Executive Director

North Australian Festival of Arts seeks an Executive Director to lead strategy, operations and growth of our bold cultural impact in North Queensland.

Executive Director North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

Townsville, Queensland

Full-time | $120,000 – $150,000 + superannuation (negotiable)

About the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

Since its inception in 2019, the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) has become a creativepowerhouse, drawing over 300,000 audience members, providing opportunities for nearly6000 artists, and contributing more than $37.2M to the local economy. It has firmly cementedits place as a signature event in Townsville, offering a vibrant and ever-evolving celebration ofthe community’s artistic spirit and cultural richness.

About the Role

The North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) is seeking an exceptional full time Executive Director to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth, ambition and cultural impact.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia’s most distinctive regional festivals. NAFA is place-based, community-connected and nationally respected for its commitment to artistic excellence, First Nations leadership and meaningful cultural engagement. With a highly engaged board and dedicated stakeholders, the festival aims to become Queensland’s most iconic destination event, focused clearly on the uniqueness of regional Australia and its spectacular natural environment.

The Executive Director is the organisation’s operational, financial and strategic leader, responsible for ensuring the festival is financially sound, well governed and operationally robust. Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director, the Executive Director translates artistic ambition into viable plans, systems and resources that allow the festival to thrive.

Based in Townsville, the role leads the organisation across governance, finance, partnerships, operations and organisational culture.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will:

• Lead organisational strategy and execution
• Oversee financial management, budgeting and sustainability
• Ensure strong governance, compliance and risk management
• Build and lead a high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee operational delivery of festival activities
• Develop strategic partnerships with government, philanthropic and sector stakeholders
• Work in close co-leadership with the Artistic Director

About You

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic thinking with practical execution and a passion for the arts.

You will bring:

• At least five years’ experience in executive leadership
• Strong financial and governance capability
• Experience managing complex operations and organisational risk
• Outstanding people leadership skills
• The ability to work collaboratively in a co-leadership model

Experience in the arts, cultural or festival sector is highly valued, though exceptional leaders from aligned sectors are encouraged to apply.

Cultural Commitment

NAFA is deeply committed to First Nations leadership, cultural protocols and ethical engagement with community. The Executive Director plays an important role in ensuring these commitments are embedded across the organisation’s work.

Location

Townsville, Queensland

Flexible hybrid working arrangements may be negotiated.

Salary

$120,000 – $150,000 + superannuation (negotiable depending on experience).

Applications

To apply, please submit:

• CV
• A brief statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience

For the full position description and application details, visit our website.

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 5 April 2026.