Are you a natural connector, facilitator and systems thinker?

We’re looking for someone who thrives in complexity, cares deeply about relationships, and knows how to create the right scaffolding for distributed leadership to flourish. If you're excited by network theory and community-led change, this role is for you.

THE ORGANISATION

Community foundations in Australia are stepping into a new era of relevance, growth and ambition. In response to growing complexity — from climate transition to economic disparity and social fragmentation — there is increasing demand for local, enduring structures that support community governance, collaboration, and long-term investment.

Community Foundations Australia aims to catalyse a collaborative, agile and inspired network of practitioners and foundations working for transformative impact at the community level. A key part of our strategy involves resourcing the development of impact communities: practitioner-led, networked groups working collaboratively on shared concerns and opportunities. These communities are a key mechanism through which we build Australia's community philanthropy field, strengthening organisational and collective capacity, growing aligned narratives and practice, and deepening network relationships and collaborations.

BENEFITS AND CULTURE

Pioneering field catalyst model of support for community foundations network

Small, agile and national team committed to work/life balance and team wellbeing

Salary packaging options available

Travel opportunities

THE ROLE

Community Foundations Australia is seeking an Impact Communities Lead to support the growth and coordination of our national impact communities – starting with our renewable energy network, and with the potential to expand into other domains.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of how we support communities to self organise, collaborate and lead transformational change. Working closely with community foundations, community philanthropy practitioners and partners across the country, you’ll facilitate shared learning and collective action while also building the infrastructure and scalable processes that underpin our emerging model of support for the field.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Impact Communities Lead has three core responsibilities:

Impact community coordination

Strategic engagement leadership

Infrastructure and processes development

Impact Community Coordination

Steward and facilitate impact communities by catalysing regular engagement activities (such as meetings, workshops, webinars) that promote strategic alignment, peer learning, and collective action. This includes managing all logistics, communications, and details to ensure a seamless participant experience.

Maintain and develop the platforms and processes that enable connection, collaboration, shared learning, collective action, and advocacy within the network. Actively weave connections among individuals, groups, and projects to amplify collaboration and innovation across the broader network.

Foster a collaborative, network-oriented culture by training and supporting staff and participants in network values, approaches, and weaving practices. Coordinate a pool of network facilitators by connecting them to projects in need of support and nurturing a community of practice to share learnings and strengthen their impact.

Design and implement diverse engagement pathways ("ladders of engagement") to encourage participation; support and empower impact community members to self-organise.

Monitor and evaluate engagement activities and events to gather insights that inform future strategies. Maintain effective online tools and systems (e.g. contact databases and collaboration platforms) to support day-to-day impact community operations.

Assist in the emergence and growth of new thematic, or regional communities, fostering self-organising practices as they develop.

2. Strategic engagement leadership

Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of engagement strategies in key focus areas (e.g. the energy transition), in consultation with senior leadership to align with organisational priorities.

Build and maintain strong relationships with network members, relevant sector bodies, and enabling partners – including Indigenous communities, community leaders, academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners – to strengthen collaboration and deepen impact.

Identify and leverage opportunities—such as events, forums, and sector engagements—to position and advocate for community foundations as key community partners (e.g. particularly in renewable energy).

Represent the community foundation network in related networks, consultations, forums, and working groups, as needed.

3. Infrastructure and processes development

Create and maintain the core infrastructure that underpins collaboration, shared learning, and collective action across CFAus’s impact communities—beginning with the renewable energy impact community.

Design scalable support systems: develop and refine lightweight, adaptable processes and tools that enable CFAustralia to support a growing portfolio of impact communities and collaborative networks.

Design frameworks and feedback mechanisms that harvest insights and learning from individual impact communities for the benefit of the broader CFAus network and its strategic development.

Support the development of CFAus’s role as a national backbone organisation by building replicable systems, shared practice infrastructure, and governance models that enable self-organising impact communities to thrive.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum two years’ experience in a community/network weaving, leadership or related role or demonstrated lived experience in building and nurturing networks, coalitions, or communities of practice.

Understanding of community foundations, community philanthropy or the not-for-profit sector - or eagerness to learn.

A sound understanding of the systems, relationships and practices that lead to thriving impact networks and transformational change.

Exceptional interpersonal skills: relationship-building, listening, convening and mediating diverse perspectives.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to self-manage in a remote working context.

Experience working with digital tools and platforms, (e.g. WhatsApp, Miro, Notion, Slack).

Demonstrated cultural competency and a commitment to equity and justice.

Familiarity with Australia’s renewable energy transition landscape or with community engagement processes around infrastructure development is desirable.

Human-centred design and agile project management skills is desirable.

Some experience in advocacy and policymaking space is desirable.

APPLY NOW

If you have a passion for supporting community-led change, we encourage you to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter responding to the 'skills and experience' section above.

For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Rosie Funder via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Impact Communities Lead.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Please note there is no formal closing date for this role. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Community Foundations Australia is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to the wellbeing of its team of staff and volunteers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.