At Perth Festival, we believe art has the power to bridge divides, spark ideas, and bring communities together. As the longest-running arts festival in Australia, we have been at the heart of cultural life on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar since 1953 and we are looking for an exceptional Development Director to help ensure that legacy continues to grow.
This is a rare opportunity for a senior fundraising and development leader to step into a role where your work directly shapes the artistic and cultural experience of Western Australians.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Development Director leads Perth Festival's contributed revenue strategy, driving income through philanthropy, corporate sponsorship, government grants, major gifts, and individual giving programs. You will line manage the Philanthropy and Sponsorship teams and work closely with the Board and Executive to champion arts funding across Western Australia.
What you will do:
* Lead and inspire the Development Team to achieve ambitious annual contributed revenue targets across fundraising, sponsorship, government grants, and trusts and foundations
* Create and execute plans to generate contributed revenue that supports Perth Festival's artistic, strategic, and financial goals
* Develop strategies to significantly grow overall contributed income, with a focus on securing multi-year commitments
* Secure new corporate sponsors, prepare compelling proposals, and negotiate agreements that deliver strong financial returns
* Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, government stakeholders, and Board members
* Design and deliver a year-round programme of stakeholder events and experiences that deepen affinity and drive retention
* Serve as a visible ambassador for Perth Festival, building relationships across the business, cultural, and philanthropic communities
* Manage development budgets and ensure all administrative and compliance requirements are met
About You
You will bring:
* A minimum of five years of senior fundraising, sponsorship, or development experience ideally within a cultural institution or arts organisation (or similar)
* A proven track record of raising significant funds from diverse sources including major gifts, corporate partnerships, government grants, and individual giving
* Demonstrated ability to develop and execute income-growth strategies at an organisational level
* Strong networks and a high level of knowledge of the philanthropic and arts funding landscape in Western Australia
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and engage a wide range of stakeholders
* Experience working effectively with Boards, Fundraising Committees, and Executive teamsOutstanding interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for the arts and philanthropy
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
* Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally and linguistically diverse communities is highly regarded
* Familiarity with Tessitura or similar CRM platforms is desirable
Why Perth Festival?
* Access to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
* Free or discounted tickets for Perth Festival Events
* Access to 5 weeks annual leave
* A values-driven organisation committed to innovation, excellence, access, and trust
* A commitment to flexible working arrangements
* A collaborative, inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and difference
* The opportunity to work alongside respected artists, philanthropists, and civic leaders
* A meaningful role with real scope to shape the Festival's financial future
Please note this role requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends during Festival delivery periods and throughout the year for event attendance.
How to Apply
If you are ready to bring your passion for the arts and your fundraising expertise to one of Australia's most iconic cultural institutions, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and why this role excites you.
Perth Festival is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Perth Festival will commence shortlisting and interviews immediately and reserves the right to close this advertisement early.
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