Chief Executive Officer

We are seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter.

Salary: $180,000 plus superannuation  Location: Naarm (Melbourne), with national and international travel  Applications close: Midnight, Friday 17 October 2025  Identified Role – Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only

Agency Projects is seeking a dynamic, visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next chapter of impact, growth, and cultural leadership. This is an exceptional opportunity for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leader to guide a nationally respected First Nations organisation grounded in values of self-determination, cultural diplomacy, and creative excellence.

ABOUT AGENCY

Agency is a not-for-profit organisation celebrating and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and people on local, national and international platforms. Established in 2019 and based in Naarm (Melbourne), Agency operates with a strong commitment to community connection, sector impact, and cultural integrity.

With a national footprint, Agency works primarily in the visual arts sector with individual artists, community-based arts centres, and cultural leaders. Our projects span exhibitions, cultural programs, creative labs, performances, workshops and residencies across remote, regional, and urban contexts.

Internationally, Agency has presented work at major biennales, triennials, art fairs, and diplomatic platforms, and continues to build reciprocal partnerships with First Nations communities and cultural institutions globally.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leads the overall strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Agency Projects. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with a dedicated team, the CEO ensures that Agency delivers high-quality programs, deepens sector impact, and remains financially and culturally sustainable.

We are seeking a confident cultural leader with strong sector experience, operational expertise, and the ability to advocate and influence at the highest levels.

The CEO will:

• Provide culturally grounded and values-driven leadership across the organisation
• Deliver an annual program of projects that reflect Agency’s mission and respond to the needs of artists and communities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with artists, arts centres, community leaders, funders, government, philanthropy, and national and international partners
• Oversee organisational operations, including budgeting, staffing, planning and evaluation
• Strengthen governance and compliance in partnership with the Board
• Drive fundraising and development to ensure Agency’s long-term sustainability
• Contribute to national advocacy efforts in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts sector

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Strategy

• Set and implement the strategic direction of the organisation in alignment with its values and mission
• Lead a small, committed team with integrity and care, fostering a culturally safe and responsive workplace
• Represent Agency with influence and clarity in public forums, partnerships, and media
• Champion First Nations self-determination and cultural authority in all aspects of the organisation’s work

Programs and Partnerships

• Ensure high-quality delivery of Agency’s programs and projects across diverse contexts
• Grow partnerships with local, national, and international collaborators
• Develop new initiatives that create opportunities for First Nations artists and amplify sector impact
• Embed cultural protocols and community consultation in all programming

Operations and Governance

• Manage operational systems including finance, HR, risk and compliance
• Work closely with the Board to uphold best-practice governance
• Lead organisational planning, policy development, and reporting
• Develop and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with the finance team

Development and Sustainability

• Diversify income streams through government, philanthropy, earned income and sponsorship
• Lead funding applications and acquittals
• Build relationships with key funders, supporters, and donors
• Plan for long-term sustainability and resilience

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

We encourage applications from individuals with a broad range of experience, whether from within the visual arts sector, cultural institutions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations, or national leadership roles.

Essential skills and attributes include:

• Strong and respected leadership grounded in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge
• Experience leading teams and organisations with a focus on cultural integrity and care
• Deep understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts sector
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver strategic plans and lead program development
• Financial literacy and experience overseeing budgets, staffing, and compliance
• Excellent relationship management skills, with confidence engaging diverse stakeholders
• Track record in fundraising, development, or partnership building
• Commitment to advancing the rights, visibility and creative agency of First Nations people

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (e.g. arts, business, community development, cultural leadership) are welcomed but not essential. Equivalent lived experience, cultural authority and sector leadership will be highly regarded.

WHY JOIN AGENCY

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Australia’s most respected First Nations arts organisations at a time of national and international growth. You will be joining a community of artists, Elders, producers, curators, and advocates who are shaping the future of art, culture, and Indigenous-led change.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a values-driven organisation with a national and global reputation
• Work directly with some of the country’s most exciting First Nations artists and arts centres
• Grow the international visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture
• Influence policy, sector development and cultural diplomacy outcomes
• Be supported by a dedicated Board, expert partners, and a talented team

HOW TO APPLY

To request the full Candidate Pack or arrange a confidential conversation about the role, please email merindahdonnelly@hotmail.com or call Merindah Donnelly on 0414 804 104.

Applications close Friday 17 October 2025 at midnight (AEDT).

We strongly encourage early expressions of interest and are committed to a culturally safe and supportive recruitment process.