Artspace
Development Manager
The Development Manager is a key leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating Artspace’s development strategy.
Position Description| Development Manager
Terms & Conditions of Employment
Position Title: Development Manager
Reports to: Executive Director and General Manager
Works closely with: General Manager; Curatorial Team; Exhibitions & Programs Coordinator; Operations & Front of House Coordinator; Finance Advisor & External Accountant; Communications Manager; studio artists; benefactors; corporate partners; foundations; government agencies; and event partners
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with additional hours required from time to time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Terms of Employment: Three-year contract, non-ongoing, subject to a six-month probationary review
Base Salary: $105,000 per annum plus superannuation
Start Date: Immediate
Artspace Vision
Ever changing, ever challenging, Artspace is where audiences engage with the artists and the ideas of our times.
Mission
Artspace is one of the leading institutions for the production and presentation of contemporary art in the Asia Pacific. Our expansive, multi-platform approach to programming includes new commissions, exhibitions, performances, studio residencies, publishing, public programs, learning and outreach initiatives, and advocacy. Artspace is where artists of all generations test new ideas and shape public conversation. Embracing risk, experimentation, collaboration and advocacy, our mission is to enhance culture and support community vibrancy through a deeper engagement with contemporary art.
About Artspace
Established in 1983, Artspace is a leading independent, not-for-profit contemporary art space, cultural partner and community resource located in Sydney on Gadigal land. We receive core support from the Federal Government through Creative Australia and the NSW Government through Create NSW. This funding is supplemented by valued contributions from our partners and benefactors.
Position Summary
The Development Manager is a key leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating Artspace’s development strategy across philanthropy, partnerships, grants, and venue hire. The role drives growth in contributed and earned income, expands Artspace’s supporter network, and strengthens long-term relationships with donors, funders, and partners. Working closely with the Executive Director, General Manager, and Board, the Development Manager ensures income strategies are aligned with Artspace’s artistic vision and organisational priorities, and contributes to organisational planning and advocacy.
Key Accountabilities
Development & Fundraising
- Leads annual fundraising initiatives including major campaigns (EOFY appeal, Artspace Gala, renewals and uplifts) in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board.
- Set realistic, data-informed annual donation targets and implement strategies to achieve or exceed them.
- Contribute to achieving year-on-year growth in fundraised and earned income, aligned with Artspace’s multi-year income targets.
- Lead research, cultivation, and stewardship of new, existing, and lapsed donors, encouraging multi-year and repeat giving.
- Oversee CRM systems and ensure accurate donor insights, segmentation, and reporting (Salesforce or equivalent), ensuring data quality, reporting accuracy, and timely donor insights.
- Advise the Executive Director and Board on donor strategy, timing of approaches, and stewardship plans.
- Draft and manage donor agreements, contracts, and correspondence, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
- Stay abreast of national and international philanthropy trends, ensuring compliance with DGR and charitable fundraising regulations.
Trusts, Foundations & Government Grants
- Research and identify relevant trusts, foundations, cultural agencies, and government funding opportunities.
- Lead, alongside the Executive Director and General Manager, with preparing the simple annual progress updates required by key funders, including the Fidelity Asia Pacific Foundation, ensuring reporting milestones are met in a smooth and timely way.
- Maintain a central calendar of funding deadlines to ensure timely submission and reporting.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders and government representatives.
- Work with the Communications Manager and Curators to ensure correct acknowledgements across all publications and communications.
Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships
- Develop and manage relationships with corporate partners, identifying opportunities for sponsorship and in-kind support.
- Draft partnership proposals and benefit packages that align with Artspace’s program and brand.
- Negotiate and manage partnership agreements, benefits delivery, and reporting.
- Support the planning and delivery of partner activations, donor events, and hospitality functions
Venue Hire & Commercial Partnerships
- Lead Artspace’s Venue Hire Program as an important commercial revenue stream, overseeing client engagement, pricing strategy, and marketing, while coordinating with the Operations team on delivery and logistics.
- Work closely with the Operations & Front of House Coordinator and General Manager to manage logistics, staffing, and facilities requirements for each event.
- Maintain an accurate internal calendar of venue hire bookings, ensuring coordination across exhibition, program, and operational schedules.
- Collaborate with the Communications Manager to promote the Venue Hire Program through EDMs, digital campaigns, and mailouts, and to increase visibility among key audiences.
- Develop marketing materials, pricing structures, and client packages to ensure the venue remains competitive within the Sydney cultural and events landscape.
- Ensure all venue hire activities comply with Artspace’s insurance, safety, and legal requirements.
Financial Management & Reporting
- Monitor and track all income related to philanthropy, partnerships, grants, and venue hire, ensuring accurate reconciliation with the Finance Advisor and external accountant.
- Assist the team with gathering accurate data on audience engagement, onsite visitation, and artist participation to support internal planning and external funder reporting.
- Provide regular revenue projections, pipeline updates, and reports for the Executive Director and Board.
- Contribute to Board papers, development updates, and annual reporting.
- Lead with coordinating internal information required for the Fidelity grant’s annual progress reports (audience data, income updates, and program highlights), supporting the General Manager in meeting the reporting schedule.
- Ensure all donor, partner, and client records are accurately coded, receipted, and maintained in compliance with ATO, ACNC, and DGR standards.
Communications & Donor Engagement
- Collaborate with the Communications Manager to produce fundraising and venue hire marketing materials, including decks, EDMs, web content, and printed collateral.
- Coordinate event invitations, RSVPs, briefings, and follow-ups for donor and partner engagements.
- Ensure accurate recognition of supporters and partners across all physical and digital platforms, adhering to brand and sponsorship guidelines.
General & Team Contribution
- Work collaboratively across departments to align fundraising, sponsorship, and venue hire opportunities with exhibitions, residencies, and public programs.
- Represent Artspace at donor, partner, and industry events.
- Undertake other duties as directed by the Executive Director.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Growth in donor, partner, and venue hire income year-on-year.
- Successful delivery of annual fundraising campaigns and donor events.
- Increase in venue hire occupancy, usage diversity, and revenue.
- Positive client feedback and repeat bookings for venue hire.
- Accurate and timely reporting to Executive, Board, and funders.
Selection Criteria
- Tertiary qualifications in Arts Management, Development, Business, or a related field.
- Proven success in individual giving, fundraising campaigns, and donor stewardship.
- Experience developing and managing venue hire programs or commercial partnerships in a cultural context.
- Strong financial literacy, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication with strong relationship management skills.
- Proficiency with CRM and financial systems (Salesforce preferred).
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
Special Requirements
- After-hours and weekend work required during donor events, exhibition openings, and venue hire bookings.
- Comfortable managing event logistics, including occasional on-site supervision during bump-in/bump-out.
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification desirable.
- First Aid qualification desirable.
To Apply
Artspace is an inclusive employer that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and people from culturally diverse communities. Applications should include:
- CV (max two pages)
- A separate document addressing the Selection Criteria (max two pages)
- Contact information for two referees
Please send applications to [email protected] with the subject line: Confidential Application: Development Manager
Closing Date: 9:00am AEDT, Friday 30 January 2026
