Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) is a national for purpose organisation. Its purpose is to reduce the incidence and impact of macular disease – the leading cause of legal blindness and severe vision loss in Australia. MDFA has four pillars of work: prevention and early detection, supports and services, advocacy, and research and data.   

The Fundraising Support volunteer will assist the Fundraising Team to engage and nurture Macular Disease Foundation Australia's mid-tier value donors in the lead up to the Tax Appeal campaign. The volunteer is responsible for calling selected donors to thank them for their contributions to date and keep them updated on what has been happening with MDFA and the wider Macular Disease Community, while highlighting how crucial their ongoing donations and support are to the 8.9m Australians at risk, or living with, macular disease.    

   Responsibilities for this role include:

• Call selected donors to thank them for their support and keep them up to date with MDFA’s programs and services while highlighting how crucial their donations are (a script will be provided). This is not a fundraising call asking constituents for donations but a thank you to our mid-tier donors
• Carry out administrative tasks such as entering notes into MDFA’s donor database after each call
• If specific donors’ enquiries arise, escalate call to the relevant MDFA member
• Maintain a safe, confidential environment and follow MDFA privacy policy
• Commitment to MDFA’s vision, mission and values

Selection Criteria/Essential Qualities:

• Effective communicator able to clearly and confidently speak with donors and build immediate rapport
• Empathetic listener able to appreciate concerns of donors and/or elderly persons and those experiencing vision loss
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Friendly, well-spoken individual, proficient in English
• Excellent phone manners
• Great time management
• Proficient computer skills and data entry
• Strong work ethic, attendance and ability to work autonomously
• Able to work in Australia unrestricted

Desirable Qualities:

• Previous telemarketing or customer service experience in the for-purpose sector will be highly regarded
• Demonstrate motivation to understand the physical, social and emotional issues facing people with macular disease
• Lived experience with family members or friends with macular disease or is currently in the early stages of macular disease

To be eligible for this role, volunteer must be able to come to the MDFA’s office located at 383 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 from 11th April-20th April between 10am-4pm (no remote working please). Volunteer will need to be available for training at MDFA’s offices the week prior and will need to demonstrate they are vaccinated against COVID-19.  

   This position is open for those residing in Sydney and greater Sydney.  

   This is a great opportunity for someone looking to volunteer in a role where they can make an immediate and positive impact for people living, or at risk of living, with macular disease. You will be part of a friendly team and your role will be well supported.   

   For more information, please contact the Program and Volunteer Coordinator on 02 8268 8407.