International Needs Australia is seeking a Relationship Officer based in Melbourne to:
Connect and engage with major and prospective supporters through prospect pipelines, business and opportunity management, cultivate processes and stewardship plans, as well as compelling and persuasive marketing and communication materials. You will also facilitate visits from our overseas partners’ representatives, coordinate events and leverage appeals to grow engagement and revenue to advance INA’s life-changing Christian mission.
About International Needs Australia (INA)
INA is a Christian international development organisation with over 50 years of experience working with the poorest and most marginalised communities, particularly women and children, to eliminate poverty and its causes. We work through local lead partners in Africa, Asia and the Pacific with support from our faithful donors who enable this change to be possible. We are a fully accredited Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) partner, ensuring we meet the highest program standards. We create impact through innovative field projects and also national education programs with schools in Australia which educate students on the causes and solutions to poverty and encourage them to take action. We are different in our approach to international development and our engagement with Australian supporters because INA:
- Focuses on women and children in five key areas: Education, Health, Livelihoods, Climate Change and Gender.
- Works in Southeast Asia, South Asia & Eastern Africa (currently Ethiopia, Uganda, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the Philippines).
- Is firmly grounded in our Christian values and strives for a just world where all people are treated equally to reach their God-given potential.
- Is highly committed to locally-led development and has an innovative local partnership model. As a result, INA works exclusively through local partner staff and volunteers and focuses on ensuring partner organizations develop and are truly sustainable.
- Believes in poverty alleviation through a cross-sectoral and holistic approach to community development. This approach involves us partnering with donors and other agencies committed to holistic poverty alleviation and focusing on community-prioritised needs.
- Conducts national education programs with Australian students that align with the Australian Department of Education School Curriculum to help youth clarify their personal purpose and increase empathy and understanding of global poverty and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
- Brings supporters and in-country partners closer together and co-designs projects together with all relevant stakeholders to support innovation and ensure alignment.
About the role
- Develop new individual donor partnerships and national and local organisational and church partnerships to increase INA’s profile, impact and influence to generate income for INA’s mission.
- Develop and implement strategies for growing INA’s profile and revenue opportunities, with a particular focus on engaging Christian communities, churches, and faith-based networks.
- Maintain and strengthen existing relationships with supporters, church partners and other key stakeholders to deepen their connection with INA’s mission and values.
- Contribute to the planning and implementation of expansion strategies for fundraising opportunities across Australia, including outreach to new church communities and Christian networks.
- Present and speak at national and local church and partner events to highlight the work of INA with the aim of retaining existing supporters and engaging new supporters.
- Actively cultivate relationships with businesses, church groups, and supporter prospects, and steward major supporters to ensure long-term engagement and generosity.
- Plan and implement personalised stewardship activities for supporters (individual, institutional, and church-based), in conjunction with INA staff, including the delivery of relevant and engaging events, church presentations, overseas tours, stewardship activities, and supporter report backs that reflect INA’s Christian values and mission.
- Coordinate national deputation visits from overseas partners each year, including church and community engagement opportunities, to build relationships with current and prospective supporters.
- Actively develop relationships with organisations, churches, and Christian networks, providing them with relevant information on INA, including impact stories that highlight faith in action and inspire giving through events, presentations, and speaking engagements.
- Ensure that insights from engagement activities are accurately and regularly captured in INA’s CRM database.
- Work collaboratively with the Fundraising Manager and Fundraising team, International Programs Manager, and CEO, to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of INA’s fundraising program, particularly through the engagement and mobilisation of churches and Christian supporters across Australia.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Relationship Officer with a ‘can-do’ attitude — someone who loves building and nurturing meaningful partnerships with individuals, churches, and organisations. You will be confident engaging with Christian communities and Major Donors, motivated by connection and purpose, and committed to growing INA’s revenue to expand our mission and impact.
If you are a relational, proactive communicator who’s driven to make a real difference in the world through your work, we would love to hear from you.
A full Position Description is available on our website.
Salary range
Pro rata of $70,000 per annum (including superannuation), approximately $42,000 for 3 days per week.
Contact details
If you meet the above criteria, please submit a resume and a letter of application addressing the role’s key capabilities to: info@ina.org.au
Inquiries: INA Office Coordinator (03) 9877 7177 or email: info@ina.org.au
Applications Close
5pm on Monday 24 November 2025. |
