General Manager

We’re searching for an exemplary arts professional who can lead the delivery of our strategic business, cultural and artistic objectives and who recognises and values the important contribution that our programs make. We want an exceptionally motivated, effective, committed, influential and collaborative person to work passionately to help us achieve our goals and aspirations.

The General Manager works across all aspects of the organisation’s output and business operations

Term: Full Time, ongoing

Salary range: Circa $100,000 p/a + 10% superannuation

Accountability The General Manager reports to the Artistic Director/ CEO 

Direct reports: Administration, finance, communications and development staff

The Role

The General Manager reports to the Artistic Director/CEO and manages the organisation’s administrative staff including the administration, finance, communications and development staff. The General Manager plays an active and integral role in the success of Tura and its continuing leadership as a major, innovative, influential and internationally recognised contemporary arts company. The role provides a talented, passionate, creative and dynamic professional with the opportunity to directly advocate for, and contribute to, the growth of the cultural sector in Australia and beyond. The General Manager will support the Artistic Director, Board, staff and artists to achieve their shared artistic, creative and business goals.

This position has the capacity to grow and develop into a more senior leadership role in the future as Tura moves to a co-CEO model in 2-3 years’ time. This offers a great opportunity for a strong arts administrator to grow into a senior leader in the sector within this small to medium organisation. 

Key responsibilities: 

Work with the Artistic Director/ CEO to: 

• Foster a positive and flexible workplace culture that: promotes our organisational values and supports the business and creative objectives of the organisation
• Implement Tura’s strategic plan and monitor progress in relation to Key Performance Indicators
• Identify opportunities through grants, foundations, philanthropy, government and non-government agencies to secure funding for organisational initiatives
• Develop and maintain local, national and international networks and relationships to support the successful delivery of the organisation’s business and strategic objectives
• Oversee the organisation’s budgets and financial management 
• Provide strategic advice and input on advocacy and policy as well as issues relating to the industry and sector, including the organisation’s position
• Ensure the development and growth of Tura’s creative program
• Represent and advocate for the organisation at sector events, meetings, committees and in the media
• Anticipate future trends and operational needs and priorities and seek advice, plan and develop strategies to address those needs
• Conduct performance management, staff reviews, training and recruitment for the organisation
• Work with consultants to implement program evaluation to provide evidence for positive social impact of Tura’s programs 

Be responsible for: 

• Managing funding submissions, project oversight of funded activities and acquittals – including supporting Tura to retain Australia Council multi-year funding and achieve National Performing Arts Network status
• Management of head agreements and contracts with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Australia Council for the Arts
• Develop corporate and business plans with performance measures and targets to improve the operations and performance of the company
• Manage and delegate to administration staff and consultants
• Implement project and office management systems (including policies and procedures) with the assistance of Administration staff 
• Provide guidance in continuous improvement, compliance, risk management planning across business operations
• Prepare and monitor the organisation’s budgets and oversee bookkeeping and the preparation of reports for the Board as well as the audit processes 
• Assist the creative team with the practical delivery of artistic projects and outcomes as required
• Work with the Communications Coordinator to support and oversee marketing and promotion of Tura and its programs in line with the organisation’s Communications Plan 
• Ensure all contracts are in place with artists, partners and presenters and advocate for the organisation’s and project’s best interests
• Manage the wellbeing of personnel involved in Tura’s activities including but not limited to OHS, Duty of Care and Child Protection, professional development, and internal communications
• Liaise with the Company Secretary regarding processes for Board meetings, minutes and reports and management support
• Liaise with Finance Officer to ensure insurances are in place and at the appropriate level
• Be responsible for compliance with charitable law, company registration, and other legal obligations 

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Experience and a proven track record in arts management
• Highly efficient, effective, organised and reliable with careful attention to detail
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, relationship building and maintaining successful relationships funders and other partners
• Ability to lead a small team and support staff to achieve success 
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment as part of a team and independently
• Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills 
• Significant experience in producing or managing creative projects successfully within budget and to deadline 

Desirable

• Knowledge of and passion for music, sound art, cross-artform and interdisciplinary arts
• Understanding of Aboriginal cultural practices and protocols and/or experience working in regional or remote communities 
• Strong interest in the arts’ capacity to contribute to community development and positive social impact 
• Significant experience at an equivalent level in the contemporary arts sector with a strong track record in producing projects of scope and scale 
• Influential networks – both nationally and internationally
• Extensive professional writing skills to author funding submissions, acquittals and other company documents
• Substantial experience in financial and budget management
• An understanding of marketing and communications, including digital marketing, in an arts context 
• Experience working with boards or committees of management
• Sound working knowledge of contemporary cloud-based IT applications in a Mac environment
• Tertiary qualification in arts management or equivalent