General Manager

Byron Writers Festival is seeking a General Manager to support the organisation's strategic objectives and day-to-day operations.

Overview 

As Australia’s favourite regional writers festival, Byron Writers Festival attracts thousands of audiences annually to experience the best in literature and shared moments of human connection. 

Presented on Bundjalung Country, Byron Writers Festival is central to the literary, cultural and intellectual life of the Northern Rivers region and connects Byron with a national and international literary culture.

Through our year-round programs we celebrate writing and storytelling, engage audiences with new ideas, and enhance access to literature. We have four flagship programs: the annual Byron Writers Festival, our free creative writing program for children StoryBoard, professional development services for Festival Friends members, and our annual residential mentorship opportunity.

Role Purpose

Working closely with the Artistic Director, the General Manager supports the organisation to meet its strategic objectives and is responsible for day-to-day operational management. This includes human resourcing, financial management, supporting grant applications and acquittals, governance administration, risk management and compliance, oversight of festival venues and event production, volunteer and contractor management, and administrative processes.

This is a full time position, howeve flexibility can be negotiated. The Byron Writers Festival office is located in Byron Bay, New South Wales.  

Key Accountabilities

• Oversee financial management, budgeting, and reporting to ensure long-term sustainability
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications and acquittals
• Lead HR processes and support a high performance team and a constructive culture
• Lead implementation and management of volunteer program
• Lead management of all contractors and external suppliers
• Oversee site, venue and production management for the festival and year-round events
• Provide secretariat services to the Board, administration of meetings, preparation of reports, and other governance requirements
• Lead review and implementation of effective risk management policies and processes
• Ensure efficient and effective administrative procedures
• Manage all organisational assets and ensure timely and regular maintenance
• Oversee technical requirements of the organisation and provide relevant support

Key Selection Criteria

• Proven track record in arts sector leadership
• Experience in event production and onsite delivery of a major event
• Experience in leading high-performing teams with strong organisational culture
• Highly developed communication skills
• Strong operational management skills and proven track record in delivering best practice operational and business administration
• Sound financial, risk management and governance skills and experience

How To Apply

View the position description.

Please send your application to admin@byronwritersfestival.com with your name and the role title in the file name. Please include a cover letter with responses to the selection criteria (two pages max.) and CV with details of referees combined into one document. 

Applications close Monday 10 November at midday 12PM AEDT.

Interviews will take place on 13, 14 and 17 November. Please advise in your cover letter if you are unavailable on these dates.

For a discussion about the role please contact Jessica Alice, Artistic Director, on 02 6685 5115.

Byron Writers Festival is committed to building an inclusive workplace environment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people from underrepresented backgrounds. We know that many talented people only apply for jobs when there is an exact match. If you don’t fit all the criteria but believe this role is for you, we would very much like to hear from you.