Position summary
The Fundraising and Engagement Coordinator plays a central role in sustaining and growing First Step's philanthropic income, donor engagement and organisational profile. Reporting to the CEO, this position is responsible for the day-to-day management of grants, donor communications, fundraising systems and engagement activities that underpin First Step's fundraising success. This will be a 0.6 EFT part-time position, 3 days per week.
The role combines strong project management with excellent writing and communication skills, ensuring funding opportunities are identified, high-quality grant applications are developed, donor relationships are maintained, and First Step's impact is communicated consistently and compellingly.
Working closely with the CEO and Leadership Team, the Fundraising and Engagement Coordinator will support the organisation's philanthropic priorities while helping to build efficient systems, embrace emerging technologies such as AI, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of First Step's fundraising and engagement activities.
About First Step
First Step is a centre for integrated care – medical, mental health and substance use – with an embedded community legal service. Operating in inner Melbourne, we deliver more than 14,000 bulk-billed or otherwise funded appointments each year to over 1,600 people. Our multidisciplinary team includes doctors, psychologists, nurses, peers, psychiatrists, care coordinators, lawyers and social workers, working side-by-side to support people with co-occurring needs such as substance use, trauma and mental distress.
We help people navigate complex systems by taking on the responsibility for care coordination, building trust, promoting self-agency, and supporting stability and connection. Recognised by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, First Step is a leader in comprehensive integrated care. Services are provided free of charge, from one team, in one place.
Our fundraising program supports client care, strategic initiatives and financial sustainability.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Minimum qualifications
- · Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, fundraising, marketing, public relations, business, community development, nonprofit management or a related discipline; or
- · Demonstrated equivalent experience in fundraising, philanthropy, grant management or stakeholder engagement.
Skills and experience
Fundraising and Grants
- · Preparing high-quality grant applications and funding submissions.
- · Managing grant calendars, reporting requirements and acquittals.
- · Building and maintaining productive relationships with trusts, foundations and philanthropic partners.
- · Identifying funding opportunities aligned with organisational priorities.
Donor Engagement
- · Managing donor communications and stewardship activities.
- · Supporting donor onboarding and retention.
- · Assisting with initiatives that grow First Step's donor community.
Communications and Engagement
- · Excellent written communication with the ability to translate complex programs into compelling fundraising narratives.
- · Experience developing content across digital channels including websites, newsletters and social media.
- · Ability to create engaging communications using platforms such as Canva or similar design tools.
- · Confidence delivering straightforward fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Systems and Administration
- · Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
- · Experience using CRM systems, donor databases or marketing automation platforms (experience with NationBuilder is highly desirable).
- · Ability to establish efficient workflows, templates and documentation.
- · Strong project management and time management skills.
Technology
- · Demonstrated willingness to adopt emerging technologies, including AI, to improve efficiency, research, content development and fundraising practice.
- · Confidence learning and implementing new digital tools.
Collaboration
- · Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, clinicians and program staff to identify funding priorities and communicate organisational impact.
- · Capacity to manage multiple competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
Desirable
- · Experience working within the not-for-profit, health, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, community legal or community services sectors.
- · Experience with NationBuilder or comparable donor management systems.
- · Experience coordinating partnership-based fundraising initiatives.
- · Familiarity with impact reporting, evaluation or outcomes measurement.
- · Knowledge of Australian philanthropic funding sources.
Personal attributes
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
- · Commitment to First Step's mission and values.
- · Exceptional integrity and professionalism.
- · Initiative and curiosity, with a continuous improvement mindset.
- · Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships.
- · Excellent judgement and discretion when working with confidential information.
- · Creativity balanced by sound organisational discipline.
- · A collaborative approach that values teamwork across clinical and corporate functions.
- · Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
- · A genuine interest in communicating stories of impact while maintaining the dignity and privacy of the people we serve.
What we offer
This role is offered on a permanent part-time basis, at 3 days per week (flexible).
As a not-for-profit organisation, First Step offers access to generous salary packaging benefits, allowing eligible employees to package up to $15,900 of their salary tax-free each year, plus up to $2,650 for meals and entertainment, increasing your take-home pay.
Additional benefits include:
- · Working within a highly respected multidisciplinary team
- · Regular supervision and support from the Clinical Lead
- · Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- · Opportunities for professional development and training
- · Meaningful work supporting people with complex health needs.
Application process
Applications should include a cover letter that addresses the following three Key Selection Criteria, an up-to-date resume, and two professional references.
1. Fundraising Grant Management and Relationship Development
Demonstrated experience in securing philanthropic funding through high-quality grant applications, managing grant reporting and acquittals, identifying funding opportunities, and building productive relationships with trusts, foundations, donors or other funding partners.
2. Communication, Storytelling and Engagement
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex programs into compelling fundraising and engagement materials across a range of channels, including grant applications, donor communications, digital media and organisational publications.
3. Organisation, Systems and Continuous Improvement
Highly developed organisational and project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities, maintaining fundraising systems or CRM platforms (we use NationBuilder), and using technology—including AI and digital tools—to improve efficiency, effectiveness and organisational capability.
Applications that do not address the Key Selection Criteria will not be considered.
Email your application to CEO Patrick Lawrence at [email protected] . Recruitment will close on July 17th
Your application must include:
- Cover Letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria
- Up-to-date resume
- Names and contact details of two professional references
For a full Position Description, please head to First Step’s website, www.firststep.org.au/careers
Our commitment
First Step is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides a safe and nurturing work environment for people of all backgrounds, genders, religions, sexualities, ethnicities, or any other factor. Candidates identifying as LGBTQI+ as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly invited to apply. People with a lived experience of mental illness or substance use are invited to address their experience from a strength-based perspective in their applications if they feel comfortable to do so. Note that there are designated peers at First Step and that many staff members have lived experience of drug or alcohol use and mental distress.
