Gembridge Australia Pty Ltd works with

INDIVIDUALS
Consultants, Directors, Entrepreneurs, Executives, Impact Investors, Philanthropists/Private Donors, Researchers, Social Entrepreneurs, Support Staff, Team Leaders

TEAMS
Boards, Committees, Committees of Management, Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility, Executive, Fundraising, Grants, Management, Marketing, Operations/Production, Professional, Project, Support, Volunteer

ORGANISATIONS
Charities, Clubs/Clusters/Collectives, Community Foundations, Community Organisations, Co-operatives/Mutuals, Educational Organisations, Grantmakers, Industry Associations, Membership Associations, Not For Profit, Peak Bodies, Private Ancillary Funds, Professional Associations, Public Ancillary Funds, Social Enterprise, Social Purpose Organisations, Volunteer Oganisations/hide}

BUSINESS
B Corps, Conscious, Contracted Agencies, Corporate Donors, Corporations, Donor Advisors, Family Offices, Financial Advisors, Professional Services, Purpose, Start Ups

GOVERNMENT
Agencies/Authorities, Federal Government, Local Government, Policymakers, State Government

using these methods

Face to Face, Online, Teleconferencing, Video Conferencing

offering these services

Acting/Interim Placement, Assessments, Capability Building, Capacity Building, Coaching, Consulting, In-house Placement, Reviews, Strategic Sounding Board, Temporary Positions

and specialising in

with particular expertise in

Animal Welfare/Rights, Arts/Culture/Creative, Disability Services, Disasters/Emergencies, Education/Schools/Universities, Enterprise, Environment, Health Services, Housing/Homelessness, Human Rights/Legal, Human Services, Indigenous, Leadership, LGBTIQ, Medical Research, Men/Boys, Mental Health, Migrants/Refugees, Poverty/Economic Security, Rural/Regional/Remote, Social Enterprise, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation, Tourism, Women/Girls

Client Testimonials

"Michelle has done an outstanding job recruiting and placing our two most recent hires – Gifts in Wills Manager and Fundraising Specialist. Michelle’s passion, deep sector knowledge and insights gave me confidence from the outset that she would secure exactly the right candidates – and she hasn’t disappointed! Michelle is a consummate professional who has helped The Alfred Foundation build a stellar team. She’s bright, friendly and knows her stuff - highly recommended."
Patrick Baker, Director The Alfred Foundation

"I have known Michelle for around 7 years in the capacity of recruitment consultant and as Capital Campaign Manager supporting a significant $23.2M capital campaign, The future is in sight. Michelle is the consummate professional who delivers on her commitments, develops strong relationships with her clients and integrates as an invaluable member of the team. I would describe Michelle as a decisive and compassionate leader who has a pragmatic business outlook, a profusion of people skills and an ability to inspire those she works with. Michelle’s personal integrity, honesty and commitment and the strong sense of responsibility she has for the people around her had the team at Guide Dogs Victoria see her as a respected, professional and valued contributor who leads by example in the demonstration of her personal values and integrity. Other strengths include her ability for ‘big picture’ and strategic thinking, a practical outlook on life and strong written communication and presentation skills. She adapts quickly to new ideas, and is able to turn the finer points and nuances of these to influence the best possible outcomes."
Karen Hayes AM DSJ

"There are few people I have worked with who are more natural and successful relationship builders than Michelle. She has a great skill-set, value-adding no matter what the industry. — James Garland, President of Fundraising Institute Australia “ Michelle has done an outstanding job recruiting and placing our two most recent hires – Gifts in Wills Manager and Fundraising Specialist. Michelle’s passion, deep sector knowledge and insights gave me confidence from the outset that she would secure exactly the right candidates – and she hasn’t disappointed! Michelle is a consummate professional who has helped The Alfred Foundation build a stellar team. She’s bright, friendly and knows her stuff - highly recommended. — Patrick Baker, Director The Alfred Foundation “ Gembridge offers an expert service in the NFP sector. Michelle’s professional and personal commitment to me as a potential candidate ensured that I felt informed and empowered throughout the application process. My experience was a smooth transition from potential applicant; to preferred candidate; to contracted employee. Thank you Gembridge. — Jessica Jones, Trusts & Foundations Manager, Brotherhood of St Laurence “ Michelle delivers...with a smile! Her attention to detail is outstanding. I found her to be a consummate professional in managing every aspect of the process. Michelle provided great insights throughout the process to ensure we have recruited the right CEO for our needs."
Various Client LinkedIn Recommendations

Our Story

Gembridge is a Recruitment Consultancy in the NFP "for purpose" sector with key focus on roles in fundraising, philanthropy, leadership, marketing, communications and operations. We also offer Outplacement & Career Transition services. 

We work closely with organisations that make a difference in our community including welfare, arts & culture, sport & recreation, education, health, medical research, advocacy, social enterprises, B Corps and membership groups.

The name GEMBRIDGE simply means GEM, finding a person with the right skills, qualifications experience and motivation and BRIDGE, connecting people. 

Michelle Varcoe, Director and Jenni D'Orival combine recruitment mastery with not-for-profit and fundraising expertise and are both actively involved in the sector, bringing strong networks, knowledge and understanding to each and every assignment.

Recruitment by Gembridge - Permanent & Fixed Term Contract

Gembridge manages assignments, working closely with clients and candidates to ensure success.  Some of the key roles we manage include: 

• Fundraising professionals across Major Donor, Bequests/Gifts in Wills, Community, Regular Giving and Capital Campaign programs


• Leadership roles in HR, Finance, Business Operations and Program Management


• Marketing, Brand, Events and Communications


• Government Relations and Advocacy


• Chief Executive Officers and General Management


• Board Directors

Outplacement by Gembridge

Gembridge offers help to your organisation and employees during times of uncertainty, restructure, reallocation of resources and change through dedicated outplacement programs. We work closely with all career transition participants to build confidence and job search tools with empathy, respect and industry knowledge. Gembridge offers various packages to accommodate your organisation's needs and budget.

Example clients and projects

Michelle Varcoe's expertise and success is over 18 years in recruitment and 3 years in fundraising and philanthropy managing significant capital ($23.2M) and major gift programs.  

Some recent work includes:

Australian Sports Foundation - Appointment of Corporate Partnerships Manager.

The Alfred Foundation - Appointment of Gift in Wills Manager and Fundraising Specialist

Brotherhood of St Laurence - Gembridge was enaged to appoint several key roles including Fundraising Lead (Head of Fundraising), Corporate Partnerships Managers (x2), Manager - Donor Development & Gifts in Wills and a Trusts & Foundations Manager (x2). 

The Carmelites - Gembridge worked closely with this small faith-based organisation to successfully appoint a Direct Marketing Manager. 

CEO / General Management - Gembridge has recently been appointed to undertake 2 confidential searches in the mental health space; a CEO of a small not-for-profit organisation (8 staff, $1M budget) and a General Manager for a membership based not-for-profit organisation. 

Southern Peninsula Community Support and Information Centre - Interim CEO placement. 

Awards and achievements

"Success is no accident, it is hard work, perserverence, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all love of what you are doing" - Pele.

Gembridge measures achievements in recruitment by building trust, partnerships and long-term relationships with both clients and candidates, and metrics around repeat business, referrals and successful placements. Michelle is a trusted adviser, career coach and  'go-to' person for recruitment  in fundraising, philanthropy and not-for-profit leadership. 

Social impact sector involvement

November 2018 - Current
Board Director, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Foundation

May 2020 - Current
Trustee, Monash Gallery of Art (MGA)
The Australian home of photography

2018 - Current
Berry Street, Foster Carer

2007 - 2012
Make-A-Wish Australia, Volunteer

Giving Circles Memberships - Melbourne Women's Fund ( and Impact100 Melbourne, 2014-2016)