Lead with Purpose. Transform Lives. Play an integral part in leading Lighthouse Foundation’s major donor, trust and foundation’s strategy, to deliver sustainable long-term philanthropic support. Contribute to the expansion our trauma-informed practice, so children and young people are safe, supported and empowered.
WHO ARE WE?
Lighthouse Foundation provides homes and therapeutic care programs to children and young people impacted by long-term neglect, abuse, and homelessness. Our focus is to create caring communities where kids can feel safe, form meaningful relationships, and begin to heal from traumatic experiences. For the past 30 years, our proven Model of Care has successfully transformed the lives of over 1,000 young people using a range of evidence-based strategies. We now educate and support Foster Carers in the same way, so that they too can take care of some of Australia’s most vulnerable children.
HOW WILL I HELP?
The Head of Philanthropy is responsible for leading Lighthouse Foundation’s major donor, trust and foundation’s strategy, ensuring strong, values-aligned relationships that deliver sustainable, long-term philanthropic support.
This senior role plays a critical stewardship and engagement function, ensuring donors clearly understand the impact of their giving and feel deeply connected to Lighthouse’s mission. Through best-practice donor relations, impact reporting, and strategic engagement, the role strengthens donor retention, lifetime value, and philanthropic growth.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Fundraising, the role works closely with the CEO, Founder, Board, and senior leaders to steward major donors, manage high-value philanthropic relationships, and identify opportunities for transformational and legacy giving. The Head of Philanthropy brings a strategic yet hands-on approach, combining emotional intelligence, exceptional communication, and disciplined reporting with a genuine passion for donor experience and impact.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Working for Lighthouse Foundation means you will be working for an organisation that cares about the community. As Head of Philanthropy, you will help support the organisation by engaging donors, trusts and foundations, raising funds that support our life-changing programs. Your work will help save young lives and play a role in ending youth homelessness in Australia. Your role will provide impact to not only those within the Lighthouse Foundation but the countless others who use our services.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
First and foremost, interpersonal skills are a must, with a level of maturity and understanding needed when working with those who use and support our services.
From a professional standpoint you will require;
Other key skills which would be desirable;
For this role you will please note you will also need:
CONTACT PERSON
Karli Allen, karlia@lighthousefoundation.org.au using the subject line: Head of Philanthropy enquiry
APPLICATION PROCESS
We welcome your application and ask that you please review the attached position description, provide your Resume and Cover letter, broadly addressing the key selection criteria highlighted.
To submit your application, click Apply Now.
Lighthouse celebrates diversity and affirm the right of access, equity, and equality for every young person, staff member and volunteer in the Lighthouse Community. Our organisation is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We also practice from a position of cultural safety and awareness, across diverse languages, religions, and cultures. we respect, respond and continue to learn about the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Lighthouse Foundation is a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to a thoughtful and protective environment that supports our babies, children and young people to feel safe and respected, and to build their capacity to feel deeply cared for and important to other human beings.