Principal, Creative Communities

Minderoo Foundation takes on tough, persistent issues with the potential to drive massive change. We incubate ideas, advocate for systems change and accelerate impact. We push the limits of what is believed possible.

Minderoo Foundation is proudly Australian, independent, forward thinking and seeks effective, scalable solutions. Through bold, collaborative and selfless action, we seek to dismantle the systems that entrench inequality and advocate for a fairer future.

About Us

The Communities Focus Area is dedicated to creating a future where all children reach their full potential in thriving communities. The 2030 Strategy centres efforts around the holistic needs of children, and their families and caregivers. Bodies of work have been developed to ensure society is attuned to these needs and the importance of supporting children, young people and their families through vibrant and connected communities. An additional workstream focused on empowering families and communities to attain economic dignity is under consideration. The Communities Focus Area will be strengthening its place-based, First Nations and partnerships engagement approach to these issues.

About the Opportunity

We have an exciting 12-month fixed-term opportunity for a Principal, Creative Communities to join our Vibrant & Connected Communities team.

In this strategic role, you will lead initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, foster social connection and build community agency. Working collaboratively across sectors, you will design and deliver innovative programs, partnerships and investments that leverage arts, culture and creativity to create meaningful and measurable social impact.

In this role, you will:

• Partner with the Head of Vibrant & Connected Communities to shape and advance strategic priorities across the portfolio.
  
• Design, manage and deliver partnerships, investments and advocacy initiatives that contribute to lasting community impact.
  
• Build and maintain influential relationships across community, government, philanthropy, academia and the not-for-profit sector.
  
• Identify opportunities for collaboration through research, evidence gathering and sector engagement.
  
• Champion the social and economic value of arts and culture as drivers of community wellbeing and social change.
  
• Lead impact measurement, evaluation and reporting activities, working closely with the Measurement & Learning team to capture outcomes and continuously improve program effectiveness.
  
• Represent Minderoo Foundation at events and forums, with occasional travel within Western Australia and interstate.

About You

You are a strategic and relationship-driven leader with a passion for creating stronger, more connected communities.

You bring experience designing and delivering arts, cultural, community development or social impact initiatives, and have a strong understanding of how community-centred approaches can improve wellbeing, belonging and participation.

You will also bring:

• Demonstrated experience developing, leading and evaluating community, arts, cultural or social impact programs.
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships and influence across diverse sectors.
  
• Excellent strategic thinking, project management and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate evidence into practical action and measurable outcomes.
  
• Experience in systems change, advocacy, philanthropy, investment or grant-funded programs, coupled with an understanding of impact measurement and evaluation.

Tertiary qualifications in community development, social impact, social sciences, arts or cultural management, public policy, program management or a related discipline are desirable. Equivalent experience delivering community-led, arts-based or social impact initiatives will also be highly regarded.

Above all, you are collaborative, adaptable and values-driven, with a commitment to community-centred approaches that help children, young people, families and communities thrive.

Applications Close

15 September 2026

Benefits

At Minderoo Foundation, we are committed to supporting our people to thrive, both professionally and personally. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Flexible working arrangements
  
• An inclusive, values-driven workplace
  
• Contribute to meaningful work that supports children, families, communities, gender equality, natural ecosystems and fairer futures.

Next Steps

Please attach your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity.

We reserve the right to extend closing date and/or close applications early should a suitable candidate be identified. We may progress with interviews whilst advertising remains open.

We are committed to ensuring equal access and opportunities for all applicants.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy.