About the Role
We are seeking a strategic and relationship-focused Head of Philanthropy to lead Opera Australia’s Sydney-based Major Gifts and Annual Giving programs. This role is responsible for delivering against fundraising targets, growing donor relationships and strengthening engagement across Opera Australia’s philanthropic community.
Reporting to the Development Director, the Head of Philanthropy leads a high-performing team and works closely with internal stakeholders to build a strong pipeline of support. This is an exciting opportunity to shape donor strategy, drive revenue growth and deliver exceptional experiences for Opera Australia’s 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 cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts.
- Develop and execute donor acquisition, engagement and stewardship strategies, including EOFY campaigns.
- Lead, coach and 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 reporting, compliance and best-practice processes.
- Develop reporting and insights to track performance, inform strategy and support executive and Board reporting.
- Use data and insights to drive decision-making, identify growth opportunities and improve fundraising outcomes.
About You
- 8–10+ years experience in 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, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) is advantageous.
About Opera Australia
Opera Australia (‘OA’) is the nation’s premier opera company and one of its most important cultural institutions. With a rich history and a global reputation for artistic excellence, we present over 500 performances each year – reaching more than 650,000 people through opera, musicals and concerts.
Our productions span iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, as well as regional centres across the country. We are committed to artistic innovation, national reach and cultural leadership. We nurture Australian talent on and off the stage; collaborates with leading international and local companies and bring extraordinary stories to life through music and song. With a full-time orchestra, dedicated chorus and a highly skilled workforce, OA is Australia’s largest performing arts employer and plays a vital role in Australia’s performing arts landscape and in the lives of audiences nationwide.
For more information about OA please visit opera.org.au
What we offer
As Australia’s National opera company, we are committed to fostering a safe and collaborative environment for all. Our values are Curious, Creative, Collaborative, Brave and Inclusive and we are dedicated to supporting OA’s people both on-stage and off.
- Hybrid and flexible work environment
- Strong diversity and inclusion priority
- Generous Leave Policy including cultural, wellbeing and parental
- Employee Assistance Program
- Discounted private health insurance
- Access to salary packaging through SmartSalary
- Discounted retail goods through 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 on 29th May, 2026.
For any enquiries about this role, please contact people@opera.org.au
Opera Australia recognises 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 recognise, celebrate and 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 Australia is committed to enabling and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our team comes from all walks of life. We acknowledge that all individual differences, life experiences, self-expression and talent represent our culture and reputation of Opera Australia. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression.
