Head of Philanthropy

Looking for a visionary leader to grow QPAC’s philanthropy, inspire generosity, and shape the future of the arts.

Job Status: Full-Time Permanent RoleSalary: Above Award | Salary range $130,000–$160,000, commensurate with skills and experienceIndustry: Performing ArtsLocation: South BrisbaneApplication Closing Date: Sunday 28 September 2025 at 5:00 pm

About Us

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is one of Australia’s leading centres for live performance. Welcoming over 1.5 million visitors to more than 1200 performances each year, we embrace the best in live performance – the world renowned alongside the emerging, local, and new – and connect to the stories and ideas at the heart of each production. Through the warmth and expertise of our staff, we have become a trusted curator, presenter, and host; a place to come together to relax, reflect, share stories, and celebrate.

About the Role

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is inviting applications for the permanent role of Head of Philanthropy. This distinguished position will lead the growth of QPAC’s philanthropic programs and strengthen the Centre’s financial sustainability by cultivating innovative, enduring relationships with donors and supporters. As a champion of philanthropy, the Head will foster a culture of generosity, align partnerships with QPAC’s values, and play an integral role in advancing our artistic vision and long-term strategic ambitions.

In this role, you will:

• Assist the Executive Director in the development of philanthropic and fundraising strategies, and lead their implementation with donors, trusts and foundations to secure major gifts, donations, grants and bequests to meet annual targets.
• In consultation with the Executive Director, oversee and evaluate QPAC Memberships, campaigns and appeals, as well as major donor and planned giving strategies, including stewardship and recognition of QPAC’s portfolio of existing donors.
• Work in tandem with the Head of Partnerships and relevant team members to ensure the seamless integration of all fundraising activity and stewardship of donors and partners.   
• Lead the philanthropy team in creating compelling donor journeys to build meaningful connections, value and engagement with donors, including organising major donor functions and events.
• Maintain the highest level of discretion, integrity and privacy; research and proactively identify potential donors, private Trusts, Foundations and bequest donors.
• Work across departments to develop and maintain processes and procedures for giving, record keeping, acquittal of grants and administrative practices.
• Collaborate with the Curatorial team to understand key program outcomes and alignment opportunities for donors.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to develop and seamless processing of donations and receipting; and to maintain budgets and financial reporting which align with organisational targets and deliverables.
• Collaborate with the Ticketing team to ensure the seamless delivery of a VIP ticketing service for QPAC supporters.
• Oversee the collection of data and content to be used to report against organisational strategic goals and to support impact assessment reporting for government and external use.
• Undertake proactive networking with all relevant external stakeholder and industry groups to expand opportunities, including representing QPAC at strategic events, functions and activities as required.
• Maintain ethical and best-practice industry standards in all aspects of the position.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for:

• Demonstrated track record of achievement in fundraising positions.
• Experience contributing to the development of fundraising strategy and strong knowledge of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques in the area of philanthropy and cultural partnerships.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• High-level judgement and decision-making.
• Experience in multi-year budget development.

How to Apply

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, Disabled and Deaf people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of all ages.

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights. 

You can obtain a copy of the position description on the QPAC Careers Website (https://www.qpac.com.au/about/careers/current-opportunities/detail?id=40448). For any other queries, please contact the Talent Acquisition team on (07) 3842 9361 or at recruitment@qpac.com.au. 

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 28 September 2025 at 5:00 pm. QPAC will commence screening and shortlisting in advance of this closing date.