Philanthropy Communications Specialist

• Help young Australians to improve their long-term educational outcomes
• Part-time opportunity (0.6 FTE / 3 days a week)
• Sydney National Office, NSW or Melbourne, VIC (flexibility available - a combination of working from the office and working from home)

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that works with children and young people to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty – so they can thrive now and into their futures.

About the role

We are now seeking a part-time Communications Specialist to join our dynamic Philanthropy Communications team.

Reporting to a Philanthropy Communications Manager and working with a high-performing and close-knit team, this role helps to effectively develop and deliver marketing and communications activities and materials to support our Philanthropy teams. That means that this role provides the communications support that’s essential in the acquisition and retention of corporate partners, high-value donors, and trusts and foundations – and supports the communications needs of some events.

The role has a high level of internal and external engagement and requires a solid background and talent in writing, experience in Communications development and coordination, a high level of attention to detail, and a flexible approach to make things happen.

A week in the life of a Communications Specialist is full of variety, but every day can be different. In this role, you’ll be responsible for:

• Reviewing and coordinating approvals on marketing communications materials, which our corporate partners and donors create to showcase their relationship with The Smith Family. These materials might even be for a large nationwide fundraising campaign in a partner’s stores! You’ll ensure these materials reflect The Smith Family’s brand guidelines, messaging and other relevant policies or guidelines
• Coordinating and implementing communications/marketing materials to attract and retain our corporate partners and Philanthropy donors
• Writing, editing and proofreading copy for a diverse range of communications material
• Interviewing students/families to create case studies and stories to demonstrate the impact of our work. This is one of the best parts of the role – it’s always a privilege and a pleasure to talk to students and families, and hear first-hand the difference that support has made in their lives.
• Supporting the Philanthropy Communications team to project manage outsourced work, including engaging, briefing and providing guidance and support to freelance photographers, videographers, designers, writers and other related resources
• Creating compelling content for digital channels, including websites, email and social media

About you

It takes a special kind of person to be a Communications Specialist. Our successful candidate will bring the following:

• At least three to four years of experience assessing, coordinating and developing communications/marketing materials or campaigns gained from working within communications, marketing or advertising.
• Strong, demonstrable experience and talent in writing, editing and proofreading for a broad range of communications and audiences
• Experience developing and collating content (stories and imagery) for both print and digital channels
• Proven ability to build strong cooperative relationships with key stakeholders and work collaboratively across teams to deliver excellent results
• Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal
• A talent for multi-tasking and exceptional attention to detail
• Previous experience in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector is highly desirable
• Previous experience delivering multi-channel campaigns (client or agency side) is desirable

Our benefits

Employees are at the centre of The Smith Family’s values and operations. By joining our team, you can expect to:

• Find balance; with flexible work options and opportunities to purchase additional annual leave
• Maximise your take home pay; with salary packaging, as well as opportunities to save with discounts at retailers across the country
• Fulfill your potential, with excellent career opportunities, a suite of development programs and a dedicated learning and development platform
• Feel you belong; with inclusive leave options, including paid parental, cultural and gender affirmation leave
• Thrive; with support for you and your family’s mental and physical health including a complete care and safety platform, unlimited Employee Assistance and access to a huge range of fitness facilities with Fitness Passport

About us

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity with a vision of a world where every child has the opportunity to change their future, no matter their circumstances. We believe that education is one of the most powerful change agents, and we work with young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty – so they can thrive now and into their futures.

If you are passionate about what you do, committed to make a difference and this sounds like your next role, please click apply, we’d love to hear from you.

You may view the position description here. For any other information, please contact Georgie Hobday, Philanthropy Communications Manager, at Georgie.Hobday@thesmithfamily.com.au

Closing date: 15 February 2026

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a National Police Check and a Working with Children’s Check. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to principles of cultural diversity. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.