Description

Job Status: Full Time, Ongoing

Salary: Base salary of $138,869 (rate effective 1 July 2026) per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions

Applications Close: Monday 13^th July 2026 at 11:55pm

Role Enquires: recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com

Online Application Support: Frequently Asked Questions

An organisation where diversity of thought and experience is valued, supported and respected.

THE HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. A globally recognised icon synonymous with inspiration and imagination, it’s one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and a World Heritage masterpiece that belongs to the people of NSW. Driving this incredible place is a team of passionate and dedicated people. Join us in shaping the Opera House’s future and be provided with opportunities to grow and develop while making a positive contribution to our community.

The Opera House is a living work of art. A place of possibility and wonder – on and off the stage. We bring people together to be uplifted, empowered and entertained. As set out in the Sydney Opera House Strategy 2024-2026, our ambition is to be Everyone’s House. To make this real, we are focused on four themes that underpin our organisational values (Creativity, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration and Care):

Everyone feels welcome here.
We better understand and connect with the community.
We are future ready.
We lead and inspire positive change.

For more information about the Sydney Opera House please refer to our website.

YOUR NEW ROLE

The Philanthropy Manager advances the Opera House’s Philanthropy program by cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts, building strong, authentic relationships that drive long-term engagement and advocacy. The role leads the strategic growth of the major gifts portfolio through prospect identification, tailored donor journeys and cross-team collaboration to meet revenue targets and support the Opera House’s goal to be future ready.

Further detailed information about the role and its requirements can be obtained from the role description.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

To be considered for this opportunity, you should have:

Proven major gifts fundraising expertise with 4+ years’ experience managing high-value donor portfolios, securing significant philanthropic contributions and delivering tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and influence senior donors, executives and internal stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.
Demonstrated strategic and analytical capability, including donor prospect identification, pipeline development, income forecasting and the ability to interpret donor insights to maximise fundraising outcomes.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing compelling donor proposals, briefings, reports and funding submissions aligned to organisational priorities.
Proficiency in CRM and donor database management, ideally Tessitura, with a strong focus on data integrity, reporting accuracy, donor tracking and maintaining confidential information.
Collaborative and adaptable project management approach, with experience working across multiple teams in fast-paced environments to deliver exceptional donor experiences and achieve philanthropy objectives.

THE PERKS

The Sydney Opera House give you access to a fantastic range of benefits including:

10% off onsite food and beverage outlets like Opera Bar and First Nations restaurant Midden.
5 weeks’ annual leave for all ongoing and temporary staff.
Access to salary packaging and discounted health insurance.
Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement initiatives.
Staff community groups like SOH Pride, First Nations Staff Network, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (SEALs) and more.
Fitness Passport and complimentary wellbeing programs including pilates, yoga, circuit classes, physiotherapy sessions as well as other wellbeing initiatives.
Working for an organisation with a 6 Star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
Working for an organisation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the world’s first arts organisation to join the UN’s Global Compact, an international sustainability initiative designed to build a better future for us all.
Complimentary tickets to shows.
And many more!

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The Opera House is an inclusive employer that recognises everyone is unique. The organisation welcomes you for who you are – as you are. So if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact us as recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com to discuss. Even if you think you’d be a great fit, but don’t necessarily tick every box in the role description, please get in touch.

We welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, recognising the value, unique skills and knowledge that First Nations employees bring to the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders, people who are d/Deaf and/or with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, neurodiverse, refugees and the LGBTQIA+ community.

NEED TO WORK FLEXIBLY?

We know flexibility means different things to different people, so let us know how we can support you to be your best.

SOUND LIKE YOU? APPLY NOW

Please submit your cover letter and CV via our online portal. In addition you will be prompted to answer the two following targeted questions in the online application platform.
Please note 2000 character limit.

Describe the most significant gift you personally secured. How did you approach the ask and why were you successful?
Describe a time when you were faced with a particularly challenging stakeholder management issue or conflict. How did you handle this situation and what was the resolution?

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Pre-Employment Health Assessment. The assessment seeks information only relevant to performing the inherent requirements of the job, it remains strictly confidential and applicants will be informed of the result.

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Your personal information is being collected to enable the Sydney Opera House to assess your suitability for appointment to the position you have applied for. This personal information will be managed in accordance with the Sydney Opera House Privacy Management Policy and Plan.

Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.

Sydney Opera House

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Philanthropy Manager