Head of Philanthropy

About the Role

We areseekinga strategic and relationship-focused Head of Philanthropy to lead Opera AustraliasSydney-basedMajor Gifts and Annual Giving programs. This roleis responsible fordelivering against fundraising targets growing donorrelationshipsand strengthening engagement across Opera Australias philanthropic community.

Reporting to the Development Director the Head of Philanthropy leads a high-performing team and works closely withinternal stakeholdersto build a strong pipeline of support. This is an exciting opportunity to shape donor strategy drive revenue growthand deliver exceptional experiences for Opera Australias supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver Major Gifts and Annual Giving programs achieving agreed fundraising targets and growing donor support
• Build and manage a portfolio of donors including cultivatingsolicitingand stewarding major gifts.
• Develop and execute donor acquisitionengagementand stewardship strategies including EOFY campaigns.
• Leadcoachand support a team to deliver high performance and foster a collaborative results-driven culture
• Partner with internal teams to deliver compelling donor experiences and engagement opportunities.
• Oversee fundraising operations including donor reportingcomplianceand best-practice processes.
• Develop reporting and insights to track performance informstrategyand support executive and Board reporting.
• Use data and insights to drive decision-makingidentifygrowthopportunitiesand improve fundraising outcomes.

About You

• 810years experiencein philanthropy with a strong focus on major gifts and annual giving.
• Proven success in achieving fundraising targets and building high-value donor relationships.
• Experience leading and developing teams fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate insights into actionable plans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience with donor databases or CRMs (e.g. Tessitura Raisers Edge Salesforce) isadvantageous.

About Opera Australia

Opera Australia (OA) is the nations premier opera company and one of its most important cultural institutions. With a rich history and a global reputation for artistic excellencewepresent over 500 performances each yearreaching more than 650000 people through operamusicalsand concerts.

Ourproductions span iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne as well as regional centres across the to artistic innovation nationalreachand cultural Australian talent on and off the stage; collaborates with leading international and localcompanies andbring extraordinary stories to life through music and song. With a full-time orchestra dedicated chorus and a highly skilled workforce OA is Australias largest performingarts employerand plays a vital role in Australias performing arts landscape and in the livesof audiencesnationwide.

For more information about OA please visit

What we offer

AsAustralias National opera company we are committed to fostering a safe and collaborative environment for all. Our values are Curious Creative Collaborative Brave and Inclusiveand we are dedicated to supportingOAs people both on-stage and off.

• Hybrid and flexible work environment
• Strong diversity and inclusion priority
• Generous Leave Policyincludingculturalwellbeing and parental
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted private health insurance
• Access to salary packaging throughSmartSalary
• Discounted retail goodsthrough our Swag Rewards platform and other affiliated businesses
• Complimentary tickets to select Opera Australia shows

If this sounds like you then click Apply to send through your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on29thMay2026.

For any enquiries about this role please

Opera Australiarecognises and acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands and waters across Australia on which we live perform and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognisecelebrateand respect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first storytellers who carry the cultural wisdom traditions and Dreaming of this ancient land.

Opera Australiais committed to enabling and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our teamcomesfrom allwalks of life. We acknowledge that all individual differences life experiencesself-expressionand talent represent our culture and reputation of Opera recruiting for our team we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education opinions culture ethnicity race sex genderidentityand expression.