The Western Australian Museum has appointed a new director to head its Foundation.

Ms Jane Harris returns to her home State to take up this key role with WA’s largest cultural institution and brings to the position a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit sector in leadership, strategic planning, marketing, corporate partnership development and philanthropy.

Ms Harris will lead the WA Museum Foundation as it seeks to encourage public investment in the organisation through corporate partnerships, donations, gifts and bequests.

Most recently, Ms Harris was fundraising director with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation in Melbourne where she tripled the Foundation’s donor base from 3,000 to 10,000, attracting thousands of new donors through successful direct-marketing campaigns, and exceeded the annual fundraising target by $1.3 million.

WA Museum Foundation chair, Professor Tracey Horton said the appointment signalled an era of growth and change for the Museum.

“Jane brings great strategic ability, energy and enthusiasm to the WA Museum Foundation at a critical point in our development,” Professor Horton said.

“Her track record in developing business partnerships will be particularly valuable in expanding our resources in ways that benefit the broader community.”

The Museum’s recently appointed CEO, Alec Coles, said private and public partnerships were crucial to realising the Museum’s full potential as a cultural institution that Western Australians can be proud of.

“The Foundation’s work is critical to the future of the Museum,” Mr Coles said.

“As we seek to realise the full potential of our extraordinary collections and engage ever wider audiences, the Foundation can help us build key strategic relationships with business and with the people of WA.

“Our success depends both on effective teamwork and collaborations with the right partners.”

Ms Harris said she looked forward to the challenge of growing community support for the Museum.

“The Museum is a dynamic cultural institution that enriches the life of our community,” she said. “This role gives me the opportunity to contribute to its growth and I am extremely excited to be joining the Foundation.”

She will take up the position in March, 2011.

Media Contact: Caroline Lacy on (08) 92123730 or 0414 381761.