Executive Director

Lead the Baaka Cultural and Art Centre in Wilcannia as the Executive Director, shape strategy, culture and community engagement on this landmark site.

Baaka Cultural and Art Centre, Wilcannia

The Baaka Cultural and Art Centre in Wilcannia is a landmark new project dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and sharing the living heritage of Barkintji Country and the wider Darling River region. Located at the historic Knox Downs site at the gateway to Wilcannia, the Centre stands as a community-led hub, delivering cultural, economic, and educational benefits for the Barkintji people and all residents of far western NSW.

Purpose-built with major infrastructure investment, the Centre features an Art Centre, Language Lab, gallery shop, café, permanent exhibition space, outdoor performance areas, and training facilities. Its striking architecture, inspired by the emu footprint and the river, provides a welcoming space for artists, Elders, community, and visitors to engage in tradition, contemporary practice, and storytelling. As a keeping place, it safeguards significant artefacts, supports language preservation and revitalisation, and serves as a platform for the next generation of creators and leaders.

Wilcannia itself is the cultural heart of Barkintji country. The community, situated on the banks of the Baaka (Darling River), is renowned for its deep history stretching back more than 40,000 years and its enduring legacy as a centre of art, Aboriginal history, and connection to land. Today, Wilcannia’s unique location on major tourism trails, along with its rich heritage, positions the Baaka Centre as both a focal point for local community empowerment and a national destination for cultural tourism, research, and reconciliation.

The Baaka Cultural and Art Centre was established to drive employment, youth engagement, social enterprise, and cultural exchange in Wilcannia and the wider region. Through partnerships with Elders, artists and regional stakeholders, the Centre is committed to creating lasting impact, strengthening Indigenous agency, and ensuring sustainable growth for the Barkintji people and all who call the Baaka home.

Position Details

• Position Title: Executive Director, Baaka Cultural Centre
• Location: Wilcannia, NSW (on-site, subsidised housing provided)
• Reports To: Baaka Cultural Centre Board of Directors
• Remuneration: Highly competitive, benchmarked circa $150,000 plus superannuation
• Employment Basis: Full-time, one-year contract (renewable, with annual performance review)
• Support: Housing and relocation assistance, generous annual leave, professional development

Position Purpose

The ED will provide strategic direction and hands-on operational management to maximise the Centre’s business performance and sustainable growth. This role is responsible for implementing the Board-approved business plan and activating enterprise opportunities across art sales, tourism, venue hire, retail, and training.

The ED will lead the effective launch and ongoing operationalisation of the Centre’s facilities and services, ensuring systems, staffing, and resources are aligned to deliver commercial, social, and community impact. Key objectives include driving financial sustainability through diversified revenue streams, developing partnerships and sponsorships, overseeing marketing and audience development, and ensuring governance and compliance.

The ED will monitor business metrics, proactively respond to market shifts, and report regularly to the Board on performance, risk, and outcomes. The role demands a results-focused professional able to build stakeholder relationships, lead major projects, and position the Baaka Cultural Centre as a productive, well-managed hub for innovation, community engagement, and economic development.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of Baaka Centre’s vision, strategy, business, training and sustainability plans in line with Board direction and Indigenous best practice frameworks.
• Champion Barkintji cultural values across operations.

Business, Finance & Governance

• Ensure robust financial management, asset protection, and compliance with relevant legislative requirements and Indigenous governance standards (e.g. ORIC).
• Diversify and optimise income streams including art sales, venue hire, grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, and tourism.
• Oversee financial reporting and sustainability metrics.

Centre Operations

• Oversee the integrated delivery of activities, programs, events, exhibitions, and services, ensuring high quality and cultural safety.
• Support and enable Art Centre and Language Centre Managers.
• Ensure sound facilities management and compliance.

People & Culture

• Lead recruitment, mentoring, and training delivery of a multidisciplinary team.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and safe work environment, prioritising Indigenous employment.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate strong relationships with Elders, artists, Barkintji community, local stakeholders, government partners, and funding bodies.
• Represent the Baaka Culture and Art Centre locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Drive marketing, media, and advocacy efforts.

Innovation & Impact

• Embed innovation in enterprise, arts programming, and cultural tourism.
• Monitor and report on impact and outcomes to Board, funders, and community.
• Advocate for the Centre’s role in reconciliation, community empowerment, and sector advancement.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in Indigenous cultural, arts, or community organisations—preferably remote/regional and including governance responsibilities.
• Proven track record in operational delivery, driving financial sustainability and business growth.
• Advanced stakeholder, relationship-building, and negotiation capability.
• Strong financial management and compliance knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-cultural teams and deliver outstanding community outcomes.
• An understanding of Indigenous cultural protocols, intellectual and cultural property principles, and strengths-based practice.
• Outstanding communication and advocacy skills.

Desirable

• Tertiary qualification in business, arts management, or related field.
• Experience in language revitalisation programming, digital engagement, or contemporary Indigenous arts markets.
• ORIC governance or comparable sector experience.

Remuneration and Employment Conditions

• Competitive salary package (negotiable, benchmarked to sector standards).
• Nine-day fortnight optional.
• Subsidised housing, relocation support, and professional development opportunity.

Application Process

How to apply

• Submit a current CV, cover letter, and address all selection criteria.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Confidential enquiries: Justine Campbell 0409 851 488
• Applications close Monday December 8th, 2025

Please email applications to [email protected]