Director of Programming

Opera Queensland is seeking a dynamic, creative leader to join our company in the new role of Director of Programming.

Opera Queensland is seeking a dynamic, creative leader to join our company in the new role of Director of Programming. This role leads the planning and delivery of the company’s artistic programs across mainstage, learning, regional and community activities.

This senior leadership role will deliver annual and multi-year artistically ambitious programming aligned with Opera Queensland’s strategic objectives.

As the leader of the Programming team, you will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the CEO & Artistic Director and Head of Music overseeing producing, contracting and event delivery across all OQ’s performance roster. You will be responsible for delivering programs on time and within budget, while ensuring access, inclusion and strong regional, education and community engagement.

The role plays a key part in building and sustaining relationships with artists, agents, venues, regional partners and community stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for collaborations and co-productions that build upon Opera Queensland’s national and international reputation.

About Us

Opera Queensland is one of Australia’s major arts organisations. Presenting work around Australia and with a growing slate of international performances, we embrace opera’s extraordinary emotional and collaborative energy. Working in spaces as intimate as a recital studio or grand as the Outback, we set out to redefine what opera can be for a modern audience. Located in the heart of Brisbane’s South Bank cultural precinct, Opera Queensland enjoys creative partnerships with multiple arts organisations, festivals and presenters across and beyond Queensland.

Opera Queensland is connected through its values and behaviours:

• Creativity: We create opportunities for artists, a space to play, experiment and be ambitious. We embrace difference, take risks, inspiring the community to explore and imagine new possibilities.

• Respect: Our relationships are built upon listening, empathy, trust, and inclusiveness. Integrity is central to everything we do. We are accountable, committed and fair.

• Collaboration: Opera is a multifaceted art form, requiring a myriad of different skills. Working with our partners generates new ideas and opportunities, enabling all to achieve more than we could alone.

• Virtuosity: We are focused, rigorous and questioning. We are committed to the highest standard of excellence in our art and our business.

• Joy: We delight in our work. Joy and happiness are a vital ingredient of what we do, create and give.

About You 

• Minimum of five years demonstrated senior-level experience in programming or arts management within a performing arts organisation or venue.

• Demonstrated producing skills across multi-strand portfolio including contracting and budget accountability.

• High-level communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills (oral and written), an ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders and dealing efficiently and tactfully with sensitive and confidential matters.

• Strong knowledge of the performing arts sector. 

• Strong empathy with artists and the artistic process.

• Excellent time management skills, initiative and organisational abilities with a willingness to work outside of traditional business hours. 

• Open Driver’s Licence  

• Blue card – Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain). 

Travel and Outside Office Hours Work 

• Due to the nature of the organisation, it is a requirement of the position to attend and/or support events, productions, rehearsals and other business activities outside of normal office hours.

• Due to the nature of the organisation and this position, it is a requirement of the position to attend and/or support events, productions, rehearsals and other business activities outside of Brisbane City, including regional Queensland.

Additional Benefits

As a valued member of our team, you can enjoy flexible work options, complimentary tickets and access to wellbeing activities and learning and development programs, including our Employee Assistance Program.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should upload via the Seek website a detailed CV outlining relevant experience and a cover letter of no more than two pages demonstrating your suitability and outlining how your experience aligns with the objectives of the role.

A full position description is available on Opera Queensland’s website. 

Applications to be received no later than COB Monday 9 February 2026.  

Interviews will be held Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 February 2026.

Applications are open to those with full-working rights in Australia. Opera Queensland is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

For further enquiries contactAdam Tucker, Executive Director (07) 3735 3030, [email protected]