Adelaide Festival is seeking a highly experienced, ambitious and strategic Head of Development to lead its income generation strategy and ensure the successful realisation of the festival's bold artistic vision.As a key member of the senior management team, the Head of Development will play a pivotal role in shaping and securing the financial future of Adelaide Festival.
This position is central to the organisation's revenue-raising efforts, overseeing all aspects of non-box office fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Head of Development will lead the sponsorship and philanthropy teams, driving a dynamic and strategic approach to fundraising across grants, private giving, and commercial partnerships.The Head of Development will devise innovative strategies to identify, engage, and secure local, national, and international sponsors; build and nurture individual and corporate relationships; attract benefactors; and grow audience support.
Through visionary leadership, an entrepreneurial mindset, and collaborative execution, the Head of Development will ensure Adelaide Festival's financial resilience and long-term sustainability.Extensive experience in business development, fundraising, corporate partnerships, donor management, or a related field, with proven success in achieving revenue targetsExtensive industry network with a proven ability to leverage high-level contacts and connections to secure new sponsorship opportunitiesStrong ability to build and nurture meaningful relationships with philanthropists and corporate partners, ensuring arrangements are effectively serviced to maximise sponsor benefits and increase philanthropic supportExceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster and sustain relationships with colleagues, donors, partners, board members, and audiencesDemonstrated experience in designing and executing innovative strategies for acquiring new donors and partners.Proven project and event management expertise, including the ability to manage budgets effectively and deliversuccessful outcomesExcellent written communication skills, including the creation of marketing materials, grant applications, and partner communicationsProficiency in database management, including data reporting and analysis (experience with Tessitura is highly desirable)Strong understanding of philanthropic, corporate, and government funding landscapes, including relevant compliance, reporting, and regulatory requirementsExperience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with a solutions-focused approach to competing demandsA strong knowledge of, and genuine passion for, the performing artsWe're committed to creating a workplace that supports your wellbeing, growth, and life outside of work.
As part of our team, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:Five additional days of paid 'festival' leave each year for year-round staff, on top of four weeks of annual leaveEmployee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support services for you and your immediate family,covering counselling and wellbeingFlexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies, including the ability to purchase additional annual leave, work from home options, and work flexible hoursAccess to complimentary and discounted tickets for a range of our performances and events.Free annual flu vaccinationsAdelaide Festival Corporation is an equal opportunity employer, we encourage and promote diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all backgrounds.Taking place on the traditional land of the Kaurna Nation of the Adelaide Plains, Adelaide Festival is Australia's International Festival.For 65 years we have been the nation's major cultural drawcard, attracting many thousands of visitors annually: all making a pilgrimage to experience the finest international and national artistic endeavours.Our curated program includes Australia's largest, and only free, literary festival – Adelaide Writers' Week alongside a cross-section of theatre, opera, music, dance and visual art from artists of all backgrounds and cultures.
Inclusivity, creativity, sustainability, trust and celebration drive our passion for delivering Adelaide Festival and Adelaide Writers' Week.