• Salary $100,000 + superannuation
• Contract term is 12 months

ABOUT RED ROOM POETRY

Red Room Poetry (RR) is Australia’s leading creator and commissioner of contemporary poetry. We make poetry in meaningful ways with positive impact across core areas of Environment, First Nations, Marginalised Communities, Youth and Amplification and Visibility.

RR is recognised as a thought leader, renowned for artistic excellence. With 17 years of successful operations and growth, RR is entering a new strategic cycle to achieve increased levels of impact via a national celebration of poetry, audience growth, fundraising and project implementation.

redroomcompany.org

THE OPPORTUNITY

The General Manager & Development role will work closely with RR’s Director to manage the strategic delivery of national projects with a small and dedicated team, whilst managing investment initiatives, grants, philanthropy, partnerships, proposals, acquittals and reports as required. They are responsible for high level administrative functions of the company with a major focus on funders, reporting, budget management, partners and strategic implementation with the team, Board and a national community of poets and stakeholders.

Areas of focus include:

• Engaging existing and new generations of philanthropists and foundations
• Deepening corporate, cultural and media partnerships to widen awareness and support of RR
• Supporting implementation of RR’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan
• Overseeing RR operations and all levels of reporting

The opportunity will suit someone with excellent administrative and communication skills, operations, stakeholder management and proven fundraising experience particularly donor engagement and/or high net worth individuals. They will have initiative, creative problem-solving, passion for literature and creative learning, a collaborative spirit and be a dedicated individual with a passion for business development and ideally with existing donor relationships.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Lead management of operations with a focus fundraising engagement for grants, high net worth individuals, RR Friends Circles, Corporates and Foundation partners with RR’s Director and team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Reporting to the Director you will:

Strategic Planning and Reporting

• Collaborate with the Director on strategic implementation, Board and funding reports, policies, procedures and consistent communications, ensuring RR maintains and strengthens its position at forefront of the literary and creative industries

Fundraising

• With RR’s Director and team develop strategies to engage new and existing donors and sponsors in RR’s Circles and projects to meet fundraising targets and company budgets
• Engage appropriate Board and executive team members in major gift solicitations
• Oversee delivery of all stewardship activities, mail-outs, donor acknowledgement and reporting
• Write and acquit all proposals and grants with Director and relevant team members
• Maintain CRM (Hubspot) with Office Manager

Financial Operations

• With the Director and Office Manager, manage budgets, audits and financial reporting for project acquittals, Board and funders as required
• Oversee processing of accounts, invoices, receipts, payroll and expenses (Xero)
• Manage the organisation’s lease agreements, equipment and operational expenses

Project Support

• Provide administrative support to the Director
• Support complex stakeholder relationships, aligned with RR’s strategy
• Maintain reporting calendar for all projects
• Prepare and provide timely financial reports to Board and relevant team members
• Manage funding and project contracts diverse
• Oversee complex stakeholder relationships, aligned with RR’s strategy
• Manage evaluation of projects with external contractor (Culture Counts)
• Assist in the management of policies, procedures, telephone and email enquiries as required

Staff

• Provide leadership, coaching and oversee work-flow to ensure direct reports achieve their key deliverables
• Coordination of administrative and project timelines to ensure that set deadlines are met
• With the Director, manager coordination of Human Resources including staff timetables, supervision, recruitment, and training

General

• Ensure RR’s poetic essence, values and excellence are woven into all levels of project delivery
• Work collaboratively with the team to contribute to a positive working environment for all staff and stakeholders

SELECTION CRITERIA

In addition to fundraising, operations and budget expertise, key to the success of this role is a positive outlook, a creative and an entrepreneurial spirit, outstanding communication skills and a collaborative, inclusive, confident work style.

Essential

• Relevant Business and/or Fundraising Arts Administration qualification
• Thoughtful leader, confident decision maker, helping the team develop and deliver impactful projects
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, communication and organisational skills
• Budget management experience and knowledge of Xero or similar
• Demonstrated capacity for creative thinking, flexibility in changing creative environments, a preparedness to experiment with new ideas and innovative approaches
• Ability to work independently, with initiative and to deadlines
• Driver’s licence and attendance of out-of-hours events as required

Desirable

• Strong relationships with individual donors and cross-sector partners
• Interest in Australian Poetry and Literature
• Access to a car

A position description is attached.