Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a full-time Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager to help bring our vision to life: to be a globally renowned creative hub for puppetry. You will secure public and private sector investment through philanthropy and partnerships for our puppetry performances, artist development and community programs.

Working closely with the Executive Director/Co-CEO and Artistic Director/ Co-CEO, you will build meaningful, long-term relationships with philanthropists, trusts and foundations, governments, businesses and other supporters. The role combines fundraising strategy, prospect research, relationship management, partnership development and donor stewardship.

The role is both strategic and operational. You will be an experienced fundraiser who can identify opportunities, build genuine relationships and translate our vision, values and impact into compelling propositions for supporters. You will lead and support the work of one direct report and build a collaborative, ambitious and whole-of-organisation approach to fundraising.

ABOUT US

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is a place where stories come alive in unexpected ways and where audiences of every age find something that speaks to them.

For 45 years Spare Parts Puppet Theatre has grown into one of Australia’s most respected and inventive theatre companies. The company has been celebrated for imaginative storytelling that resonates with generations of audiences and for our deep commitment to puppetry as a contemporary artform.

As one of only a handful of Australian companies dedicated to creating and presenting new puppetry works, we develop productions across a wide range of formats. Our work spans ambitious theatre productions, adaptable shows for schools and smaller venues, and large-scale, interactive outdoor performances created for festivals and major events. The result is work that is innovative, distinctive, and joyful.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre has seen enormous growth in the last five years with new puppetry performances, expanded creative learning programs, artist development initiatives and increased touring contributing to a strong sense of momentum and renewed purpose. Our artistic future is one filled with possibility. 

A major milestone on the horizon is the opening of our new home within the Claremont Showgrounds in late 2026. The facility will include a purpose-built proscenium arch theatre and a flexible intimate studio that will open the door to new styles of performance and expanded programming across all ages. It offers a rare opportunity to reimagine how we present our work.

Also in 2026, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will welcome our next Artistic Director to shape the creative vision, elevate the artform of puppetry and create puppetry that expands the way audiences see, feel and experience the world.

To learning more about Spare Parts Puppet Theatre visit sppt.com.au

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING

The successful applicant will possess the following skills and experience:

Essential:

• Passionate about arts, culture and creativity.

• A minimum of five years of proven fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of securing income and achieving targets.

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to develop and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors and funders.

• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies and plans, including identifying and pursuing new income opportunities.

• Excellent written, organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

• A proactive, collaborative and professional approach, with strong judgement and a commitment to ethical fundraising practice.

• Current WA Working with Children’s Check or willingness to obtain one.

Highly Desirable:

• Experience fundraising for arts projects.

• Experience securing major gifts or significant grants including from trusts, foundations, government or philanthropic sources.

• Experience developing corporate partnerships, sponsorships or strategic relationships to generate income and broader organisational value.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is committed to equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, mature age workers and LGBTIQA+ people. Please phone us if you would like to discuss the role prior to your application.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

You’ll be part of a creative and extraordinary team and work environment. A globally renowned puppetry company where no two days are the same.

Creativity is part of our everyday culture. We encourage curiosity, playfulness and new ideas alongside professionalism and responsibility. We offer a healthy work–life balance. We are a close-knit, supportive team and take pride in our collaborative culture, where people look out for one another and are willing to lend a hand when needed.

The last five years has seen significant growth across our philanthropy and partnerships as a result of targeted and strategic investment. You will build upon a strong and sustainable foundation of best-practice fundraising, cultivation and stewardship.

We have built a community of value-aligned sponsors, funders, foundations and individuals whose share our vision and understand the impact of our work. You will lead an outstanding Philanthropy & Partnerships Officer, working together to secure investment for our work.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To view the job pack that includes a detailed position description and working hours visit sppt.com.au/about-us/work-with-us/

HOW TO APPLY

Email the following to ***********@sppt.com.au by midnight 17 September 2026:

1. Cover letter (2 pages maximum) addressing the What We’re Seeking points

2. Up to date resume with a minimum of two referees

Applicants are encouraged to acquaint themselves with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s vision and vales, be creative in their applications and provide examples of their work if they wish.