PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE – VENUE LEAD

• Picton location / South West Sydney
• Permanent full-time position
• Salary commencing from $126,159 + 12% Superannuation
• 35-hour week with flex-time system and hybrid working arrangements

About the opportunity:

We are seeking an inspiring Performing Arts Venue Lead to oversee the operations, people and creative heartbeat of our Performing Arts Centre. This pivotal role balances operational excellence with dynamic people leadership, delivering world-class performances while nurturing a welcoming, inclusive space for community, civic and cultural events. You will lead a high performing team, manage budgets, compliance, WHS and risk, and drive policies that support seamless venue operations. From curating a vibrant and diverse program to maximising venue utilisation, securing funding, strengthening partnerships and elevating the Centre’s professional reputation, you will shape the Performing Arts Centre as a cultural cornerstone for the region. Working collaboratively across Council, arts bodies, businesses and marketing teams, you will champion innovation, connection and excellence, ensuring the Performing Arts Centre shines as both a creative hub and a treasured community asset.

To succeed in this position, you will meet the following criteria:

• University degree qualifications and/or extensive experience in performing arts centre management or similar venue and event management experience at a senior level.
• Experience in a leadership role providing direction for performing arts venues to be able to drive utilisation as well as establish connections with the broader arts industry to ensure the ongoing visitation of the venue.
• Demonstrated exceptional communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate and influence at all organisational levels.
• Demonstrated experience in building and leading positive, inclusive and high-performing teams, including fostering strong workplace culture.
• Strong capabilities in collaboration and relationship building to establish, drive and maintain partnerships with a wide range of external stakeholders to deliver positive community outcomes
• Experience in creating effective relationships with community groups and commercial hirers.
• Proven ability to plan, organise, set priorities and manage time so that objectives are achieved in an agreed timeframe.
• Capacity to work collaboratively across a large organisation.
• Demonstrated high level budget management skills and experience.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Current Working with Children Check or willingness and ability to obtain

What we can offer you:

Located on Sydney’s southern fringe, Wollondilly Shire Council spans 2,560 km² of natural bushland, scenic waterways, and vibrant, welcoming communities.

Delivering exceptional, high-performing services to our community is fundamental in what we do. We continuously seek opportunities to strengthen our service delivery and require experienced and qualified professionals to join us in Making Wollondilly even better, together. We actively cultivate a positive and supportive work environment, providing a variety of benefits to support, reward and actively engage our workforce including;

• Learn, develop and grow your career with our Growth Learning Program
• Be acknowledged in our STAR Reward and Recognition program
• Participate in our Educational Assistance Program
• Stay connected with our Health and Wellbeing programs
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program

Want to find out more?

Further Information: Michelle Sheehan, Manager Community, Arts and Tourism, 0405 149 599

Closing Date: 5pm Monday, 26 January 2026

Only applications received via Council’s online recruitment platform will be considered. To apply for this position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident, or have unlimited work rights in Australia without visa restrictions.

All positions are engaged Monday to Sunday (except otherwise stated) in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to complete pre-employment checks which include a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol screening), police clearance, qualification and bankruptcy verification, and a valid WWCC.

Wollondilly Shire Council is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and diverse workplace culture. We uphold our responsibility as a child-safe organisation, dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children and young people. We encourage applications from First Nations peoples, individuals with disability, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. We actively provide reasonable adjustments ensuring applicants are supported throughout the recruitment process.

Note: Candidates using mobile devices are strongly advised to use a desktop computer to complete the application forms as they require extensive amounts of typing.