ABOUT US

Established in 1992, Wakakirri is Australia's largest Performing Arts Event for schools, involving over 20,000 students across every State and Territory. Over 1 million people watch Wakakirri performances each year.

The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program for schools that develops student engagement and wellbeing through participation in the performing arts. Schools participate by creating Story-Dances which they perform in live theatres in capital cities and selected regional areas around Australia. Schools in remote and regional areas can participate via Wakakirri Video.

Schools’ performances are inspired by the Wakakirri ethos ‘great stories inspire change’. Environmental, social, cultural, health, historical & reconciliation stories are all popular themes. Each year hundreds of schools across Australia create and perform Story-Dances for Wakakirri that reflect students’ thoughts, ideas and aspirations.

Wakakirri is open to Primary & Secondary schools (public and private), Dance Schools and Community Groups.

In 2021 Wakakiri was recognised by the Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association (APATA) for contribution to performing arts education in schools.

www.wakakirri.com

The Team

Wakakirri is a ‘not for profit’ organisation run by a small but passionate team based in Sydney but spread across several states.

Job description

The Development Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining the Wakakirri fundraising strategy including:

• Strategic partnerships
• Application writing
• Managing communication, reporting and acquittal obligations

Criteria

The ideal candidate should:

• Be an experienced development professional with extensive experience in fundraising in the not-for-profit environment.
• Have a deep knowledge and a passion for the arts and arts education sector
• Be a great collaborator, clear communicator and someone who can comfortably engage and build relationships with all stakeholders including high-level supporters.
• Be able to thrive in a dynamic, innovative, and self-driven environment.
• Be passionate about creating opportunities for young people to engage with creativity and the arts.

Hours and pay

• 32 hrs per week
• Flexible days, hours and location
• Immediate start
• 12 month initial contract.

Duties

• Working closely with the Festival Director and board to develop and execute a fundraising strategy that is aligned with the organisation’s strategic plan.
• Develop strong relationships with Wakakirri’s major partners
• Research potential trusts and foundations opportunities/applications
• Write or review grant applications and manage the grant submission process.
• Manage acquittal processes and communicate the outcomes of the impact of our work.
• Other duties/tasks as directed.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, development and/or partnership development.
• Extensive knowledge and interest in not-for-profit industry, preferably in the creative and arts industry
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, business partners and staff.
• High-level written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with proven experience in working across numerous projects and an aptitude for maintaining administrative systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively, and with initiative, as part of a small team with a preparedness to perform a variety of tasks.

Preferred:

• Degree qualification in relevant field.

You can find out more from our website www.wakakirri.com or by calling Adam on 0416 294 801.