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 (Trusts, Foundations and Corporate Philanthropy) is responsible for identifying, securing and managing significant philanthropic partnerships to support Arts Centre Melbourne’s programs and initiatives. This role works collaboratively with Development team members, colleagues in Programming, Strategic Communications and Marketing, as well as external stakeholders.

About the Position

• Fundraising Growth: Create plans to grow philanthropic revenue from trusts and foundations and corporate giving programs in support of Arts Centre Melbourne priorities. This includes monitoring and evaluating fundraising performance, adjusting strategies as necessary to meet targets.
• Research and Lead Generation: identify specific areas of interest for trusts, foundations and corporate giving programs and working closely with internal stakeholders to match these interests with Arts Centre Melbourne programs to develop and cultivate a prospect pipeline.
• Grant Proposals: Lead the preparation and submission of compelling funding applications, leveraging Arts Centre Melbourne’s Impact Research Program to present a persuasive case for support and secure funding that directly impacts the delivery of Arts Centre Melbourne’s strategy and mission
• Grant Management: Ensure the fulfillment and acquittal of all commitments under grant funding agreements. This includes ensuring compliance with grant requirements and the timely and accurate reporting to donors, demonstrating the impact of their contributions.
• Donor Engagement and Stewardship: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders and internal stakeholders to drive the success of the Trusts, Foundations and Corporate Philanthropy stream. This includes offering specialised guidance on aligning fundraising programs with organisational objectives.

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

Your Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years in a similar role.
• Extensive experience and understanding of the not-for-profit and philanthropy sector.
• Experience and/or an understanding of the arts sector an advantage.
• In-depth understanding of the philanthropic landscape in Australia, including trends in grant-giving and corporate
• social responsibility.
• Strong research and prospecting skills.
• Proven experience in trusts and foundations fundraising, with a track record of securing grants.

For more details, please read the insert  Position Description - Development Manager (TFCP) - 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 A new 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 via their I-CARE program and providing specific counsellors for 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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