Board Director (Treasurer)

Use your finance expertise to shape the future of contemporary art. Volunteer as Artspace's Board Treasurer and make a lasting impact.

About the role

The Board Director (Treasurer) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organisation’s financial management, sustainability and risk frameworks. As Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, the Treasurer supports the Board in meeting its fiduciary obligations and ensures robust financial governance in line with best practice not for profit standards and the expectations of government and philanthropic funders.

Works closely with: Eight Board members; Executive Director, Development Manager, General Manager; Finance Advisor & External Accountant; benefactors; corporate partners; foundations; and Government agencies.

Remuneration: Voluntary, Non-ExecutiveStart Date: 2026

About Artspace

Established in 1983, Artspace is a leading independent, not-for-profit contemporary art space, cultural partner and community resource located in Sydney on Gadigal land. We receive core support from the Federal Government through Creative Australia and the NSW Government through Create NSW. This funding is supplemented by valued contributions from our partners and benefactors.

Artspace is one of the leading institutions for the production and presentation of contemporary art in the Asia Pacific. Our expansive, multi-platform approach to programming includes new commissions, exhibitions, performances, studio residencies, publishing, public programs, learning and outreach initiatives, and advocacy. Artspace is where artists of all generations test new ideas and shape public conversation. Embracing risk, experimentation, collaboration and advocacy, our mission is to enhance culture and support community vibrancy through a deeper engagement with contemporary art.

Key Accountabilities

Board Director Responsibilities:

• Act in the best interests of the organisation and in furtherance of its artistic purpose and public benefit. 
• Contribute to Board decision-making on strategy, governance, organisational performance and risk.
• Ensure the organisation satisfies its legal, financial and regulatory obligations, including those associated with public funding.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, accountability and financial integrity.

Treasurer Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership on financial governance, financial sustainability and stewardship of organisational resources.
• Oversee the integrity of financial reporting, including budgets, forecasts, management accounts and annual financial statements.
• Ensure the Board has a clear understanding of the organisation’s financial position, risks and opportunities.
• Support the Board in maintaining appropriate reserves, cash-flow management and financial controls.

Chair, Finance and Audit Committee:

• Chair the Finance and Audit Committee and lead its work in support of the Board.
• Oversee the annual budgeting process and longer-term financial planning, including scenario and risk analysis.
• Oversee external audit and review processes and liaise with external auditors as required.
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place for financial management, internal controls, compliance and risk management.
• Report clearly and regularly to the Board on Committee deliberations, findings and recommendations.

Strategic Contribution:

• Provide ad hoc oversight and advice on financial strategy, funding mix, organisational sustainability and major initiatives.
• Support management in navigating complex financial matters while maintaining a clear non-executive governance role.
• Contribute professional expertise to strengthen the organisation’s capacity to manage public and philanthropic investment responsibly.

Time Commitment:

• Up to five (5) Board meetings per year (in person attendance is preferred).
• Up to ten (10) Finance and Audit Committee meetings per year, (remote attendance).
• Additional time for preparation, ad hoc consultation and strategic contribution as required.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

Essential:

• Current professional qualifications and membership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, or an equivalent recognised accounting body.
• Strong understanding of financial management, audit, risk and compliance in a not-for-profit context.
• Ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly to a diverse Board.
• Capacity to actively contribute time and expertise to the role.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience in board-level governance, preferably within the not-for-profit or arts sector.
• Graduate or Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD/MAICD) or equivalent governance qualification.
• Experience chairing a board committee, particularly Finance and Audit.
• Familiarity with the operating and funding environment for contemporary arts organisations in Australia.

To Apply

Artspace is an inclusive employer that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and people from culturally diverse communities. 

Applications should include:

• CV (max two pages)
• A separate document addressing the Selection Criteria (max two pages)
• Contact information for two referees

Send applications directly to [email protected] with the subject line: ‘Confidential Application: Board Director (Treasurer)’

Applications close 31 July 2026.