Circus Centre Manager

Flying Fruit Fly Circus is seeking a visionary and hands-on Circus Centre Manager to lead the launch and daily operations of Circus Centre Melbourne.

Circus Centre Manager

Full-time |  $90,000 + super |  Collingwood, VIC

Lead the launch and operations of a bold new space for contemporary circus in Australia

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is seeking a visionary and hands-on Circus Centre Manager to lead the launch and daily operations of Circus Centre Melbourne – a new creative hub for circus artists, companies, and communities.

This is a brand-new leadership role, perfect for someone who wants to shape something from the ground up and play a central role in the future of circus in Australia.

About Circus Centre Melbourne

Located at 50 Perry Street, Collingwood – a landmark building developed as a home for Circus Oz – Circus Centre Melbourne is being reimagined as a shared, thriving hub for contemporary circus.

Now led by the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, the Centre will provide a collaborative and professional space for artists, companies, and the broader circus and physical theatre sector. Circus Oz remains a key resident company, with room for more to join in the future.

Circus Centre Melbourne will be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming – a space where diverse cultures, ideas, and artists can flourish. 

The Role

As Circus Centre Manager, you’ll work closely with the CEO and Executive Team to:

• Oversee the final stages of development and fit-out of the Centre
• Design and implement core programming
• Build relationships with artists, funders, and government stakeholders
• Manage day-to-day operations and lead a small, dynamic team
• Develop strategic and business plans for the Centre’s future
• Promote the Centre’s activities and profile through targeted marketing campaigns

You’ll be the public face of the Centre – a connector, organiser, and creative leader helping to shape a home for the next chapter of Australian circus.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll bring:

• Proven leadership experience in an arts or cultural organisation
• Understanding of contemporary circus or physical theatre in Australia
• Great people skills and confidence in managing stakeholders
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, or public venues
• Strategic thinking, initiative, and operational know-how
• A commitment to inclusive, culturally safe practice

Bonus points for:

• Experience launching a new venue or program
• Familiarity with the CaPT sector
• Passion for artist-led practice and creative risk-taking

Why Join the Fruit Flies?

• Lead a major new initiative in Australian circus
• Join a respected national organisation with a proud 45-year legacy
• Work in a creative, values-driven team environment
• Make a lasting impact on the future of the sector

Please download and read the full Position Description before applying.

To arrange a time for a confidential discussion about the role, contact Richard Hull, CEO: rhull@fruitflycircus.com.au