Regional Manager, Australia

Organization Summary and Context 

The International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) is the only global funders network dedicated to fostering partnerships among Indigenous Peoples and funders around the globe. IFIP is dedicated to shifting power, mobilizing resources, and building partnerships to amplify Indigenous leadership and to support the self-determination and rights of Indigenous Peoples, their communities, land and territories worldwide. IFIP influences funders to practice a new paradigm of giving based on Indigenous values “The Five R’s of Indigenous Philanthropy” —Respect, Reciprocity, Responsibility, Relationships and Redistribution. Building on over 20 years of experience, IFIP is at an exciting moment of evolution and on a path to accelerate staff growth and organizational capacity to roll out new areas of work and regions, advocacy, and mobilize resources to Indigenous Peoples.   

In 2019, IFIP welcomed our first Australian member joining a growing philanthropic community engaging with and working in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. Since then, IFIP has been cultivating relationships with Australian funders and First Nations organizations. At the invitation of First Nation leaders, IFIP hosted our first Australia funders and First Nations-led Funds and organizations in September 2022 in Newcastle, in the lands of the Worimi people. Our commitment to this partnership was further solidified when we welcomed a delegation of Australian funders and First Nations organizations at the 2023 IFIP Global Conference in Merida, Mexico. In October 2023, IFIP was pleased to welcome an Australian First Nation person to IFIP’s Board of Directors. 

As a global leader in Indigenous Philanthropy, we were saddened and disappointed by the outcome of the recent Voice referendum which would have provided a step forward in reconciliation and formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the constitution. IFIP’s vision is Indigenous Peoples, their communities, lands, and territories worldwide are flourishing, recognized, self-determined, equitably funded, and resourced. It is in this context that IFIP is responding to the invitation made by First Nations people to work more closely with First Nations organizations and communities, and the philanthropic community in Australia. IFIP aims to bring our solidarity and steadfast commitment to addressing the asymmetry of power and to drive the transformation of philanthropy to establish right relations with Indigenous Peoples globally.   

Position Overview 

The Regional Manager, Australia, oversees the Australian Working Group at IFIP to support a growing number of members in Australia seeking to learn and grow Indigenous Philanthropy. IFIP hosts regional and thematic working groups to foster a collaborative environment for IFIP members and other stakeholders to engage in learning and knowledge sharing and to amplify Indigenous Philanthropy. IFIP's programs include global and regional conferences, research and influencing. This position offers an opportunity to be part of a passionate and committed global team that works with various stakeholders in the philanthropic sector, including members, funders, and Indigenous partners. Respect for and experience in Indigenous Peoples' rights and self-determination is essential for the position. Australian First Nations and Torres Strait Islander peoples are highly encouraged to apply. 

The Regional Manager will work with and coordinate members and contribute to expanding Indigenous Philanthropy. This role works with guidance from the IFIP Global team and within the scope of IFIP's mission, values, and strategic goals. The Regional Manager will implement the annual work plan, including planning and developing events such as webinars and member meetings, lead or coordinate research to assess the current funding landscape, leverage opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, and monitor program effectiveness. This position will also contribute to IFIP's advocacy for direct funding to Indigenous Peoples communities and organizations. This position reports to the Program Director. 

The ideal candidate is self-reliant and a strategic thinker who can convert concepts and ideas into action, a convener and bridge builder who can nurture and sustain collaboration and engagement, has experience facilitating, organizing, and managing stakeholder dialogues, is team-oriented and collaborative, has a pragmatic approach to finding solutions, and excels at planning and implementing programs to meet goals. IFIP is a global network with a geographically dispersed team, board, and members; this position requires a flexible work schedule to accommodate multiple geographic time zones.  

Responsibilities 

Programs and project management:  

• In coordination with Program Director, develop and design an annual work plan and budget in line with organizational strategic goals, values and approach.  
• Partner and collaborate with members to facilitate engaging programming contributing to the overall strategic goals and mission of the organization. 
• Implement high-quality webinars, meetings and convenings; from managing logistics to securing speakers and a documenting outcome for program follow-up. 
• Work closely with IFIP staff to ensure cross learning, collaboration, and coordination across programs. 
• Engage and contribute on across IFIP’s global programs including IFIP’s biannual global conference. 
• Lead or support members in designing and implementing activities such as planning and facilitating conference sessions, meetings, and convenings to advance Indigenous Philanthropy. 
• Responsible for planning activities and monitoring and reporting expenditures against budget. Ensure IFIP’s policies, practices and reporting procedures are fully implemented.  

Network Engagement and Philanthropy Ecosystem Influencing 

• Coordinate and support collaboration, coordination and shared learning among members. 
• Represent IFIP at national and international forums focus on philanthropy and Indigenous Peoples for outreach and influencing at the country to global level. 
• Working closely with the Program Director and other staff develop position statements and briefing papers on philanthropy trends and initiatives for advocacy and influencing. 
• Collaborate with the membership engagement staff for the recruitment of new members, especially developing outreach strategies to highlight program activities. 
• Support creation of funding proposals and donor reports for resource mobilization and sustainability.  
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders, including First Nations partners, institutional donors, and peer philanthropy networks.  

Research, Knowledge Sharing, and Collective Learning: 

• Develop, plan, and disseminate program reports and other resources for knowledge sharing, including identifying and managing consultants and progress through completion. 
• Maintain a broad working knowledge of the latest research, news, policies, and emerging issues on Indigenous Peoples and philanthropy. 
• Carry out data analysis research and review of academic and non-academic literature in the areas of Indigenous Peoples and Philanthropy. 
• Identify consultants or partners to develop engaging content, including media articles and visual tools to share learning, highlight program offerings, and influence the funding community. 
• Coordinate with relevant staff on communications for outreach materials, including social media, quarterly e-newsletter, and website. 

Required Qualifications: 

Experience: 

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 
• At least 7 years of professional experience in non-profit programs and projects, or in relevant field. 
• Experience with Indigenous Peoples organizations, philanthropy, and civil society organizations, ideally established relationships with Indigenous organizations and networks in Australia.  

Skills and abilities 

• Strong experience in managing programs, planning, and budgeting, using participatory design methods. 
• Innovative thinker and ability to translate strategic thinking into action and results, and comfortable with complexity and constant evolution. 
• Outstanding communication skills and exceptional relationship-building with a wide variety of stakeholders for collaboration.  
• Experience in facilitation of in-person and virtual meetings and workshops for learning, influencing, and community building.   
• Effective, demonstrated communication skills in written, oral, and electronic forms.  
• Experience in research, analytical, and writing skills required to gather and summarize data for reports, identify connections, and prioritize work. 
• Travel required within Australia and internationally to urban and rural areas. Proof of Covid 19 vaccination required. Ability to travel 15% of the time. 
• Strong technology skills, including with Microsoft Office Suite, video communications, and other tools.  
• Familiarity with working remotely as part of a small team and working across time zones. 

Personal Qualities 

• Good interpersonal manner, a global mindset, and comfortable in cross cultural communication with people from different backgrounds. 
• Flexible and able to work under pressure and to meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and as part of a global team. 
• A high attention to detail is required from the high level of a project to its smallest details 

Application information: 

This is a full-time, exempt, and remote position. Candidates must have work authorization in Australia. IFIP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package in line with local Australian National Employment Standards. 

Location: Australia based, remote work. IFIP's main office is in Sacramento, California. This position will require to travel to the United States at least two times per year and occasionally other international travel.   

Deadline: Position is open until filled. Apply by August 31, 2024 for priority consideration.

International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) is an equal opportunity employer that embraces a multicultural work environment and seeks diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious creed, and physical abilities.