CEO

Wama Foundation is looking for an experienced CEO, for the rare opportunity to shape the future of its newly opened art and environment precinct.

Wama Foundation is a not-for-profit art and environment precinct, situated in proximity to the culturally, ecologically and geologically significant Gariwerd/Grampians National Park.

Wama Foundation includes the National Centre for Environmental Art — Australia’s first gallery exclusively dedicated to showcasing and reflecting on artistic narratives concerning the natural world — the Gariwerd/Grampians Endemic Botanic Garden, Jallukar Native Grasslands, ephemeral wetland, native bushland, café, and shop.

Wama opened to the public in June 2025 and is funded by donations and ticket/retail sales, along with potential project specific grants.

Acknowledgement

Wama acknowledges the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the gallery and gardens are located. We honour their ongoing care and connection to the lands and waters of Gariwerd, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

 Overview of the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer’s primary role is to ensure the newly opened Wama Foundation becomes an art and environment precinct of national standing.

The CEO will be responsible for Wama’s financial success, and for building a strong regional profile for Wama through connections within the local and visitor economies, and the artistic and environmental communities.

Key deliverables include success in the following areas: development and delivery of Wama’s strategic and artistic direction, visitor experience, profile building, operations management, and financial development.

Key Deliverables

• Strategic and Artistic Direction:
  • Develop and implement long-term strategic plans to position Wama as a leading, National visitor destination for art and the environment.
  • Lead the artistic direction of Wama, including the curatorial strategy to develop and deliver a diverse and engaging exhibition program in the environmental art space.
  • Collaborate with the Board to establish and achieve organisational goals and objectives.

• Visitor Experience:
  • Prioritise and enhance the visitor experience focussing on providing accessible and inspiring art and garden experiences along with café, retail and venue hire opportunities.
  • Develop and implement an exciting supporting program of events and activities (including school programs and children’s nature play activities) that sees constant growth in reputation and visitor numbers.

• Profile Building:
  • Develop and implement a marketing and communications program to raise awareness and intention to visit among target markets.
  • Engage with the relevant art, environment, government and tourism agencies and community groups to ensure Wama is recognised and included in their plans as a priority visitor precinct.
  • Undertake Cultural consultation.
  • Represent Wama with the media and at events, conferences, and industry forums.

• Operations Management:
  • Deliver an annual operations plan and budget for Board approval.
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective functioning of all departments.
  • Manage the budget and financial resources, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
  • Manage the human resources function and senior leadership team to maximise capability and retention.
  • Engage and manage contract or guest curators to deliver the exhibition program.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to support the smooth operation of the precinct.
  • Oversee the acquisition and deaccessioning of artworks in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Develop and implement a volunteer program.

• Financial Development:
  • Grow paying visitor numbers and venue hire events to ensure ongoing financial viability.
  • Work closely with the board of directors and patron to refine, develop, and implement a fundraising and philanthropy strategy and program.
  • Seek grant opportunities and develop applications to secure funding for exhibitions, programs, and operational needs.

Other relevant information

• The successful applicant will be subject to a six-month probationary period.
• Employment will be subject to a National Police Check and Working with Children Check.
• Wama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Selection Criteria

Demonstrated experience in the deliverables listed above.

In addition:

• A minimum of 5 years senior leadership experience in a similar role, preferably within the not-for-profit, arts or cultural sector.
• Relevant Bachelor’s degree as a minimum.
• Current Australian Driver’s licence.

To Apply

For further information please contact Ange Turrell, Wama’s Interim CEO on 0429 521 121

Applications should include:

• CV including applicant’s contact information
• Cover letter addressing key selection criteria

Please note that a minimum of two professional referees will be requested upon shortlisting.

Applications should be sent by email to careers@wamafoundation.com.au with the subject line:  Application: Wama Foundation CEO

Applications to be submitted by 22 August 2025.