Director Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships – RFDS

• Shape and lead a unified philanthropy and partnerships function within a nationally recognised organisation
• Drive transformational funding outcomes aligned to innovation in healthcare delivery
• Build compelling, impact led propositions that unlock new markets and revenue streams

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria is one of Australia’s most iconic and trusted organisations, delivering essential healthcare to people living in regional and rural Victorian communities. With a powerful legacy and an enduring connection to communities across the country, RFDS Victoria continues to evolve its impact through innovation in service delivery, addressing the challenges of distance, access and equity in healthcare. As the organisation strengthens its future focused narrative, there is a renewed emphasis on articulating impact, unlocking new funding pathways and positioning RFDS as an investment ready, outcomes driven organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Fundraising and Partnerships Officer, the Director Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships is a senior leadership role created to drive transformational growth across philanthropy and corporate partnerships at RFDS Victoria. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape and lead a multi‑year growth agenda, securing high‑value philanthropic investment and developing values‑aligned corporate partnerships that deliver long‑term impact. The role is central to positioning RFDS Victoria as an investment‑ready, impact‑driven organisation, capable of engaging major philanthropists, foundations and corporate partners in meaningful, enduring relationships. You will lead the shift from transactional fundraising to long‑term, relational and outcomes‑focused investment, building robust and integrated pipelines across major gifts, trusts and foundations, PAFs, Gifts in Wills and strategic corporate partnerships. A core focus of the role is working with health and operations teams to translate organisational priorities and flagship projects into compelling, fundable propositions, disciplined stewardship and confident executive‑level engagement. Working closely with the CEO, Board and executive peers, you will act as a senior ambassador for RFDS Victoria, navigating both national and Victorian conversations, and helping to unlock the partnerships and philanthropic investment required to support growth through the organisation’s centenary and beyond.

To succeed in this role, you will bring a strategic business development mindset, underpinned by a strong track record of securing major philanthropic gifts and high‑value partnerships. You have demonstrated experience taking organisations to market at a major gift level, drawing on established networks and trusted relationships to secure multi‑year investment. You are confident operating at senior and board‑adjacent levels, engaging philanthropists, business leaders, advisors and executives with credibility and clarity. You can translate mission into compelling investment opportunities, developing clear, differentiated propositions that inspire confidence and support. An accomplished and collaborative leader, you know how to unite teams, build capability and foster a culture of ambition, professionalism and accountability. You are comfortable leading complex, high‑stakes conversations and making decisive, well‑judged asks. Your approach is proactive and outward‑facing, informed by curiosity, resilience, and a genuine commitment to delivering meaningful social impact at scale.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/yzht3tnc

To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the Success Profile and for a confidential discussion, please contact Manelle Connelly on 0434 068 977 or Natasha Diamond on 0412 822 348.

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do. Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.

Applications close on Monday 25^th May.