Position Description

ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. JRS works in situations of greatest need, where people are most vulnerable, where there are gaps in services and where partnerships can be formed to better serve people seeking safety and migrants in vulnerable situations. 

In Australia, JRS works to uphold the rights of refugees, people who are in the process of seeking asylum and migrants in vulnerable situations and aims to support people to empower themselves, to live meaningful and dignified lives while feeling welcomed and connected to a more fair and just community.

As an independent, not-for-profit, non-government organisation JRS Australia undertakes the following activities:

• Supports and accompanies community-based people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants in vulnerable situations through a holistic programme of casework, financial assistance, community activities, food bank, English classes, an employment program, a women’s program, workshops and drop-in programs provided through our drop-in centre in JRS’s Community Centre in Parramatta.

• Supports women seeking asylum and migrant women on temporary visas to increase their understanding of domestic and family violence and sexual and gender based violence, its drivers and their rights, as well supporting women to access support and referral pathways.

• Supports and accompanies people seeking asylum who are held at detention facilities across Australia and those who have been in detention in the past or who have been transferred from Manus Island or Nauru. 

• Raises awareness with young people and others in the community through schools, community centres, parishes and other stakeholders about forced displacement, social justice, human rights, the situation of people seeking asylum in Australia, the barriers that they face, and ways to get involved. 

• Undertakes research and advocacy with and on behalf of people seeking asylum and refugees in Australia in order to advise government and non-government organisations (NGOs) on policy and program responses. 

• Supports JRS projects and activities overseas, for example, through regional and international advocacy and campaigns.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Philanthropy Officer will be responsible to support and assist with the administration of all fundraising programs including key constituent groups, major donors, planned giving, individual giving, digital fundraising, events and fundraising campaigns, as well as assisting in donor stewardship. 

This role will support JRS’ Philanthropy and Development Coordinator in all fundraising-related activities in alignment with the mission of JRS  Australia. The Philanthropy Officer position will also support media and communications where donors or prospects are the main audience and be responsible for the maintenance of information and databases.

The post holder will also work closely with the Communications Coordinator, the Office Manager, the Accountant and other staff members and volunteers in increasing philanthropic giving to JRS Australia and gaining support from individuals and prospective donors.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the maintenance of JRS’ database (CRM system), ensuring that it is actively updated with regular information for prospects and donors, record gifts, donor notes, and other transactions, generate reports and mailing lists.
• Keep confidential donor’s records and data stored in the CRM database.
• Assist with the preparation, creation and distribution of proposals, solicitation letters and other cultivation materials for relevant fundraising portfolios.
• Assist with the preparation, creation and distribution of donor impact reports and stewardship materials.
• Assist with drafting acknowledgment letters/emails templates on a quarterly basis.
• Assist with the preparation, creation and distribution of Appeals.
• Work with the Philanthropy Coordinator to update, develop and implement digital fundraising campaigns.
• Support the development and implementation of supporter surveys.
• Work closely with the Philanthropy Coordinator to map funding opportunities and develop a fundraising calendar. 
• Respond to campaigns inquiries and provide assistance, information packages and logistical support to prospective supporters.
• Support the creation of fundraising promotional content, production and editing videos.
• Assists with the day-to-day running of JRS’s fundraising activities.
• Assist with other fundraising tasks as determined in consultation with line manager.

Philosophy, Mission and Values

• Understand and demonstrate the Mission and Values of JRS on a day-to-day basis; respect, hope, dignity, solidarity, hospitality, justice and participation.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of JRS. 
• Adhere to the JRS and the Australian Jesuit Province Code of Conduct. 
• Work closely with the relevant people in all of the Jesuit ministries to ensure that Ignatian spirituality is fostered. 
• Behave in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner that respects everyone regardless of their background, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, migration status, religion, ability or any other ground. 
• Provide and promote an environment of mutual respect, dignity and fairness – free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation, bullying and violence – to ensure that acceptable standards of conduct are maintained at all times and take appropriate action if unacceptable conduct is observed. 

Occupational Health and Safety

• Comply with the requirements of relevant Work, Health and Safety (or Occupational, Health and Safety) Acts and related procedures developed by the JRS. 
• Work in a manner that considers duty of care for self and others and be safety conscious at all times. 
• Report inappropriate behaviours which endanger self or others including bullying and other harassing behaviours / incidents.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Attend relevant meetings, workshops, conferences and training, as required. 
• Become familiar with, and follow JRS and the Jesuit Province’s quality and standard policies, procedures and management instructions. 
• Be open to new ways of doing things that enhance working in an environment that is inclusive and that subscribes to the Ignatian way. 
• Strive for continuous improvement in the quality system and work practices by being alert to opportunities for improvement. 
• Maintain confidentiality in relation to clients, staff and volunteer issues and all JRS’ programs. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or relevant discipline, preferred with experience in fundraising activities. 
• High level computer literacy skills, including the use of MS Office, Google Drive, online database/reporting systems and management of relevant software.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. including drafting and proofreading skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with a good attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills including the ability to answer enquiries in a swift and professional manner.
• Ability to work independently and capacity and enthusiasm to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team 
• Capacity to manage competing deadlines, prioritise workload appropriately and work in a professional and flexible manner.
• Adherence to the mission and values of Jesuit Refugee Services and the Australian Jesuit Province.
• Commitment to human rights, equality and social change and a passion for the rights of people seeking asylum and refugees.

Desirable:

• Good understanding of issues concerning people seeking asylum and refugees.
• Experience within the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience supporting fundraising/giving programs
• Experience working with a CRM Database (like Donman, Salesforce).
• Ability to film, edit and produce videos.
• People with lived refugee experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process:

If you would like further information about the Philanthropy Officer position, please contact:  Alma Gatica, alma.gatica@jrs.org.au or 9055 6271.

To apply, please address the selection criteria and send your response, along with your resume and a cover letter to:  info@jrs.org.au by 5pm, Wednesday 2nd December 2020.

Thank you for your interest in working with Jesuit Refugee Service Australia.