• Newly Created Role
• Broad remit
• Attractive Salary Package 

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) is a world-renowned institution comprising two exquisite sites: the heritage-listed Melbourne Gardens and the contemporary native garden in Cranbourne. While RBGV's gardens are celebrated for their natural beauty, the organisation also plays a pivotal role in leading global plant science and conservation research. Through its commitment to excellence in horticulture, conservation, research, and public engagement, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria continues to be a much loved institution that inspires appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

As a result of an internal review to set up RBGV for success into the future, an Executive Director Commercial and External Relations position has been created to lead and implement the Gardens’ fundraising, partnerships, marketing, communications, visitation and participation strategies.

As a member of the executive team, this role is responsible for driving the strategic growth of the garden’s commercial activities and external relationships. A key focus is expanding commercial opportunities through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and the management of retail operations, including the Garden’s shops and relationships with cafe and function tenants. Additionally, the Executive Director will enhance the organisation’s philanthropy efforts, overseeing fundraising initiatives and nurturing relationships with donors to secure significant contributions.

With 4 direct reports, the Executive Director Commercial and External Relations will oversee new programs and partnerships aimed at driving revenue growth, enhancing philanthropy, and securing grants and sponsorships. The role will lead the delivery of strategic communications, marketing, and advocacy campaigns, engaging with supporters, government, and the broader community. 

Key responsibilities of the role will include:

• Develop and implement integrated commercial and external relations strategies, to meet key fundraising, marketing, communications and retail objectives, outcomes and targets.
• Establish, oversee, and drive fundraising strategies for the Gardens, identifying growth opportunities across earned, philanthropic, and government funding channels to support long-term sustainability.
• Oversee effective engagement with donors, trusts and foundations for organisational success in grant-seeking, private donations, appeals and campaigns.
• Lead the development of effective digital engagement tools including website, social media, video/audio/mobile applications to expand the Gardens’ digital presence and audience reach.
• Oversee the planning and execution of effective promotional, marketing and other integrated campaigns to drive increased brand awareness for the Gardens, meeting agreed targets for brand awareness, ticket sales, tourism and visitation.
• Identify and create new commercial opportunities through partnerships, sponsorships, and retail ventures, ensuring the diversification of revenue streams while enhancing the visitor experience.

As the ideal candidate, you will be an experienced executive with proven success in setting strategic direction, engaging others with a vision, driving innovation and improvement in organisational culture, relationships, practice, systems and processes.  You will demonstrate experience in driving new revenue for a large organisation with interest in philanthropic, commercial and/or government funding, in addition to possessing a proven track record of establishing new external relationships to form strategic partnerships and organisational affinity.

This is a unique opportunity to join an iconic organisation and be part of its growth journey.

For a confidential discussion please contact Michelle Collins on 0400 657 601 or apply using the link below attaching your resume along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and highlighting how you meet the key selection criteria. 

Applications close:  Wednesday 2nd April at 5pm.

RBGV is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our organisation is a proudly child safe organisation and committed to protecting children and young people from harm. Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete the necessary pre-employment checks, including psychometric testing and are subject to the requirements of the VPS Executive Pre-employment Screening Policy.