Executive Director

Melbourne International Comedy Festival is, without rival, the premier comedy event in the southern hemisphere and counts amongst its peers the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal’s Just for Laughs.

Conceived to promote the comedic arts in Australia, the Festival has earned its global reputation through creative, eclectic programming. The organisation is active year-round with national and international touring, educational and artistic development programs complementing the presentation of the annual four-week festival which attracted over 735,000 comedy lovers in 2023.

The Executive Director joins the organisation at an exciting moment as the Festival approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, and seeks to expand its impact, profile and capacity in delivering enhanced comedic events and year-round activities.

Reporting to and working closely with the Festival Director/CEO Susan Provan and Board, the Executive Director sets the company’s strategic plan, harnessing organisational capacity to deliver positive outcomes for the organisation and broader comedy community.

The position is responsible for providing leadership and vision for all business functions and is tasked with the responsibility of driving short and long-term strategic, artistic, operational and business goals, increasing and diversifying income opportunities as well as establishing and monitoring broader planning processes.

Collaborating with key influencers and decision makers across industry, government, donors and commercial partners, the Executive Director is supported by an enthusiastic and committed team and Board to achieve the company’s vision, values and goals.

The senior national role requires proven executive leadership and management experience running an organisation or a division of a larger business with a turnover of $10m.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record and background in creating and delivering major event activations and successful artistic and commercial programs.

Strategic and financial acumen and a proven ability to drive and grow organisational performance within a healthy, dynamic culture and team is a must.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Vanessa Duscio, REA Consulting, on +61 409 977 312 or vanessa@rea-consulting.com, or Richard Evans, REA Consulting, on +61 417 336 507 or richardevans@rea-consulting.com, for a confidential discussion about the role and their potential candidacy. All enquiries are treated confidentially.

For a detailed profile – download the Candidate Pack here, including Key Selection Criteria and instructions on how to apply.

Applications close midnight on 12 May, 2024.

This is a full-time position located in the heart of Naarm/Melbourne. One-off relocation contribution is available should it be required.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival welcomes and encourages applications from people with disability, the LGBTQI+ communities, from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.