Community Partnerships Associate Director

Full-time role, hybrid working arrangement - based in Sydney or Melbourne  

Use your partnership and fundraising leadership to mobilise communities for lasting social and ecological justice. 

Join a leading NFP tackling poverty & building a better future for all  

Bring your fundraising and community partnership experience to shape and deliver a national strategy that activates communities and drives action and support for social and ecological justice. 

About Caritas Australia  

We are Compassion in Action. Caritas Australia is the international humanitarian and aid agency of the Australian Catholic Church. We have a vision to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity for all. We partner with the most vulnerable communities to help them build better outcomes by improving access to sustainable livelihoods, clean water, sanitation and education.  

Why work for Caritas Australia?   

You will join a team of like-minded individuals who are passionate about tackling poverty and injustice. As part of the Caritas Australia team, you will also benefit from: 

Advance your career within the International Aid & Development sector with a focus on professional development and on the job learning opportunities 

Hybrid working arrangements, to support your work/life balance 

Generous leave benefits including wellbeing, birthday, and 14 weeks of gender-neutral parental leave 

Not-for-Profit salary packaging offered  

What does the role involve

Reporting to the Advancement Director, you’ll lead the Community Partnerships team, shaping and implementing a national partnership strategy that engages the Australian Catholic community and broader networks. 

Key responsibilities will include (but not limited to): 

Provide strategic leadership across national fundraising, engagement, education and advocacy, mobilising the Australian Catholic community on social and ecological justice. 

Inspire and empower a high‑performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a safe, inclusive, and accountable culture. 

Strengthen community engagement by designing and delivering strategies that deepen commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, drive advocacy, and build strong relationships with diocesan, school, parish, community and corporate partners. 

Oversee major campaigns and portfolio performance, including Project Compassion, tailored engagement strategies, risk management and continuous improvement across the portfolio. 

This role is based in our Mascot or East Melbourne office and will work a hybrid model, including one or two days in the office per week.      

Who are we looking for

We’re looking for a values‑driven leader with deep experience in the Catholic sector, strong fundraising and partnership expertise, and the ability to work confidently at both strategic and operational levels. You’ll be a relationship builder, an inspiring people leader, and a visible ambassador for Caritas Australia, someone who can navigate complexity, create clarity, and lead teams and partners toward meaningful action for social and ecological justice. 

You’ll have a mix of the following qualifications, skills and experience:     
 

8+ years in community engagement, fundraising, advocacy, education or other mission‑driven work, ideally within a Catholic organisation or with strong understanding of the Catholic community. 

Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills, with the confidence to represent Caritas Australia in senior forums and engage effectively with Church leaders and external stakeholders. 

Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams across diverse portfolios and geographic locations. 

Experience designing and delivering engagement, advocacy or fundraising strategies, including managing budgets, monitoring performance, and using data and insights to drive continuous improvement. 

How to apply  

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications. We value diverse experiences, and we believe in potential. If you’re passionate about this role and believe you can make a valuable contribution, we’d love to hear from you! 

For any further questions or enquiries, please contact the people team at [email protected] . Otherwise, please submit you cover letter and CV through the relevant links.   

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us. 

 
Our commitment to safeguarding – Caritas Australia recognises the personal dignity and rights of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults. As part of your employment, you will be required to undergo relevant background checks (Police Checks, Working with Children Checks, Reference Checks), abide by our safeguarding policies, and sign our Code of Conduct including Professional Behaviour Standards for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.   

Our commitment to diversity - Caritas Australia encourages and supports an inclusive and diverse workforce. We consider applications regardless of race, sex, gender, age and disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of minority groups, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.   

Our commitment to safety and wellbeing - Depending on your role, Caritas Australia may require you to undertake health checks or receive vaccinations to ensure your safety and wellbeing at work.