Executive Manager - Development and Marketing

Join one of Australia’s most iconic performing arts institutions.

Executive Manager – Development & Marketing

The National Melbourne Transforming Lives Through the Performing Arts

The National Melbourne is one of Australia’s most enduring cultural institutions, a place where heritage, training, performance, and community converge. Home to the National Drama School, National Ballet School, and the 783‑seat National Theatre, we are a not‑for‑profit organisation committed to excellence in vocational performing arts training, inclusive community engagement, and the preservation of our historic St Kilda home.

As we continue to embark on our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, we are seeking an experienced and growth-focussed Executive Manager – Development & Marketing to elevate our brand, deepen donor relationships, and amplify our impact across the arts and education sectors.

The Opportunity

This role is central to shaping The National Melbourne’s future. You will lead strategic marketing, philanthropic development, grant strategy, and audience engagement, ensuring our story is told with authenticity, ambition, and sector relevance. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership, you will help position The National Melbourne as Melbourne’s most welcoming mid‑sized venue and an inclusive destination for vocational performing arts training, and grow support.

What You’ll Lead

• Strategic marketing and brand development across Schools, Theatre, and venue hire programs
• Integrated campaigns that celebrate our artistic vision, student pathways, and community role.
• Philanthropic growth through donor‑centric fundraising initiatives including campaigns, major gifts, bequests and donor care.
• A proactive, strategic approach to grants and advancement of Government and other external partnerships including identifying opportunities, leading submissions and completing acquittals
• Audience development strategies that expand access, inclusion, and cultural participation that expand participation and reach.
• A small collaborative, high‑performing team (if and as required) of staff and contractors across marketing, ticketing, and digital.
• The National’s digital platforms, communications, ticketing operations and relevant external suppliers
• Marketing and development related reporting, analytics, and budget oversight
• Storytelling that honours our heritage while championing innovation and future growth.

What You Bring

• Deep experience in arts marketing, development, or not‑for‑profit fundraising/philanthropy
• A passion for storytelling, community engagement, and sector impact.
• Strong copywriting, grant-writing, digital fluency, and an understanding of contemporary arts audiences.
• A collaborative leadership style grounded in empathy, clarity, and ambition.
• A commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and the values of learning, ensemble, community, and responsibility.

Why The National?

Because here, your work directly shapes the future of Australian performing arts training and community cultural life. You’ll join a passionate team, steward a proud legacy, and be instrumental in growing the impact of one of Australia’s most enduring arts organisations.