Executive Director Development

Location: melbourne
Salary: Salary communsurate with experience
Job Type: permanent
Contact: Molly Green
About the company:

Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM) is Australia’s largest performing Arts venue delivering world-class performing arts in a year-round exciting program. Home to The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company and Opera Australia, ACM is situated within Melbourne Arts Precinct which is one of the largest concentrations of cultural and creative organisations and artists in the world. As the organisation moves into an exciting new strategic development phase, an exceptional opportunity has been created for a visionary individual to lead the rejuvenation and expansion of ACM’s philanthropic and partnership initiatives, helping drive the growth and dynamism of ACM and contributing significantly to organisational strategy and external relations during a transformative period.

About the role:

Reporting to the CEO, the role of Executive Director – Development will lead the next phase of growth, reimagining diverse revenue streams, including individual, trusts, and foundations, as well as corporate sponsorship and commercial partnerships; leading interactions with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders to build relationships and achieve targets.

The Executive Director- Development will strategically build on existing programs, requiring strong commercial foresight and progressive thinking to leverage talent and pipelines for substantial growth and ambitious targets. Key responsibilities include:

  • Overall responsibility for the strategic direction, execution and management of ACM’s partnerships, fundraising strategies, and campaigns.
  • Design and lead the critical fundraising campaign supporting the extensive redevelopment of ACM as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct project.
  • Work closely with the Executive team to embed an enterprise-wide partnership culture across ACM.
  • Lead the creation and execution of a multi-year strategy and donor engagement plan for increasing revenue, growing ACM’s donor and membership base and diversifying revenue sources (including sponsorship) to support ACM’s financial health and resilience.
  • Establish and cultivate relationships with individual and major donors, ensuring effective stewardship and engagement strategies.
  • Provide leadership, direction, and support for the ACM Foundation to identify, secure and grow philanthropic support from individuals, trusts and foundations.
  • Oversee the team to ensure a strategic approach to partnerships and acquisition planning to attract “right-fit” corporate, industry and tertiary partners to enhance ACM’s reach and impact.
  • Lead, motivate and inspire the ACM Development teams, fostering a positive working culture aligned with organisational values.
  • Collaborate closely with the ACM Trust, ACM Foundation, State Government, key stakeholders, and partners to enhance ACM's visibility both nationally and internationally. Serve as the representative of ACM in prominent public, media, and government forums at a high level.
  • As a member of the ACM executive leadership team, influence the strategic direction and provide high level analysis and input into the development of the organisations Corporate, Business and overall programming plans.


About you:  

  • Proven track record in developing and implementing an effective fundraising and partnership plans.
  • Extensive networks in corporate and philanthropic sectors.
  • Skilled relationship builder with extensive experience managing diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate high-level strategic planning experience with the ability to translate those plans into successful business and revenue growth programs.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Able to demonstrate strong leadership experience with the ability to inspire a multi-skilled team with a clear sense of direction and create a positive attitude for success.


If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply today.

Six Degrees Executive acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Apply now