Director of Development

About the role

Opera Queensland is seeking a Director of Development to lead a dynamic team, develop and implement strategies to grow revenue and oversee delivery of a suite of bespoke partner programs and engagement events.

This exciting leadership role supports the organisation to achieve its artistic and business ambitions by securing investment through corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, private giving, and government grants. The role works closely with the CEO & Artistic Director and Executive Director  to attract investment in activities across Opera Queensland's mainstage, annual regional touring program, schools touring program and the Festival of Outback Opera.

The role provides leadership to a team that currently includes a Partnerships Manager, Trusts and Foundations Specialist (vacant), and a Development Officer - Events and Administration.

Opera Queensland's vision to grow and strengthen a community connected by the transformative power of opera has precipitated a sustained period of growth in recent years. The development team plays a vital role in bringing this vision to life.

About Us

Opera Queensland enriches the lives of our diverse audiences through the creation of thrilling performances. Located in the heart of Brisbane's South Bank cultural precinct, Opera Queensland enjoys creative partnerships with multiple arts organisations, festivals and presenters across and beyond Queensland.

Opera Queensland is connected through its values and behaviours:

• Creativity: We create opportunities for artists, a space to play, experiment and be ambitious. We embrace difference, take risks, inspiring the community to explore and imagine new possibilities.
• Respect: Our relationships are built upon listening, empathy, trust, and inclusiveness. Integrity is central to everything we do. We are accountable, committed and fair.
• Collaboration: Opera is a multifaceted art form, requiring a myriad of different skills. Working with our partners generates new ideas and opportunities, enabling all to achieve more than we could alone.
• Virtuosity: We are focused, rigorous and questioning. We are committed to the highest standard of excellence in our art and our business.
• Joy: We delight in our work. Joy and happiness are a vital ingredient of what we do, create and give.

About You

• Demonstrable experience in a development and/or fundraising leadership role, including success evidenced across cultivation of private gifts, gift closing and stewardship.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service and communication skills with a mature and professional approach.
• Good negotiation and persuasion skills with particular emphasis on dealing with people from various backgrounds and levels and the ability to listen and handle all situations with diplomacy.
• Ability to think creatively and explore and research new opportunities to identify prospects.
• Sound judgement and organisational capabilities and an ability to work with limited resources.
• A high level skill in the use of data management, CRM systems and their relationship to customer retention, expansion and attraction.
• Excellent time management skills, initiative and organisational abilities with a willingness to work outside of traditional business hours.
• A proven ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, to be self-motivated and work autonomously in a dynamic environment, coupled with the ability to be an effective and co-operative member of a team.
• Knowledge and interest in the Performing Arts will be valued.
• Open Driver's Licence
• Blue card – Working with Children Check.

Travel and Outside Office Hours Work

• Due to the nature of the organisation, it is a requirement of the position to attend and/or support events, productions, rehearsals and other business activities outside of normal office hours.
• Due to the nature of the organisation and this position, it is a requirement of the position to attend and/or support events, productions, rehearsals and other business activities outside of Brisbane City, including regional Queensland.

Additional Benefits

As a valued member of our team, you can enjoy flexible work options, complimentary tickets and access to wellbeing activities and learning and development programs, including our Employee Assistance Program.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should upload a detailed CV outlining relevant experience and a cover letter of no more than two pages via the Seek website.

A full position description is available on Opera Queensland's website.

Applications close Monday 6 October 2025.

Applications are open to those with full-working rights in Australia. Opera Queensland is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

For further enquiries contact

Adam Tucker, Executive Director ,