Assistant Director (Operations and Program)

Firstdraft is looking for an early-career arts leader with a background in exhibition install to join our team.

Position: Assistant Director – Operations and ProgramPosition Type: Full-timeSalary Range: $77,000 – $80,000 plus statutory superannuationHours: (35 hrs p/w) Tuesday – Saturday, some after-hours and event work expected Location: Woolloomoolloo, Sydney Reports to: Director  Direct Reports: Gallery Facilities Coordinator

About Firstdraft

Firstdraft is where the future of contemporary art emerges, through a program that champions experimentation, risk and inclusion. Established in 1986, and currently located in Woolloomooloo, on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, Firstdraft presents a range of onsite and online programs that further critical ideas and practices in contemporary art across exhibition-making, publishing, residencies, public programs, live events, and First Peoples-led programs. Firstdraft supports artistic experimentation at all levels — from early-career artists presenting their first exhibition, to more established practitioners testing new ideas and ways of working. Firstdraft is a not-for-profit organisation that embeds principles of accessibility, diversity and inclusivity across its program and operations to promote creativity within a supportive and professional environment.

Find out more about Firstdraft here

About the Position

The Assistant Director (Operations and Program) coordinates the production, administration, logistics and project management required to support Firstdraft’s day-to-day operations and successful delivery of the artistic program. The Assistant Director (Operations and Program) participates in exhibition call-out assessment alongside Firstdraft’s Director and Artist Advisory Committee, playing a critical role in shaping the Firstdraft annual program. This role oversees facilities management with the support of the Gallery Facilities Coordinator and provides install support for exhibiting artists. 

Why Firstdraft?

• Agency in your work: This role offers a high level of autonomy, allowing you to shape and implement your ideas.
• Flexibility: a responsive and flexible Time-off in lieu policy, a collaborative team environment and reasonable personal leave provision with a generous 10-day Creative Leave provision to support your projects outside of work.
• Impactful Work: Join a not-for-profit arts organisation that is passionate about making a difference in the sector and helping early-career artist’s voices thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Project management and artistic program support
• Facilities management and venue maintenance 
• General Administration and day-to-day operations management 

Selection Criteria

This role is well-suited to an early-career arts leader who takes an empathetic approach and is interested in utilising and developing their skills in artist management, exhibition installation and facilities management. Our ideal candidate is connected to the Sydney art community and has an ability to build a strong rapport with artists. They are invested in the long-term sustainability of the contemporary arts sector with a comprehensive understanding of the current climate.

Key Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent work experience.
• Understanding of Workplace Health and Safety and commitment to workplace safety
• Experience in project management 
• Experience working with artists
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills 
• Demonstrated experience with exhibition installation, including audiovisual equipment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, creative team.
• Empathetic and community-minded approach 

Desirable criteria

• Current NSW Driver’s Licence or equivalent.
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate or willingness to obtain;
• First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain

Click Here to read the full job description 

To Apply

To apply please submit the following to [email protected]:

• A CV (max 2 pages) 
• A cover letter (max 2 pages) telling us about yourself and your suitability for the role

If you would like more information, please contact Caity Reynolds, Director, [email protected] +61 (02) 8970 2999. 

Applications close 5:00 pm Thursday, 12 February 2026