Feast Festival is seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth, secure sponsorships, and expand our financial sustainability. This role is pivotal in strengthening our corporate partnerships and donor programs while increasing Feast’s year-round presence beyond the November festival.

We’re looking for a results-driven professional with a proven ability to generate leads, convert opportunities, and bring in financial support. You must be a strategic thinker with excellent relationship-building skills and a track record of securing sponsorships, fundraising, and driving business growth.

This is a self-reliant role within a small, collaborative team. You will report directly to the Executive and the Board, contributing to strategic decision-making and financial planning.

Success in this role will be measured by your ability to meet and exceed revenue targets, secure new partnerships, and enhance Feast Festival’s commercial opportunities.

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Applications close: Midnight Wednesday 16th April 2025

In order to be considered for this role you must complete your application on our website here: https://feast.org.au/careers/

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Key Responsibilities

Revenue Generation & Business Development

Identify, secure, and manage sponsorships, partnerships, and funding opportunities aligned with Feast Festival’s mission.

Develop and execute a strategic business development plan with clear revenue targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Generate leads, manage pipelines, and successfully convert opportunities into long-term partnerships.

Negotiate contracts and agreements with sponsors and partners to maximise financial return.

Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate sponsors, government bodies, and philanthropic donors.

Develop new revenue streams, such as membership programs, networking events, and corporate giving initiatives.

Attend industry and networking events to raise Feast Festival’s profile and cultivate opportunities (some out-of-hours work required).

Assist in developing and implementing the financial and fundraising plan to ensure sustainable revenue growth.

Sponsorship & Partnership Growth

Leverage existing networks and proactively seek new partnerships in the arts, and corporate sectors.

Create compelling sponsorship packages and tailor proposals to meet partner objectives.

Deliver on sponsorship agreements by ensuring exceptional partner engagement and return on investment.

Work closely with the marketing team to amplify sponsorship activations and brand alignment.

Fundraising, Grants & Donor Engagement

Establish and grow a donor program or giving circle to increase philanthropic support.

Develop creative fundraising initiatives to drive donations and long-term financial sustainability.

Meet and exceed revenue KPIs related to sponsorships, donors, and philanthropy.

Work closely with the CEO to complete grant applications and acquittals, ensuring compliance and maximising funding opportunities.

Research potential funding opportunities from other government bodies, foundations and philanthropic groups

Collaborate with the marketing team to design and execute targeted fundraising campaigns

Communications, CRM & Digital Media

Oversee and manage Feast Festival’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, ensuring accurate and effective stakeholder engagement tracking.

Lead on the strategy and implementation of all donor campaigns and communications, including monthly updates and our EOFY campaign. Covering copywriting, design and roll out.

Produce sponsorship-focused content for digital media, newsletters, and corporate communications.

Ensure clear and consistent messaging to stakeholders, partners, and donors.

Event Support & Activation

Lead on the strategy and implementation of all donor and sponsor events, including, but not limited to, behind-the-scene experiences, artist talks, large fundraising events, networking and thank you events.

Work with suppliers, venues, and stakeholders to ensure high-quality event experiences for sponsors and donors.

Oversee event budgets, ensuring cost-effective and impactful sponsorship activations.

Key Skills & Experience

Proven experience in business development, sponsorship, partnerships, or fundraising, ideally within the arts, cultural, or non-profit sectors.

A strong track record of securing financial support, meeting revenue targets, and converting leads into partnerships.

Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders.

Experience in developing and managing successful sponsorship and donor programs.

Strong negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals.

A creative and strategic approach to revenue generation and financial growth.

Experience with CRM systems and digital media as they relate to business development and stakeholder engagement.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in corporate messaging and stakeholder communications.

Ability to work autonomously, take initiative, and drive projects from concept to execution.

Experience in fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies is highly desirable.

Ability to contribute to grant applications and acquittals to secure funding opportunities.

This is a key role in ensuring Feast Festival’s long-term financial success and ability to continue celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are a driven business development professional with a passion for securing funding and building impactful partnerships, we’d love to hear from you!

Applications close: Midnight Wednesday 16th April 2025

In order to be considered for this role you must complete your application on our website here: https://feast.org.au/careers/