation activations at AFL and AFLW matches, Club events, and other community initiatives.

Requirements

At least 4 years’ experience in fundraising, philanthropy, major gifts, bequests, or donor development, with proven success in developing donor relationships, securing funding, and delivering sustainable revenue growth.
Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen, including the ability to identify opportunities, influence stakeholders, and deliver sustainable growth.
Exceptional relationship management skills and the ability to engage, negotiate, and build trust with donors, partners, executives, and community stakeholders.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing donor proposals, impact reports, stewardship communications, and funding submissions.
Experience leading fundraising campaigns, donor programs, events, and stakeholder engagement initiatives from strategy through execution.
Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
Proficiency in CRM systems, donor databases, and fundraising reporting.
A proactive, collaborative, and results-driven approach, with the ability to work autonomously and contribute positively to a broader team culture.
Flexibility to attend occasional evening, weekend, and match-day events.
Commitment to fostering a child-safe culture and a valid Working with Children Check is required.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, supporters, and key stakeholders, providing stewardship and identifying opportunities to increase engagement and investment.
Develop and implement donor recognition and stewardship initiatives, including engagement opportunities connected to the Club and Foundation.
Lead the growth and delivery of the Foundation’s Bequest Program and key giving initiatives.
Work with internal teams to gather and communicate the impact of Foundation programs through donor updates, reports, and fundraising collateral.
Identify, cultivate, and secure new donors, funding partners, and fundraising opportunities.
Explore and implement fundraising initiatives and revenue streams that support the Foundation’s long-term sustainability.
Manage relationships with funding partners, including the Australian Sports Foundation, and oversee associated reporting requirements.
Coordinate and deliver fundraising campaigns, donor events, and community engagement activities throughout the year.
Support Foundation activations at AFL and AFLW matches, Club events, and other community initiatives.
Maintain accurate donor records and CRM data to support tracking, reporting, and donor management.
Prepare regular fundraising, donor pipeline, and performance reports to support planning and decision-making.