Development & Engagement Coordinator, Australia Rugby Foundation

The Australian Rugby Foundation (ARF) is the official philanthropic arm of Rugby Australia, established to nurture and grow the sport across all levels since 2014. The Foundation invests in programs and initiatives addressing key areas, including grassroots and women's rugby, support for First Nations and Pasifika players, rugby welfare, and high-performance pathways. Funding is secured through philanthropic contributions, fundraising events, and the Rugby Future Fund. These efforts enable critical programs such as youth retention contracts and grassroots grants to support players, clubs, and communities across Australia.

PURPOSE

To provide strategic and operational support to the General Manager of the Australian Rugby Foundation (ARF) across donor engagement, operations and marketing/communications alignment. The PART-TIME role will ensure ARF delivers on philanthropic objectives during Australian Rugby’s “Golden Decade.”

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor & Stakeholder Support

  • Maintain and update donor CRM records, ensuring accurate tracking of engagement and giving history.
  • Prepare donor stewardship materials: briefing notes, thank-you letters, donor background profiles, impact updates.
  • Assist with donor prospect research and pipeline development.

Board Support

  • Assist in preparation and format of Board and sub-committee packs, agendas, and minutes.
  • Coordinate board presentations, dashboards, and scheduling of meetings.

Events & Engagement

  • Manage event coordination with outsourced events agency, including guest lists, RSVPs, run sheets, and post-event follow-up.
  • Track event ROI (attendance, pledges, donations, and donor engagement outcomes).
  • Support small-scale donor engagements such as boardroom lunches or matchday hospitality.

Marketing & Communications

  • Coordinate with external agency and Rugby Australia social media team to ensure ARF communications are timely, brand-aligned, and effective.
  • Draft donor communications (emails, newsletters, event invitations).
  • Manage content assets (photos, donor testimonials, impact stories).
  • Take minutes of Events Subcommittee meetings

Administration & Systems

  • Process invoices, expenses, and donation-related administration in conjunction with ASF.
  • Maintain Excel-based dashboards for financial tracking, donations by pillar, and event performance.
  • Support governance compliance (gift acknowledgment, donor benefits).

 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE 
  • Tertiary qualification in Business, Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred.
  • 2–3 years’ experience in fundraising, development, events, corporate sales or executive support.
  • Experience preparing high-quality presentation materials and donor communications desirable.
  • Familiarity with CRM databases (Salesforce, Raisers Edge, or equivalent) advantageous.

 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills.
  • Strong organisational capability.
  • Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Confident user of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • Able to work independently and proactively, with limited supervision.
  • Discretion and professionalism when handling donor and board interactions.
  • Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support donor events and engagements.

Please email your CV and cover letter to sienna.antico@rugby.com.au by 6 February 2026.