at Project COA (Charitable Ownership Advantage)
C O M P E N S A T I O N
US$80,000 rising to US$120,000 upon completion of the first acquisition
the idea
We believe profitable businesses can become more valuable when they come into charitable ownership. Project COA exists to test that thesis by acquiring ordinary profitable businesses, placing them into permanent charitable ownership, and measuring what changes when operations are preserved as far as possible.
Under Australian law, eligible charity-owned companies can be exempt from corporate income tax. In practice, that means exactly the same business may retain roughly 33-43% more surplus by switching to charitable ownership. If that advantage can be combined with customer, employee, and investor preference for mission-owned businesses (and we believe it can) then profitability may increase further, with the additional surplus flowing to charity rather than private investors.
We have developed our arguments over four years of research. The Australian vehicle is being built with counsel, with ACNC registration and ATO endorsement in place before any acquisition closes. We have warm paths into lenders, philanthropists, and foundations. Peter Singer has backed us with a founding grant and introductions to potential funders.
the role
What we now need is a talented Founding Partnerships Lead.
We expect this to mean raising approximately A$4-10 million, primarily through market-rate loans from philanthropist lenders, alongside grants and donations where appropriate. The right person will be able to persuade serious funders that this is an opportunity to test a potentially powerful new model for philanthropy.
You will own the fundraising strategy and execution. You will identify the right funders, open conversations, develop materials, manage follow-up, close commitments, and represent Project COA externally. Over time, this may include podcasts, conferences, press, convenings, and broader ecosystem-building work.
who we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who has personally closed meaningful commitments before and can learn quickly where the model is new to them. You will read our materials (such as this) and think: this could really be something. You will learn the thesis deeply, find clear and persuasive ways to communicate it to philanthropist lenders and grantmakers, and become the mover who gets the first acquisition over the line.
You will work closely with the existing team to take Project COA from developed thesis to funded acquisition vehicle: credible, capitalised, and ready to prove what charitable ownership can do.
We offer a first-year salary of US$80,000, rising to US$120,000 upon completion of the first acquisition. This is a founding role, and we are looking for a commitment of at least three years.
how to apply
To apply, send a short email to office@projectcoa.org. It should outline your suitability for this role and tell us about a time when you personally raised money – including amount, source, and how you made it happen. If we think there’s a fit, then we’ll invite you to a short screening call, followed by a more in-depth interview before making an offer.
