Senior Philanthropy Officer – Grants focus

• Melbourne’s loved cultural and community hub in Australia’s largest arts precinct
• Would suit candidates with exceptional grant writing, research, and analytical skills
• Two year fixed term contract with probable extension

The Organisation
 
Abbotsford Convent is Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct and loved cultural and community hub of Melbourne. A National Heritage Listed site, the Convent precinct comprises 11 historic buildings, four cafes, a gallery, a radio station, a school, and 6.8 hectares of expansive gardens and open spaces.

A thriving and dynamic community, the Convent is home to more than 121 studios including a creative tenant community made up of artists, writers, designers, NFPs, small businesses and wellbeing practitioners. The convent welcomes around one million visitors each year.

During the pandemic the Convent has remained buoyant by attracting support from three levels of Government and loyal individual donors including philanthropists, trusts and foundations, alongside a social enterprise model to ensure the Convent remains open all year.

Benefits & Culture

• Work with a creative, collegiate and impact driven team committed to the arts
• A board and CEO committed to philanthropy and fundraising
• Two year fixed term contract with probable extension

The Role
 
This role enables the creation, implementation and maintenance of the already successful development program including: the creation of philanthropic and government funding proposals, grant submissions and reports; stewarding a growing portfolio of dynamic and engaged donors; and the development and execution of an expanded communications and engagement strategy.

You will also support the delivery of two annual public fundraising campaigns to develop programs alongside ongoing grant preparation, submission, and reporting. This work is vital to diversifying philanthropic and government revenue, expanding the financial supporter base, increasing community engagement with the precinct, and delivering on organisational priorities.

Skills Required
 
You have a track record in effective writing, research and communications in the preparation of submissions for tenders, bids and or grants, ideally for the not-for-profit or arts sectors. Your relationship management skills will also ensure you can submit high quality proposals and effectively manage a diverse range of stakeholders. Importantly you can demonstrate;

• Grant writing, editing, and formatting skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Capacity to focus and galvanise the team to create excellent applications, proposals, and reports
• An ability to think creatively and strategically
• A commitment to nurturing stakeholder relationships
• Ideally , a genuine interest in and understanding of the arts

If you’re passionate about utilising your strong writing skills to drive funding outcomes for the arts then apply now by sending your resume and cover letter addressing the skills required above. Alternatively, please call Gemma Schade on (03) 8080 8977