Job Details

Listed

Jan 22, 2025

Location

Melbourne

Salary

Negotiable / Not set

Closing Date

Feb 19, 2025

Australian Art Orchestra

Executive Director

Are you AAO's next Executive Director?

The Australian Art Orchestra is seeking a dynamic Executive Director (ED) to join our passionate organisation as we enter our fourth decade. 

The ED will work closely with AAO Artistic Director Aaron Choulai to drive strategic growth, oversee financial sustainability, and manage our dedicated team in delivering the AAO’s transformative and forward-thinking arts programming model. 

Key Qualities

The Executive Director (ED) plays a vital role in building and delivering the AAO’s strategic and artistic goals. They are accountable for the organisation’s operational, financial, and administrative functions, while collaborating with the Board of Directors and the Artistic Director to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with the AAO’s mission to champion the vibrant culture of creative music in Australia. 

The ED is responsible for managing relationships with government funding bodies, philanthropic partners, donors, community stakeholders and sponsors, and securing funding from diverse sources to ensure sustainability for the organisation. They also oversee daily operations within our core team, human resources, and the implementation of effective systems to support the AAO’s artistic and business objectives. 

Applicants should demonstrate experience in a senior leadership role within an arts or cultural organisation, an interest in nonprofit executive leadership, knowledge surrounding the Australian arts sector, exceptional financial management and organisational skills, and a commitment to community engagement. 

The AAO is committed to diversity and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership and Governance; development and review of strategic and business plans with the AD and the Board, build relationships with key stakeholders and partnerships, oversee board operations, promote AAO’s productions locally, nationally and internationally, demonstrate exceptional communication skills. 
  • Financial Management, Fundraising, Sponsorship and Income Generation
  • Operational and Administrative Management; proven ability to work closely with the Artistic Director, the Board of Directors and our small core team. 
  • Marketing and Communications; development and implementation of promotional strategies to highlight the AAO’s activities and programs locally, nationally and internationally.
  • Human Resources; Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, ensuring compliance with workplace policies and legal obligations.
  • Oversee Artistic Programming and Project Support.
  • Community Engagement; an existing knowledge of the Australian music scene is desired.

Essential Qualifications Include:

  • Proven experience in a senior leadership role within an arts or cultural organisation.
  • Exceptional financial management skills, including budget planning, grant reporting, and financial compliance.
  • Demonstrated success in securing funding from diverse sources, including grants, sponsorships, and philanthropy.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with a track record of successful partnerships.
  • Experience in managing organisational operations and implementing effective systems.
  • Proficiency in digital tools and platforms (e.g., Asana, Microsoft Office, Dropbox, Hubdoc).
  • Strong understanding of governance practices and compliance with regulatory requirements.

About Us

The Australian Art Orchestra (AAO) is Australia’s premier creative music ensemble. Celebrating improvisation as a practice that connects us across borders of culture and art forms, AAO seeks to define a unified musical language – representative of the diversity of artists and artistic practice in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific. Entering its fourth decade, the AAO is now led by the acclaimed and artistically fearless pianist/composer Aaron Choulai. Through cross-cultural collaborations, interdisciplinary projects and works that explore new creative territories, AAO interrogates the spaces in between improvised and notated forms, finding new pathways of experimentation across musical languages, artistic disciplines and cultures. The AAO is entering a new phase of expansion both here in Australia and overseas. We are seeking someone who can meet and drive this ambition with us.

Application Process

A full information pack can be found here on the AAO website. 

Please provide us with the following as part of the EOI process:

  • Cover letter (no more than 2 pages, including contact details)
  • Current CV
  • Two references
  • A response to the selection criteria* (see below)

Selection Criteria:

  • Why this role, and why now?
  • Tell us of your experience in growing an organisation and what were the key factors in your success?
  • What is your vision for the AAO, and how will you ensure AAO’s future financial and organisational stability?
  • How will you develop and maintain philanthropic support, partnerships and stakeholder relationships?
  • What is your experience in financial management? (i.e. budgeting, reporting, forecasting)
  • How will you ensure a smooth operational structure within our organisation, and that the AAO is in compliance with current government legislation?
  • How will you lead the team, ensuring a safe, accessible and inclusive working environment across daily operations?

Application closing date: February 19th

First and Second Round Interviews: Week of March 1st

Successful candidate notified: Week of March 27th

Role commences: May 5th

To submit your application, please refer to the full information pack, and email all of the above materials to applications@aao.com.au

For more information, please email us at info@aao.com.au