About Us

Our mission is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children, young people and their families. Our programs bring them fun, joy and laughter when they need it most… because happiness matters. When you join Starlight, you'll:

• Change lives for the better, positively impacting the lives of seriously ill children, young people, and their families.
• Have inspiring and positive work.
• We work to our strengths; we care about each other, and we work collaboratively.
• Be included in an exceptional team. We’ve been recognised as a Great Place to Work, we’re one of AFR’s Most Innovative Companies and we’re also the most trusted children’s charity in Australia.

About the Role

The purpose of this key role is to manage the National Events team to ensure the delivery of exceptional events, focused on the achievement of fundraising budgets, incredible guest experience and long term mutually beneficial relationships.

Part of the Marketing and Fundraising team, leading the National Events Team of 4 delivering key events including 5 Chefs Dinner and Star Ball events with anywhere from 300-600 guests.

Responsibilities:

• Ownership of the Events strategy in collaboration with key stakeholders to actively create and drive the implementation of the Events Business plan, goals and annual budgets
• Successful leadership and development of the Events team and relevant Committees to project manage & execute all Five Chefs & Star Ball events, enabling increased fundraising & exceptional supporter and guest experiences
• Build strong relationships with internal & external stakeholders
• Budgets and reporting including detailed post-event analysis, evaluation reports and quarterly budget forecasting
• Manage creative processes including event brand, theme & collateral
• Event management & Production-including travel and weekends as required
• Negotiate contracts & liaise with sponsors and suppliers, maximising opportunities for Starlight including increased donated goods and services (DG&S)

About You

You are highly organised with extensive experience leading large-scale events including Gala balls, dinners or similar events with;

• Demonstrated ability to build authentic, positive relationships & committed to providing memorable guest experiences
• High level of influencing skills and ability to negotiate
• Budget and financial management skills
• Leadership experience, including management of sales or fundraising teams, budgets and operational implementation of business plans
• Excellent communication skills
• Calm, confident and assured under pressure
• Experience in the NFP sector and/or fundraising is desirable

Benefits

As well as the real joy of seeing the positive difference your work makes in the lives of others, our unique benefits support you at any life stage.

• Best Self leave days and additional carer’s leave
• Leave to support reproductive health
• Leave options for pet owners (because pets are family too!)
• Public Holiday swap & potential to work from anywhere in the world for 20 days a year
• A commitment to supporting your mental health and wellbeing
• Development and growth opportunities in a workplace underpinned by positive psychology

Feeling excited?

We are too! Apply today to be considered for this rewarding opportunity.

We seek candidates from diverse backgrounds who will bring rich experience and perspective to the team, which we know will enhance our creativity and collective intelligence. Our aim is for Starlight to reflect the broader community and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with diverse abilities and those who are mature aged or just starting out in their careers.

We are committed to positive employment experiences in an environment where everyone is included, respected, safe and treated fairly, so you can be your best and true self every day.

If we can make accommodations to our recruitment process to better enable you to shine, please include this in your application.
For more information on Starlight’s commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, please visit our website. Here you will also find Starlight's vision for Reconciliation and our current Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Successful applicants will undertake a Working With Children Check and a National Police Check as they join the team and throughout their Starlight career.