Country Director, Australia

• Ensure every working animal lives a healthy, valued life
• Lead Working Animal International's fundraising growth across Australia
• Remote - based within Australia, reporting to the UK

The Organisation

For over a century, Working Animals International (formerly SPANA) has been dedicated to transforming the lives of working animals. Horses, donkeys, mules, camels and other animals are the quiet driving force behind countless communities, helping millions of people earn a living and access food, water and transport – yet their welfare is often overlooked.

That is why Working Animals International works with a network of partners around the world to increase access to essential veterinary treatment. The organisation also supports owners to develop the knowledge and skills to care for their animals with confidence, while inspiring the next generation to do the same. It helps communities prepare for and respond to emergencies – from droughts to earthquakes – providing urgent relief to animals in crisis. In addition, Working Animals International campaigns globally for policy change to secure lasting improvements in welfare standards. Together with its partners and supporters, Working Animals International is building a world where working animals are healthy and valued, communities are stronger and livelihoods are more secure.

Working Animals International is now entering an important new phase, supported by significant investment, a refreshed global strategy and the recent launch of a new brand. Australia represents a key growth market, with an established individual giving base and substantial opportunity to expand income, profile and impact.


Benefits & Culture

• Shape and lead the growth of an international organisation in Australia at a pivotal time
• Be part of a global, purpose-led organisation delivering meaningful, lasting impact for animals and communities
• This role is remote – based within Australia.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation (UK) and to the Working Animals International Australia Board, this role will lead Working Animals International’s growth and development in Australia. Building on an existing individual giving programme, you will develop and deliver a comprehensive fundraising strategy to diversify income and establish Australia as a significant contributor to Working Animals International’s global mission.

Working alongside international colleagues and the Australian Board, you will drive the growth of the national fundraising programme and act as Working Animals International’s senior representative in Australia. In this role, you will engage donors and sector stakeholders, strengthen governance and operational foundations and develop a clear pathway for sustainable long-term growth.
  
Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering a multi-year Australian fundraising strategy across individual giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and bequests
• Leading the process to secure and maintain Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and strengthen organisational foundations in Australia
• Identifying, cultivating and securing support from major donors, philanthropic trusts and strategic partners
• Building Working Animals International’s profile and positioning within the Australian animal welfare and philanthropic sectors
• Managing budgets, suppliers and fundraising operations in Australia
• Working closely with UK colleagues to align strategy, while tailoring approaches for the Australian market
• Supporting the rollout of Working Animals International’s new global brand and strengthening supporter engagement
• Acting as Working Animals International’s senior public ambassador in Australia, supporting media engagement, PR opportunities and high-level representation to strengthen the organisation’s national profile and reputation.

Skills Required

You are an experienced and strategic fundraising leader, with a track record of growing income and building programmes within the Australian not-for-profit sector.

You bring:

• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies across multiple income streams
• Experience securing support from major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates and individual supporters
• Strong strategic capability, including market analysis and growth planning
• Experience representing organisations externally and building effective stakeholder relationships
• An understanding of Australian charity regulation and fundraising environment, including DGR status
• Strong leadership capability, with the ability to work independently while collaborating globally

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to build something meaningful – establishing Working Animals International as a significant and impactful organisation within Australia.



If you are passionate about improving the lives of working animals and ready to build a national fundraising programme within a global organisation, we would welcome your application.  Please submit your CV and covering letter responding to the skills required above or contact Judith Marks or Richard Green at NGO Recruitment on (02) 8243 0570 for a confidential discussion.  To request a full information package please email: officeadministrator@ngorecruitment.com (no applications here please).

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.