Director of Philanthropy & Government Relations

MTC is seeking a strategic & influential Director to drive philanthropic growth, strengthen government partnerships & support financial sustainability

Melbourne Theatre Company is seeking a strategic and influential Director of Philanthropy & Government Relations to drive philanthropic growth, strengthen government partnerships, and support the Company’s long-term artistic and financial sustainability.

Reporting to the CEO & Artistic Director, this Senior role is responsible for shaping and delivering integrated philanthropy and government relations strategies that support the Company’s artistic ambition, financial sustainability and sector leadership. Leading a high-performing team, you will drive major gifts, annual giving, trusts and foundations, campaigns and endowment growth, while stewarding key government relationships, advocacy initiatives and public investment outcomes.

The successful candidate will bring significant experience in philanthropy, fundraising, government relations or external affairs, with a demonstrated track record of securing funding and cultivating high-value partnerships. You will have deep expertise in major gifts and fundraising strategy, complemented by a strong understanding of government policy, public investment and funding frameworks.

An accomplished leader, you will have proven success leading high-performing teams and delivering outcomes in complex environments. You will possess the credibility and influence to engage donors, government representatives, Board members and other senior stakeholders, while serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO & Artistic Director on organisational strategy, advocacy and external positioning.

You will lead the development and execution of integrated philanthropy and government relations strategies, driving donor engagement, expanding funding opportunities and strengthening the Company’s profile across philanthropic, government, corporate and cultural sectors. Working closely with the Foundation Board, Board of Management and Executive team, you will help advance Melbourne Theatre Company’s artistic ambitions and long-term sustainability.

If you are motivated by shaping the future of one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions and contributing to our vision to be recognised as one of the world’s preeminent theatre companies, we welcome your application.

To view the full position description and to apply, please visit our website:

https://www.mtc.com.au/discover-more/about-us/careers/

Applications close 5:00pm on Friday 17 July 2026.

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Melbourne Theatre Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We embrace and value diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Diversity includes all the ways in which employees differ, and the valuable contribution that all of these differences bring to the Company.

The Company encourages employment and program applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural backgrounds and people with disabilities. 

It is our policy to consider reasonable adjustments for qualified applicants with disabilities.