Summary Points

• Join one of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural institutions at a time of exciting collaboration and transformation
• Use your skills in fundraising and relationship management for the benefit of the arts sector
• Full time ongoing position

Short Description

The Development Manager (Private Giving) is responsible for implementing Arts Centre Melbourne’s major giving program by managing a portfolio of donors who contribute gifts of $10,000 and above. The role focuses on the cultivation and solicitation of major donors and qualified prospects to grow philanthropic income in support of Arts Centre Melbourne’s priorities across access and inclusion, education and creative learning, commissioning new works, and preserving Australia’s cultural heritage. The position also contributes to fundraising activity connected with the Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne Capital Campaign, ensuring donors and prospects are engaged meaningfully in the organisation’s vision and programs.

About the Position

• Major Giving Program Delivery: Feed into and implement Arts Centre Melbourne’s major giving strategy at an operational level, managing an assigned portfolio of major donors (>$10,000) to grow philanthropic income across untied and project funding priorities.
• Major Gift Fundraising: Management of portfolio of high-value donors, developing tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans to secure significant philanthropic contributions.
• Prospect Pipeline Development: In collaboration with the Researcher, identify and qualify potential major donors, delivering outreach, engagement activities and personalised communication that build a sustainable pipeline of future supporters.
• Proposal & Reporting Support: Work collaboratively with Development Operations, program owners, communications and design teams to develop high quality proposals, impact reports and supporter materials for prospective and current donor presentation.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Philanthropy team and the broader organisation to identify and coordinate opportunities for major donor opportunities, and involvement across campaigns, appeals and organisational priorities, ensuring a unified donor experience

Full-time ongoing position. Band 4.3 $144,173.28 pro rata + Superannuation

Your Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three years in fundraising or similar field, with demonstrated success in high-net-worth relationship management culminating in financial outcomes
• Good understanding of the philanthropic landscape in Australia
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with senior stakeholders

For more details, please read  Position Description - Development Manager (Private Giving) - Jan 2026.pdf

About the Team

Philanthropy plays a critical role at Arts Centre Melbourne, extending the reach and impact of the creative learning, access and inclusion, commissioning and arts wellbeing programs, and preserving and exhibiting Australia's cultural heritage through our Collection. With the significant disruption caused to the arts and culture sector by COVID-19, the role of philanthropy is more important than ever. 

The Major Giving team is also key to the success of the Imagine Anew Capital Campaign for the Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne project as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation.

About Arts Centre Melbourne

Arts Centre Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we gather, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung. We also acknowledge the neighbouring Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, and pay our respects to elders, past and present.

Beneath our iconic Spire, in Hamer Hall and at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, we showcase the best of Australian and international performing arts.  

Together with our own program of performances, events and activities we offer a diversity of audiences a distinctly multidimensional approach to participation, education and entertainment.

We are now focused on Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to transforming the Melbourne Arts Precinct into a thriving, connected creative and civic space over the coming years.

For a glimpse into working at Arts Centre Melbourne click here.

Enjoy Team Member Benefits

As a valued member of our ensemble, you will enjoy: 

• Complimentary tickets
• Discounts at food & beverage outlets
• Discounted commuter benefits and onsite parking 
• Access to wellbeing activities and learning and development programs  
• Free access to Employee Assistance Programs which includes specific support to our First Nations team members and members of the LGBTQIA+ community and People of Colour.

Apply Now!

Arts Centre Melbourne welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Disabled and Deaf people, sexualities and gender identities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of all ages.

We seek to provide workplace adjustments at all relevant stages of the recruitment process such as alternative formats or other access supports. You can specify in the application form if you require any adjustments or please ask us at any stage. If you need to contact us about making workplace adjustments during the recruitment process, please send an email to peopleassist@artscentremelbourne.com.au.

Please submit your resume together with a cover letter by 11:55pm 18 February 2026. Early applications are encouraged as suitable candidates may be invited to attend an interview prior to the closing date.

Employment at Arts Centre Melbourne is conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a National Police Check.

Applications are open to those with full working rights in Australia. Arts Centre Melbourne is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

#L1-TH1