Head of Development

Griffin Theatre Company is looking for an exceptional Head of Development to lead its culture of philanthropy, fundraising, sponsorship and support.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Head of Development

Reporting to: Executive Director

Base Salary: Competitive salary and benefits

WHO WE ARE

Griffin Theatre Company is Australia’s only theatre company solely dedicated to developing and staging Australian plays. Founded in 1979, we are one of the great engine rooms of Australian theatre. We have shaped and platformed the narratives that help us know who we are as a nation, where we’ve been and who we want to become.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Griffin’s Head of Development is responsible for maintaining and growing Griffin’s fundraising income – a major source of revenue for the company. This includes creating opportunities to engage a broad range of supporters: individual donors, trusts and foundations, corporate sponsors and at times assisting with government funding. The Head of Development plays a leading role in creating and strengthening a culture of philanthropy across the company and amongst Griffin’s primary stakeholders.

A key focus for the next six months will be managing the Public Appeal for the Capital Campaign, ensuring a broad net of support is secured to support the final push of the campaign ahead of the building re-opening in mid-2027. This is an opportunity to engage Griffin’s family of donors, subscribers and community members to be part of the next phase of Griffin Theatre, as well as best practice stewardship and engagement.

Griffin has an active, effective and supportive Board committee structure that works closely with the Executive Director and the Head of Development on achieving the company’s development goals, particularly in relation to the Capital Campaign and Griffin’s annual giving programs.

KEY DUTIES

• Develop and grow Griffin’s revenue base and create opportunities to engage a broad range of supporters, including individual donors, trusts and foundations and corporate sponsors
• Prepare and oversee Griffin’s Development Plan
• Manage Griffin’s Public Appeal as part of the final stage of the Capital Campaign
• Be responsible for the management of solicitation and stewardship programs, developing, enhancing and sustaining strong connections with donors, sponsors, partners and government
• Support effective fundraising and ensure appropriate governance structures are in place for effective and best practice fundraising
• Plan and manage a program of hospitality and fundraising events
• Participate as part of a team, specifically performing a leadership role, to effectively plan and deliver sustainable seasons of the Company’s activities

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Demonstrated success in the development and implementation of fundraising strategies and achieving results across philanthropic support, corporate sponsors and grants
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic development plans, including an innovative approach to engagement, stewardship and partnership models
• Capital campaign experience is desirable
• Advanced communication, presentation and negotiation skills, including managing and mentoring staff
• A proven track record of nurturing strong and productive relationships with donors
• Affinity for working in an arts and culture environment, together with the ability to represent and advocate on behalf of Griffin to existing and potential donors and corporate sponsors
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects involving multiple deadlines, budgets and stakeholders

TO APPLY

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the full position description and job pack available at griffintheatre.com.au

Applicants should submit the following:

• A written application (no more than 3 pages) addressing the Selection Criteria
• A current CV and contact details of 2 referees.

Applications should be emailed with HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT in the subject line by midnight on Sunday 27 September 2026 to [email protected]

If you would like to discuss the position in more detail, please contact Julieanne Campbell, Executive Director by email on [email protected]

Early applications are encouraged as applications will be reviewed as received, and suitable candidates may be invited to attend an interview prior to the closing date.