Head of Philanthropy and Engagement – Hear and Say

Windsor Group has been appointed by Hear and Say to manage this executive search. As a profit‑for‑purpose organisation, we support our clients through ethical, values‑aligned recruitment across the nonprofit, government and commercial sectors.

This appointment represents a critical Executive Leadership Team role at Hear and Say, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and playing a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s next chapter of growth and impact.

Hear and Say is a purpose‑driven health and community organisation dedicated to supporting children, adults and families impacted by hearing loss to listen, speak and participate fully in life.

Founded more than three decades ago, Hear and Say is widely recognised for its sector leadership in paediatric hearing health, speech pathology and early intervention services. The organisation delivers specialist services across metropolitan and regional Queensland, supported by a multidisciplinary workforce of clinicians, educators and corporate professionals.

Hear and Say combines direct service delivery with education, research, advocacy and community engagement, underpinned by a deep commitment to outcomes that transform the lives of children and families. As a respected voice in its field, Hear and Say works closely with clinicians, government, donors and partners to deliver lasting social impact.

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Annual information statement 2025
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Hear and Say is entering a period of strategic renewal and growth, following significant organisational change and the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair.

The organisation is focused on regenerating and strengthening its market presence, reinforcing stakeholder confidence, and building sustainable revenue streams to support long‑term service delivery and innovation.

Key strategic priorities include:

• Regenerating and professionalising the philanthropy, fundraising and engagement function
• Strengthening brand visibility and referral pathways across Queensland and nationally
• Diversifying income sources to support service growth, innovation and research
• Enhancing engagement with donors, partners, clinicians and the broader community
• Embedding a collaborative, values‑driven culture across the organisation

Philanthropy and engagement are recognised as critical enablers of Hear and Say’s future sustainability, with an ambitious growth agenda endorsed by the Board and Executive.

The Head of Philanthropy and Engagement is a senior executive leadership role responsible for driving strategic growth, strengthening Hear and Say’s brand and reputation, and cultivating high‑value external relationships.

Reporting directly to the CEO and operating as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role leads the organisation’s philanthropy, fundraising, marketing, business development and community engagement functions.

The role exists to reset, build and scale a contemporary, integrated philanthropy and engagement capability that materially contributes to Hear and Say’s long‑term viability and impact.

Key accountabilities include:

• Developing and executing a comprehensive philanthropy and engagement strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Leading and developing a multidisciplinary team across fundraising, marketing, partnerships and community engagement
• Significantly increasing philanthropic income, diversified revenue streams and donor engagement
• Strengthening stakeholder relationships across government, health, corporate, philanthropic and community sectors
• Elevating Hear and Say’s profile, storytelling and brand presence
• Partnering with the CEO and Board to support strategic growth and advocacy objectives

In the first 12 months, the Head of Philanthropy and Engagement is expected to establish a clear strategy, strengthen systems and capability, deliver early revenue and engagement wins, and position the function for sustained growth.

The philanthropic function needs a leader who brings calm, steady, credible leadership to build confidence, provide clarity and take people on the journey.

Position Description

The criteria below reflect what success looks like in this executive role.

Leadership & People

Demonstrated experience leading and developing high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to provide both strategic direction and hands‑on leadership. A collaborative leader who builds trust, motivates others through change, and role models accountability, empathy and resilience.

Strategy & Planning

A proven track record in developing and executing growth strategies, ideally within complex health, disability or community‑based organisations. Able to operate at both enterprise and functional levels, translating strategy into measurable outcomes.

Operational or Technical Expertise

Deep expertise across philanthropy, fundraising, partnerships, marketing or revenue growth, including grants, major gifts, community fundraising and brand strategy. Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, ROI and performance metrics.

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence

Highly effective in building and sustaining trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including donors, corporate partners, clinicians, government and boards. Comfortable representing the organisation externally and influencing at senior levels.

Values, Integrity & Cultural Alignment

Demonstrates strong personal integrity, emotional intelligence and alignment with Hear and Say’s values. Leads with respect, communicates openly, and contributes positively to organisational culture and wellbeing.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished senior leader with substantial experience in philanthropy, fundraising, engagement or growth‑oriented roles within complex organisations. They bring credibility, gravitas and energy, balanced with empathy and pragmatism.

They are equally comfortable setting strategy and rolling up their sleeves to build systems, relationships and capability. Experience establishing or transforming philanthropy functions will be highly regarded, as will the ability to lead through change and bring people on the journey.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a critical executive function at a moment of genuine organisational reset and ambition.

The incoming Head of Philanthropy and Engagement will have the mandate, executive sponsorship and strategic support to build on something meaningful, establishing a sustainable philanthropy and engagement engine that underpins Hear and Say’s long‑term impact for children and families.

For the right leader, this role offers the chance to leave a legacy: driving growth, amplifying impact, and directly contributing to life‑changing outcomes at scale.

Windsor Group and Hear and Say are committed to equal opportunity employment practices. Applications will be assessed on merit, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. An offer of appointment will be made to the applicant whose written application and interview performance best demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the role.

Windsor Group will review applications as they are received. We encourage early applications, as screening begins immediately. Process steps:

• Initial screening by Windsor Group
• Consultant interview
• Client panel interview(s)
• Assessments (if required)
• Reference checks

Indicative timeline:

• Weeks 1–3: Screening
• Week 4-5: Windsor Group interviews

We will keep candidates updated throughout each stage.

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes:

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format)
• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role

Submit your application quoting reference number MCHPYE to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information, please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001.

Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day.

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