Country Director, Australia

Join SPANA to ensure every working animal lives a healthy, valued life

Establish and lead SPANA's fundraising growth across Australia

Remote - based within Australia, reporting to the UK

The Organisation For over a century, 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 SPANA 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, SPANA campaigns globally for policy change to secure lasting improvements in welfare standards. Together with its partners and supporters, SPANA is building a world where working animals are healthy and valued, communities are stronger and livelihoods are more secure.

SPANA is now entering an important new phase, supported by significant investment, a refreshed global strategy and the upcoming 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 SPANA Australia Board, this role will lead SPANA’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 SPANA’s global mission.

Working alongside international colleagues and the Australian Board, you will drive the growth of the national fundraising programme and act as SPANA’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 DGR status and strengthen organisational foundations in Australia

Identifying, cultivating and securing support from major donors, philanthropic trusts and strategic partners

Building SPANA’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 SPANA’s new global brand and strengthening supporter engagement

Acting as SPANA’s senior public ambassador in Australia, supporting media engagement, PR opportunities and high-level representation to strengthen our 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

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 SPANA 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.

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