Passionate about purpose, gardens & giving? Help grow Australia's leading garden charity as the first Head of Philanthropy. Plant your legacy here.
Planting seeds today for tomorrow’s gardens. Join Diggers Foundation and grow something extraordinary.
The Organisation
Brooker Consulting have been engaged by The Diggers Foundation, who believe the world is a better place when people get their hands dirty—literally. As Australia’s leading garden charity, they’re here to protect historic gardens, preserve biodiversity, and inspire generations of gardeners.
From seed to sprout, from backyard to botanic, The Diggers Foundation is passionate about conservation, education, and keeping the joy of gardening alive and thriving. It’s not just digging holes—they are planting a legacy.
The Opportunity
This is a newly created Head of Philanthropy role for an experienced professional who knows how to grow support and cultivate deep relationships. You’ll lead the charge in building the philanthropic strategy with evidence based options, whether nurturing major donors, planning unforgettable fundraising events, and spreading the word (and the compost) far and wide.
This isn’t simply about dollars—it’s about long-term impact. Your work will directly support the Foundation’s mission to protect heritage gardens, teach future generations, and plant the seeds for a more sustainable planet.
You’ll work closely with the CEO, the Board, and the broader Digger’s team to lead structured giving programs, identify funding opportunities, and be the smiling, strategic face of philanthropy for our much-loved organisation. Over time, that might include growing a team to work.
It’s a role that mixes creativity with strategy, storytelling with structure—and you won’t need a green thumb to succeed (but it certainly wouldn’t hurt).
The Person
We’re seeking someone who can tell a compelling story and back it up with strategy. You’ll bring at least seven years of senior experience in fundraising or philanthropy is required, with bonus points for experience in the not-for-profit or sustainability sectors. A proven track record of securing major gifts and building long-lasting donor relationships is essential. Strong bequest and grant writing experience, with a knack for planting ideas that grow into funding, is also necessary.
Expertise in fundraising events, CRM systems, budgets, and metrics is vital, showing a sharp and well-used toolkit. Leadership experience is crucial, demonstrating an ability to work effectively with both donors and teams. Finally, a love for purpose-driven work and a genuine appreciation for sustainability, biodiversity, and traditional gardening wisdom are highly valued.
The Rewards