CEO / Program Producer

Heaps Decent is seeking a dynamic CEO / Program Producer to drive strategy and deliver hands-on creative programs for young people.

About the Role

Employment Type: Part-time, 4 days per week (32 hours)

Location: Sydney

Salary: $74,880 per annum ($93,600 pro rata at 0.8 FTE) plus superannuation

Reports to: Board of Directors

Works closely with: Creative Lead, Community Outreach Manager, Artist Facilitators

Contract: Renewable 12-month contract, aligned with funding cycles and annual review

Heaps Decent

Founded in 2007, Heaps Decent is a registered charity and not-for-profit arts organisation empowering young people to build skills through access to culture, technology, and creativity.

Working across NSW, our participatory music and visual media programs provide pathways to discovery, growth, and agency through self-expression. We place young people at the centre, collaborating with artists to produce high-quality, meaningful work — from radio-ready tracks to powerful visuals — that reflect their voices, cultures, and lived experiences.

Respected across the music industry, education, justice, and community sectors, we offer an inspiring workplace for creative, curious, and socially engaged people. Together, we build wellbeing, connection, and community through creative expression.

Heaps Decent is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all young people participating in our program.

Position Summary

The CEO / Program Producer leads both strategic direction and program delivery. They are responsible for advancing the organisation’s mission, securing sustainability, and ensuring quality and integrity. This role manages a small, committed team and collaborates closely with artists, partners, and communities to deliver impactful creative projects across music, visual media, and digital arts. The CEO brings a passion for the role of the arts in community and wellbeing, and leads with creativity, care, and a strong commitment to social impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Drive the development and delivery of the organisation’s strategic plan
• Align operations and programming with mission, values, and long-term goals
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and increased impact
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders
• Represent the organisation publicly and advocate for young people’s access to the arts
• Monitor external trends and policy shifts to inform organisational response
• Work with the Board to support governance and provide regular reporting

Program Design & Delivery

• Oversee creative workshop delivery across multiple locations and formats
• Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive and youth centred
• Collaborate with staff, partners, and participants to shape creative direction
• Maintain community connection through on-the-ground engagement where relevant
• Lead systems for program evaluation, compliance, and safeguarding
• Manage program-related resources and assets

Team & Operational Management

• Foster an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture
• Manage and support a small program staff and artist facilitators
• Oversee recruitment, supervision, and performance management
• Promote staff wellbeing and professional development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and HR best practices

Financial Management

• Drive revenue growth through a diversified income strategy encompassing grants, philanthropic support, sponsorships, and individual giving
• Oversee budgeting, reporting, and financial systems
• Monitor cash flow and ensure appropriate allocation of resources
• Manage funding contracts, acquittals, and reporting
• Ensure compliance with ACNC, ATO, and regulatory requirements
• Work with the Treasurer and Board to support financial health and sustainability

Partnerships & Advocacy

• Strengthen the organisation’s profile across arts, youth, and community sectors
• Develop compelling messaging and storytelling for external audiences
• Build strategic partnerships with community organisations and agencies
• Grow philanthropic, donor, and sponsorship relationships
• Identify new funding and collaboration opportunities aligned with the mission

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Leadership experience in the arts, youth, or community sectors, with a demonstrated ability to guide vision, strategy, and program outcomes
• Track record in growing and diversifying not for profit revenue streams
• Experience in designing and delivering creative programs
• Strong commitment to equity, access and inclusion, with experience embedding these principles in organisational or program practice
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and support multidisciplinary teams, including staff, artists, and collaborators across diverse contexts
• Strategic and adaptive thinker, able to respond to changing environments while keeping programs aligned with mission and impact goals
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including public representation, relationship management, and advocacy
• Operational management experience in a small not-for-profit organisation
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Sound understanding of Australian not-for-profit governance and compliance, including working with a volunteer Board and meeting regulatory obligations

Desirable

• Familiarity with digital tools and creative technologies used in music, media, or visual arts programs
• Understanding of the intersections between arts, wellbeing, and social justice, and how creative practice can be used to address systemic inequities
• Familiarity with creative industry pipelines and career development pathways, particularly for young and emerging artists

Other Requirements

• Eligibility to work in Australia (must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work visa)
• Current Working with Children Check
• Current Australian Driver’s Licence
• Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work
• Willingness to travel regionally or interstate as required

Application Process

• Please email applications to jobs@heapsdecent.com
• Any questions you have about the role can also be sent to this email
• Include a response to selection criteria (maximum 3 pages), a CV and the names and contacts of 2 professional referees
• Please forward your application by the 25th of July 2025

Heaps Decent values equity and inclusion in our workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, and culturally and linguistically diverse applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for this position