Development Manager

The Development Manager is a key leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating Artspace’s philanthropy and fundraising.

Terms & Conditions of Employment

Position Title: Development Manager

Reports to: Executive Director and General Manager

Works closely with: Fundraising, Philanthropy and Events Assistant; Operations & Front of House Coordinator; Finance Advisor & External Accountant; Communications Manager; Hospitality Contractor; Curatorial Team; Exhibitions & Programs Coordinator; studio artists; benefactors; corporate partners; foundations; government agencies; and event partners

Hours: 4 days (.8 FTE), 9am–5pm, with additional hours required from time to time (Remunerated through TOIL)

Location: Sydney, NSW

Terms of Employment: Three-year fixed project based contract, non-ongoing

Base Salary: FTE equivalent is $130,000 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 targets KPIs to ensure income strategies are aligned with Artspace’s artistic vision and organisational priorities, and contributes to organisational planning and advocacy.

Key Accountabilities

Fundraising, Development, Grants & Partnerships

• Lead annual campaigns with the Executive Director and Board.

• Cultivate and steward donors to build repeat and multi-year giving.

• Advise on donor strategy; manage agreements, correspondence, and compliance.

• Identify, secure, and manage funding from trusts, foundations, government, and corporate partners.

• Develop proposals, negotiate agreements, and ensure delivery, reporting, and acknowledgements.

• Maintain funding pipelines, deadlines, and strong stakeholder relationships.

• KPI’s Implement quarterly targets, including:

• Increase in new Donor leads based on past performance

• 10% Donor and partnership conversion Rate

• 50-70% retention on existing donors

Venue Hire & Commercial Revenue

• Lead venue-hire as a key revenue stream, including client management, pricing, marketing, and bookings.

• Coordinate logistics with Operations; ensure alignment with programming and compliance requirements.

• Grow revenue through competitive packages, promotion, and client experience.

• KPI’s Implement quarterly targets, including: 10-20% increase in venue hire revenue

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Track and reconcile all revenue streams; provide forecasts, pipeline updates, and Board reports.

• Support data collection for reporting and contribute to annual and grant reporting.

• Ensure accurate records and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Oversee CRM (e.g., Salesforce) for accurate data, reporting, and insights.

• Quarterly Reviews with “Annualised” Success Metrics.

Communications & Engagement

• Collaborate on fundraising and venue hire marketing materials and campaigns.

• Coordinate donor/partner communications, events, and recognition.

• Work cross-functionally to align revenue with programs.

• Represent the organisation externally and support events as required.

• Delivery of successful campaigns and events – measured by targets and stakeholder feedback

Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent demonstrated industry experience.

• Demonstrated fundraising and donor stewardship and conversion success to planned KPIs.

• Strong financial, communication, and relationship management skills.

• Strong reporting skills.

• Experience in partnerships and/or venue hire (arts/culture desirable).

• Collaborative and adaptable.

Special Requirements

• Availability for evenings/weekends.

• Event logistics oversight as needed.

• RSA and First Aid 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 up to Friday 5th June 2026