Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager

Firstdraft is looking for an experienced and talented fundraiser to oversee the development and delivery of a successful fundraising strategy.

Position Type: Part-time 1 year fixed term contract, with the opportunity to extend

Hours: (0.6 FTE) 3 days p/w (22.5 hours)

Location: Woolloomooloo, Sydney (with opportunities to work from home)

Salary: $125,000 pro rata ($75,000) per annum, plus 12% superannuation

Responsible to: Director  

About Firstdraft

Firstdraft is where the future of contemporary art emerges, through a program that champions experimentation, risk and inclusion. Established in 1986, and currently located in Woolloomooloo, on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, Firstdraft presents a range of onsite and online programs that further critical ideas and practices in contemporary art across exhibition-making, publishing, residencies, public programs, live events, and First Peoples-led programs. Firstdraft supports artistic experimentation at all levels — from early-career artists presenting their first exhibition, to more established practitioners testing new ideas and ways of working. Firstdraft is a not-for-profit organisation that embeds principles of accessibility, diversity and inclusivity across its program and operations to promote creativity within a supportive and professional environment.

find out more about Firstdraft here

About the Position

The Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager will oversee the development and delivery of an effective fundraising strategy for Firstdraft. The successful candidate will be confident in taking initiative in identifying new opportunities that align with our values and mission. They will be responsible for championing our story to prospective donors, sponsors and financial partners and establishing new and lasting relationships. The Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager will have a strong understanding of not-for-profit priorities and the current sponsorship, philanthropic and donations climate in Australia. They will work closely with our Communications Coordinator to craft compelling narratives that uplift the work that we do for new audiences and potential donors. 

Why Firstdraft?

• Creative Freedom: This role offers a high level of autonomy, allowing you to shape and implement your ideas.

• Flexibility: a responsive and flexible Time-off in lieu policy, a collaborative team environment and reasonable personal leave provision with an additional 10-day Creative Leave provision to support your projects outside of work.

• Impactful Work: Join a not-for-profit arts organisation that is passionate about making a difference in the sector and helping early-career artist’s voices thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Sponsorship and Partnership Development
• Fundraising Strategy Development and Marketing
• Relationship and Account Management

Selection Criteria

This role suits a passionate individual who is enthusiastic, confident and looking to have agency and creative control over their work.

Key Requirements

• A passion for the arts and a deep appreciation for the role of emerging artists in the creative landscape.

• Proven experience in business development, sales, fundraising, or partnerships, preferably within the arts, not-for-profit, or cultural sectors.

• Demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding revenue targets, building strategic partnerships, and negotiating commercial and philanthropic agreements.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of sponsorship activation and partnership servicing.

• Strong writing skills, with experience preparing tailored proposals, pitches, and reports for different audiences.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, creative team.

• High-level organisational and project management skills, with attention to detail and a results-driven approach.

Click Here to read the full job description 

To Apply

To apply please submit the following to manager@firstdraft.org.au:

• A CV (max 3 pages) 

• Short response (no more than 250 words each) to the following questions:

• What is your interest in working at Firstdraft and the contemporary art sector more broadly?

• Can you provide an example of you building a successful strategic partnership from engagement?

• Can you provide an example of a successful fundraising initiative that you have overseen end-to-end? 

• A separate 1 page cover letter telling us about yourself and your suitability for the role

If you would like more information please contact Caity Reynolds, Director, caity@firstdraft.org.au +61 (02) 8970 2999. 

Applications close midnight 3 June 2025