WORKING WITH

NONPROFIT

LEADERS

TO BREAKTHROUGH

their CHALLENGES

About me.

I’m an American expat, living with my family in Brisbane, and a strategist with decades of experience leading nonprofit teams to win high-stakes fights — from climate and energy in Australia to wages and healthcare in the US.

One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was from a former boss who said I “lead with empathy,” and I pair that empathy with strategic pragmatism to tackle tough, entrenched problems. Under my leadership, our campaigning organisation won 20 of 21 campaigns, and I’ve raised tens of millions of dollars to fuel change.

To change lives, we need to change policy — and that means winning campaigns. I’ve worked with veterans, teachers, and community leaders across sectors, often in start-up or early-stage organisations, giving me a broad understanding of the challenges nonprofit leaders face. That perspective helps me see the connections others miss and turn them into solutions that deliver lasting change

how can I help?

  • I help organisations develop clear, actionable roadmaps to achieve their long-term goals. My program evaluation services ensure that your initiatives, team, systems and culture are impactful and aligned with your mission.

  • Craft and implement innovative fundraising strategies. Understanding that fundraising can be daunting, I also offer training for CEOs and Boards to build confidence and capability.

  • From designing campaigns that mobilise communities to influencing decision-makers, I bring the experience of leading campaigns that have positively impacted millions of lives.

  • Leadership is key to an organisation’s success. My personalised coaching services equip nonprofit CEOs with the skills, insights, and support they need to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and drive success.

  • A strong online presence is crucial in today's digital age. I provide the tools and guidance necessary to enhance your digital strategy and ensure your message reaches the right audience.

  • When your organisation can’t pinpoint the problem,  I have the expertise to identify and resolve hidden challenges, guiding you toward impactful solutions.

Let's talk.

Schedule a time that works for you, or complete the contact form. 

testimonials

  • Serena Joyner, CEO Bushfire Survivors of Climate Action

    "As a mentor, Jonathan brought a depth of knowledge and experience that made a significant difference in our approach to donor engagement and organisational strategy, in turn helping us to consolidate and strengthen our financial outlook.

    What stands out most about Jonathan is his genuine commitment to the people and teams he supports. He takes the time to understand the unique needs and challenges of the organisations he mentors, and his tailored advice is always thoughtful, practical, and effective. Beyond his technical expertise, Jonathan is also a fantastic communicator and collaborator, making him an invaluable asset to any team or organisation."

  • Dave Copeman, Director, Queensland Conservation Council

    "Jonathan makes you better than you would be otherwise. His experience from years of heading social change organisations came though in how he helped QCC see the big picture and focus on what matters. Thanks to his help we were able to significantly increase both donations and impact."

  • Josh Kirkman, CEO, Surfers for Climate

    "I’m not sure I’d be half the CEO I am today without the coaching and mentoring of Jonathan Schleifer.

    Growing an organisation through the startup phase into strategic stability and growth doesn’t happen due to one leader’s actions alone - it takes a team as well as mentors and guides who can provide feedback, good and bad, as well as counsel through challenging circumstances.

    Jonathan is all of that. I highly recommend him as a coach and mentor to other leaders with the only apprehension in recommending him being that others will have his time to my own detriment."

  • Keryn Jones, Director, Environmental Legacy Foundation

    We are a key funder of a community group with some concerns about the group's efficacy, so we engaged Jonathan to review their operations and provide recommendations for improvement. We are impressed with the results, particularly the detailed implementation plan. Jonathan's approach was thorough, insightful, and highly tailored to our specific needs. We  recommend Jonathan to any organisation looking for an objective assessment to develop a clear path forward. 

  • Sam Cornale, Executive Director, Democratic National Committee (DNC)

    "...an absolute force in the progressive movement, who’s delivered more real change for working people than just about anyone I can think of. We are a stronger, more just country because of him"

  • Tom Campbell, Founder & Board Member, Footy for Climate

    Tom Campbell, Founder & Board Member, Footy for Climate

    "Jonathan is a mentor and friend and has helped me navigate the challenging journey of growing Footy for Climate from an idea to a professional organisation poised to deliver meaningful impact."

  • Headshot Monica Taylor

    Monica Taylor, DIRECTOR, Lawyers for Climate Justice Australia

    "When it came to strategic comms, Jonathan connected the dots for us in ways we couldn't. He helped us unearth our why and how, and we have a beautiful new website as a result. Thank you Jonathan!"