The People
Patrons
Emeritus Professor Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE
Professor The Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO
Professor Suzanne Cory AC
Emeritus Professor David de Kretser AC
Professor Peter Doherty AC FAA FRS
Professor Ian Gust AO
Professor Margaret Hamilton AO
Professor The Hon Barry Jones AC
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG
Professor David Penington AC
Professor Fiona Stanley AC FAA FASSA
Board of Directors (Volunteer)
Financial, Audit and Risk Management Committee (Volunteer)
The Committee provides independent assurance and advice to the Board on Penington Institute’s financial management, risk oversight, internal controls, compliance, and external accountability.
Carmel Arthur OAM (Chair)
Shobhana Chetty BSc, M.Acct
Bruce Lanyon B Bus, MBA, FCA, SF Fin
Positions Vacant
We have 2 positions vacant:
Trusts and Foundations Manager
You might not have heard of us (yet)… That’s kind of the point.
We’re Penington Institute – small team, big work, global remit. We tackle an issue that affects far more people than most realise: drug use, and how we can minimise serious harms.
It’s complex. It’s often misunderstood. And it matters.
We approach it differently – with realism, evidence and humanity. Now we’re looking for someone who’s ready to help take us to the next level – and make sure a lot more people do know our name.
The gig (and why it’s exciting)
This isn’t a “maintain the status quo” kind of role.
This is your chance to build, shape and scale our trusts and foundations program from the ground up – and unlock serious investment to grow work that matters, here and around the world.
You’ll:
- Hunt down and win support from trusts, foundations and philanthropic heavyweights
- Build meaningful, long-term partnerships (not just one-off grants / transactional funding)
- Open doors nationally and internationally
- Turn ambition into real dollars that fuel work that saves and improves lives
You’ll have autonomy, backing, and a team that genuinely cares about the work – and each other.
About us (the real version)
We’re frank. Independent. Non-partisan. And not afraid to take on complex, sometimes uncomfortable issues. We work in a space that can be polarising.
Our mission? Reduce serious drug-related harm, whether from legal or illicit drugs, through education, research, policy influence and frontline support.
We don’t deal in stigma or slogans. We deal in evidence, real-world experience – what actually works. And the way we work internally reflects that too – real people, no egos, dedicated teammates and a culture grounded in authenticity, not corporate spin.
About you (aka: the kind of person who’ll thrive here)
You’re not just experienced – you’re driven.
You know how to land big funding. You’re comfortable in rooms with decision-makers. And you’re energised by a challenge, not intimidated by it – especially in a space that isn’t always easy.
You bring:
- A strong track record securing major philanthropic funding
- Confidence engaging high-level donors, trusts and foundations
- Sharp instincts for where the next opportunity is (and how to win it)
- The ability to navigate complex, sometimes polarising issues with credibility and tact
- A builder’s mindset – you’re excited to grow something, not just inherit it
Bonus points if you’ve worked across tough or underfunded sectors. If you’re motivated by backing work that genuinely improves and saves lives (even when it’s not the easiest sell!) you’ll fit right in.
Why this role?
Because:
- The work is important (and needed more than people realise)
- The organisation is small enough to be agile, big enough to have impact
- The opportunity is wide open – you’ll shape what this becomes
- The reach is global
And because you’ll be surrounded by genuinely great people doing meaningful work – without the bureaucracy.
The practical stuff
- Flexible: part-time or full-time (min 0.4 FTE)
- 2-year fixed term (with potential to extend)
- Hybrid working (Carlton-based team)
- Competitive salary + 12% super + NFP salary packaging
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a role where you can:
- Back yourself
- Build something significant
- Help shift the conversation on drug harm
- And put an under-the-radar organisation on the map
…this might be it.
Download a copy of the position description here.
Apply soon, applications close 10 April 2026. We’re reviewing applications as they come in.
To apply please email your resume and cover letter outlining your skills, experience and why you want to work for Penington Institute to Anna Rolle: a.rolle@penington.org.au
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and referee checks.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Corporate and Major Donors Manager
You might not have heard of us (yet)… That’s kind of the point.
We’re Penington Institute – small team, big work, global remit. We tackle an issue that affects far more people than most realise: drug use, and how we can minimise serious harms.
It’s complex. It’s often misunderstood. And it matters.
We approach it differently – with realism, evidence and humanity. Now we’re looking for someone who’s ready to help take us to the next level – and make sure a lot more people do know our name.
The gig (and why it’s exciting)
This is not a “keep things ticking along” role.
This is your chance to build something with real momentum – shaping and scaling our corporate partnerships and major donor program from the ground up.
You’ll:
- Win over high-net-worth individuals and corporate partners
- Build long-term, meaningful relationships
- Create partnerships that actually align with purpose and impact
- Unlock serious funding to grow work that reduces drug-related harm – in Australia and beyond
You’ll have the freedom to make things happen, the backing of a smart and committed team, and a mission that stands for something.
About us (the real version)
We’re frank. Independent. Non-partisan. And not afraid to take on complex, sometimes uncomfortable issues. We work in a space that can be polarising.
Our mission? Reduce serious drug-related harm, whether from legal or illicit drugs, through education, research, policy influence and frontline support.
We don’t deal in stigma or slogans. We deal in evidence, real-world experience – what actually works. And the way we work internally reflects that too – real people, no egos, dedicated teammates and a culture grounded in authenticity, not corporate spin.
About you (aka: the kind of person who’ll love this)
You’re commercially savvy, relationship-driven and not afraid of a challenge.
You know how to open doors, build trust and land major gifts or partnerships – and you’re motivated by work that makes a difference.
You bring:
- A strong track record securing high-value support from corporates and/or major donors
- Confidence engaging senior leaders and high-net-worth individuals
- A proactive, hunter mindset – you don’t wait for opportunities, you create them
- The ability to navigate complex or sensitive topics with credibility and tact
- A builder’s mentality – you’re excited to grow something, not just maintain it
If you’ve worked in sales, business development, partnerships or major gifts – and want to apply those skills to something meaningful – this is your moment.
Why this role?
Because:
- The work is important (and needed more than people realise)
- The organisation is small enough to be agile, big enough to have impact
- The opportunity is wide open – you’ll shape what this becomes
- The reach is global
And because you’ll be surrounded by genuinely great people doing meaningful work – without the bureaucracy.
The practical stuff
- Flexible: part-time or full-time (min 0.4 FTE)
- 2-year fixed term (with potential to extend)
- Hybrid working (Carlton-based team)
- Competitive salary + 12% super + NFP salary packaging
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a role where you can:
- Back yourself
- Build something significant
- Help shift the conversation on drug harm
- And put an under-the-radar organisation on the map
…this might be it.
Download a copy of the position description here.
Apply soon, applications close 10 April 2026. We’re reviewing applications as they come in.
To apply please email your resume and cover letter outlining your skills, experience and why you want to work for Penington Institute to Anna Rolle: a.rolle@penington.org.au
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and referee checks.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.