Program Manager

About us: the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF)

In 1962, Sir Vincent Fairfax established a family charitable trust, which would later become the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation. Today, VFFF is a thriving family foundation, with family members spanning three generations active in our current work. VFFF have distributed more than $200 million to Australian communities and currently distribute approximately $11 million per annum in new grants. VFFF aims for 60% of funds to reach rural and regional communities. VFFF’s current granting strategy is focused on Backing Young People with innovative opportunities that advance their independence, social purpose and future security. 

The Opportunity

The Program Manager opportunity is a full time opportunity, however a part time arrangement will be considered for the right candidate. 

The Program Manager will have an opportunity to successfully lead a focus area, identifying and executing innovative and impactful grant making within VFFF’s mission and priorities. The Program Manager will represent VFFF externally, engaging across sectors and seeks opportunities to support VFFF’s leadership in philanthropy. The Program Manager is to report into the Foundation Manager and work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, all VFFF team members and senior members of the Family Office Team.

Key Responsibilities of the Program Manager

1. Management and Grant Making

• Proactively identify and develop grantmaking leads to support VFFF’s mission and outcomes 
• Measure the progress that VFFF makes against outcomes
• Develop effective relationships with grant seekers and grantees and prepare high quality information to inform grantmaking and reporting
• Conduct due diligence and analysis of funding opportunities and develop Board submissions
• Develop recommendations which are considered, concise and well written
• Assess outcomes to identify learnings, inform future grant making and strategy and progress against focus area outcomes

2. Relationship Managment and Sector Engagement

• Represent VFFF and support its leadership role in philanthropy
• Develop and support relationships and networks relevant to the goals and outcomes of VFFF
• Work with other funders for enhanced program outcomes and to amplify the work of VFFF grant recipients
• Foster and support Fairfax family member involvement with philanthropy through site visits, briefings and other engagement with grantees. 

3. Organisational Support

• Manage allocated portfolios and ad hoc projects as agreed with the CEO and Foundation Manager including research into issues and special initiatives
• Contribute to the smooth running of VFFF’s day to day work: Board and Committee papers, annual reporting, outcomes analysis and internal and external communications.
• Share content knowledge and provide guidance to the Grants Officer  

About you

• 3 years experience in a similar role
• Preference for degree level qualification preferably in business, journalism, community development, social sciences, research
• A passion for improving the lives of young people and a demonstrated understanding of the challenges facing young people today
• Proven experience in building relationships and networks and working effectively with diverse stakeholders
• An understanding of philanthropy and effective grantmaking practice
• High level interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
• High level research, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and produce high quality work within agreed timelines
• High levels of confidentiality, personal integrity and respect for people

To be considered for the role, please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the requirements of the role to Helen Frketic, Human Resources Business Partner at [email protected]