Summary Points

• Join one of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural institutions at a time of collaboration and transformation
• Use your skills in fundraising and relationship management for the benefit of the arts sector
• Enjoy great team member benefits  

Short description

The Development Manager (Bequests) is responsible for developing, implementing and managing a strategically significant bequest strategy and program to increase philanthropic income from bequests and living legacy gifts. This role is recognised as the organisational lead for bequests and gifts in wills, and acts as a senior advisor on legacy giving, with influence across Arts Centre Melbourne’s broader philanthropic approach. This role is also responsible for the stewardship of an existing portfolio of Bequest supporters, known as The Amsden Ensemble. This role works collaboratively with Development team members, colleagues in Strategic Communications and Marketing, as well as external stakeholders.

About the Position

• Bequest Program Design & Delivery: Implement ACM’s bequest and legacy giving program, managing the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of confirmed and prospective bequestors.
• Portfolio & Relationship Management: Manage a portfolio of high-value current and prospective legacy donors, delivering personalised engagement (including visits, calls, tailored communications and recognition) to build trust, advocacy and long-term commitment.
• Specialist Advice & Collaboration: Act as ACM’s subject matter expert on gifts in wills, providing guidance to Development, Legal Counsel and program owners, and supporting cross-team identification of legacy opportunities.
• Program Operations & Reporting: Oversee budgets, KPIs and program planning, maintain accurate records in Tessitura, and prepare insights and strategic reports to support program optimisation.
• Communications & Engagement Delivery: Lead legacy-related communications and deliver the annual engagement program for The Amsden Ensemble, ensuring meaningful stewardship and supporter connection.
• Compliance, Systems & Sector Engagement: Maintain and improve policies and procedures for bequest management, ensure compliance, and represent ACM in sector forums and benchmarking activity.

Part-Time ongoing position. Band 4.3 $144,173.28 pro rata + Superannuation

Your Skills and Experience

• Possess a relevant tertiary level qualification and/or intermediate experience managing donor or client relationships
• Demonstrated extensive experience in planned giving fundraising, including strategic design, implementation, and
• oversight of a bequest program within a complex organisational context
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with senior stakeholders

For more details, please read  Position Description - Development Manager (Bequests) - 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.

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