OPENING THE DOORS FOUNDATION
Enabling successful Educational Outcomes
FOUNDATION MANAGER
Candidate Information Pack
Closing Date for Applications: 21 August 2017
Position Description:Foundation Manager
Location:Thornbury, Melbourne
Position Reports to:Trustees, Opening the Doors Foundation
Position Type:Full time, permanent (with six month probation period)
About Opening the Doors Foundation
The Opening the Doors Foundation (OTDF) was established in 2003 for the purpose of “providing financial assistance and other benefits for the relief of the suffering, educational disadvantage and cultural depirvation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria” (OTDF Trust Deed).
Since that time our mission has been to empower and enable Aboriginal and Torres Stait Islander children and families to choose an education that will lift them out of educational disadvantage into exciting and successful educational experiences. This is achieved through financial support, advocacy and meeting the existing gaps in funding and educational opportunities.
Why is the Foundation Needed?
The Closing the Gap Prime Minister’s Report 2017 stated : “There is no doubt that a good education unlocks opportunities later in life. .. Education is fundamental to unlocking the potential of future generations ….. “ The report also states that Victoria still lags behind S.A., Tasmania and ACT, in Year 12 attainment with 68.5% of 20-24 year olds with Year 12 or equivalent. OTDF continues to grow in its capacity to make a difference in supportingour youth to unlock their potential through education.
How is the Foundation achieving this?
At its estabishment in 2003, the Foundation supported just 32 studentsin its first year of operation. In 2017the Foundation has grown to provide support to 372 Primary students and 396 Secondary students , a total of 758 students . $580,000 was distributed amongst those students to assist with the cost of uniforms, books, curriculum levies, camps, VET and VCAL costs and leadership programs.
The Foundation also offers students the extra opportunity to apply for funding for music programs with $17,000 being approved to date and for Curriculum Extension Programs (CEP) with $29,000 being approved to enable students to attend national and international extension programs.
In 2017 the Foundation is supporting 32 Year 12 students, an increase from 19 in 2011; this growth in retention of Year 12 students (continuous since the Foundation was established in 2003) is an extremely satisfying outcome of the Foundation’s work. However, there remains unmet needs, with more work to be done!
The Foundation is a completely self-supporting charity, it currently receives no government funding for any of its programmes. The Foundation is reliant on its donor base and philanthropic funding for its operation. By building the corpus of the Foundation over the years, it can now sustain a strong administration, with the expectation that it will build organisational capacity to ensure continued growth and a sustainable future.
The Foundation is committed to building relationships with its students, families, donors and supporters.
Feedback from our Students / Families:
Responses from Families in relation to the 2016 educational experiences of the students provide a wonderful pattern of achievement, educational goals and ambitions:
(He) graduated Year 11 successfully and participated in a school based traineeship with AFL Sportsready at ANZ. He has now exited school to begin full time traineeship with ANZ. Thank you for your assistance and support, we as a family are very grateful!
**
She feels the best thing that occurred in 2016 was seeing her academic results improve immensely, She was elected class captain, was a Fire Carrier for the school and participated in several activities associated with being Indigenous in the school community,
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She enjoyed her final year in Primary school, and has been prepared well for transition to Secondary school. Support for her and her sister to be confident in expressing their heritage was always positive, they were often invited to perform “Welcome to Country” before schools events. They also learnt to do it in language.
**
Being Aboriginal and having the opportunity to have my kids in a private school is such a rewarding feeling.
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She is continuing to thrive and grow in all aspects of learning, especially her reading and writing. It is great to see her take a lot more pride in her work and learning achievements. She has been chosen to lead as Koori Captain.
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She received “above average” in both reading and writing … participated in the school choir and attended the Eisteddfod …. The best thing is that she received assistance with the school levies which provide the opportunity for to access Mathletics, ICT, go on excursions and have incursions. Also has access to up to date programs on the computer and laptops.
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She (Year 9) continued music / piano lessons which she would otherwise not have been to access without OTDF support. Her older sister, graduated Year 12 this year with other Aboriginal students … it was an honour and privilege to graduate with other Aboriginal students it was a moving celebration.
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OTDF assisted towards an amazing trip to Santa Teresa the trip was a real eye opener and I loved it. I completed a certificate 2 in retail Services through McDonalds, I have now moved on to a better part time position is a small but busy café. Also completed Year 11 and got my learners permit. 2016 was an amazing year, I am looking forward to 2017. (Having her books and uniforms paid for is huge help and she is so excited to get her Year 12 2017 Jumper!)
**
For more information, please visit the Foundation’s website:
www. openingthedoors.org.au
Foundation Manager
The Opening the Doors Foundation is seeking a person who is willing to invest themselves, their skills and their passion to lead it into a future that continues to support the aspirations of our youth and the dreams of their families of improving the circumstances and opportunities for their children.
The position will be suitable for someone who
.isenergised with strong administrative and self-management skills.
.is an excellent communicator who listens, understands and communicates clearly and persuasively with a diverse audience.
.is willing to commit to the Foundation, its ideals and values and to the issues of social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Duty Statement
Position Title:Foundation Manager
Reports to:Trustees, Opening the Doors Foundation
Position Objectives
The Foundation Manager is responsible for
(i)the management of the Foundation, working in collaboration with the Trustees, staff members and volunteers to ensure the core work of the Foundation of providing assistance (financial, advocacy and support) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families in Victoria, is delivered appropriately and efficiently; and
(ii)delivering significant and sustainable income from philanthropic and major donors, by developing and implementing effective relationship strategies, including grant / proposal writing and donor acknowledment and inclusion.
This position supervises a small team of staff and volunteers.
Day to Day Responsibilities include:
.Manage all aspects of receiving and disbursing grant applications by facilitating the process through production of application forms, initial reception and data entry of grant application, presentation of applications to Trustees for approval and final disbursement. It is expected that the Foundation Manager will exercise considerable initiative, discretion and judgment when dealing with all aspects of the grant application process.
.Develop a process to monitor the Year 12 students as they move on from Secondary education (Tertiary Study, Apprenticeships, Employment)
.Develop and maintain a record of student responses and activities (as presented in the annual applications) enabling use for philanthropic applications and grant acquittals
.Manage the small administration team (staff and volunteers) includingallocation of duties and leave arrangements;
.Oversee the production of high quality annual publications (Newsletter, Activity report, Appeals)
.Develop and maintain a high level of relationship with major donors, including existing philanthropic partners. Maintain and promote the current Donor data base to strengthen all aspects of fund raising activities and events.
.Deliver a sustainable income from philanthropic giving through research, submission writing, networking and development of new partnerships.
.Ensure appropriate acquittal and responses to all donations received.
. Attend external functions to lift the public profile of the Foundation’s work.
.Attend and act as secretary to quarterly Trustee meetings including preparation and dissemination of agenda and minutes (in consultation with Chair of Trustees) and other tasks as directed by Trustees Administration sub-committee .
Foundation Manager Attributes
The Foundation Manager will have a profound respect for and sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal community issues and protocols. The individual will be creative and flexible in a small work environment, have excellent leadership qualities and be highly skilled in communication both written and oral as well as a confident public speaker. It is highly desirable that the Foundation Manager have proven experience in building organizational capacity through philanthropic giving and donor management. The Foundation Manager will be prepared to develop a deep and authoritative knowledge and understanding of the mission and outcome policies of the Foundation and have a commitment to social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Selection Criteria
1.Demonstrated management experience and the desire to lead a vibrant Aboriginal charitable organisation as it moves forward into a sustainable and exciting future.
2.To have a commitment to social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
3.Demonstrated high level of oral and written communication and presentation skills and an ability to communicate with people at all levels in a culturally appropriate manner.
4.Demonstrated high level of experience in submission writing and the ability to research appropriate philanthropic giving opportunities in order to generate sustainable income and to build and maintain relationships with donors current and potential.
5.The ability to create and maintain networks within Victorian Aboriginal communities as well as the educational and philanthropic sectors.
6.Demonstrated experience in overseeing financial management and working within an administration budget that aspires to ensure that the maximum percentage of donated funds are disbursed to those seeking assistance from the Foundation.
7.The ability to work in a small team environment and to be innovative and flexible in their attitude to achieving positive workplace outcomes.
8.To be proficient and experienced in computer applications including MS Office.
9.To be willing to develop a sound working knowledge and understanding of the mission and outcomes policies of the Foundation.
10.The Foundation Manager will need to undertake and satisfactorily complete a Police Check and Working with Children Check.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1.Current CV and contact information in a Word Document
2.Covering Letter that addresses the following:
. What motivated you to connect with and apply for the role?
. What background, experience and capabilities can you bring to the role?
. What experience or understanding you have in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues?
3.Apply to:
4.An employment Package can be requested at:
Any other enquiry can be directed to:
Carol Messer: 0423 667814
Conditions of Employment
The successful candidate will be require to hold a current Police Check and Working with Children Check.
Employment conditions are as the National Employment Standards and in line with the values and ethos of Opening the Doors Foundation.
Salary Band:$90.000 - $100,000 commensurate with experience.