Quinn, who joined the club at the commencement of the 1999 season, will remain with the club until the completion of the 2008 season.
""John feels the time is right to look at other opportunities and we understand and accept that,"" Essendon chief operating officer Travis Auld said.
""He has been a part of this club for the best part of a decade and we thank him for his contribution.
""Both John and the club agreed it is appropriate to make this decision public now so that, as a club, we can commence the process of finding the best person for the job.
""The football department has undergone some significant change in recent times and we see this as an opportunity to continue to build for the future.""
Quinn said he had enjoyed his time at the club and that he would look at new opportunities over the next few months and is excited about the future.
""It has been a very rewarding period of my life but the time is right to start looking at what is next from a career perspective,"" Quinn said.
""I have really enjoyed my time with the club and I would particularly like to thank all the players I have worked with so closely, the coaches and other staff.
""I have become a better person while being at Essendon and I hope I will leave the club in a stronger position for having been here.""
