General Manager

Tactile Arts is looking for an experienced General Manager to lead one of Darwin's most loved arts organisations. Full or part time considered

About Tactile Arts

Tactile Arts is a member-based, not-for-profit organisation that has been championing contemporary art and craft in Darwin and the Northern Territory since 1973. We run a rich year-round program of exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, three retail spaces, and the beloved Makers Markets – all from our gallery and studios in the grounds of MAGNT.

With a 300+ strong membership, circa $800,000 annual turnover, and a passionate community behind us, Tactile Arts is a well-established organisation with strong foundations and genuine momentum.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced, commercially minded General Manager to lead the day-to-day running of Tactile Arts. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives on variety – from overseeing a busy program of events and managing multiple revenue streams, to leading a small team and maintaining the relationships that keep the organisation strong.

The foundations are in place. You’re stepping into a well-run organisation with good systems, a loyal membership, and a respected community profile. Your job is to keep it running brilliantly – and find opportunities to take it further.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the day-to-day operations of Tactile Arts across the gallery, studios, and three retail spaces
• Planning and delivering the annual program: exhibitions, workshops, Makers Markets, and artist residencies
• Leading a small team of part-time staff, member volunteers, and contractors
• Managing budgets and multiple revenue streams to ensure financial sustainability
• Writing and acquitting grant applications, and driving funding diversification
• Growing and nurturing the Tactile Arts membership base
• Building and maintaining relationships with government, arts organisations, MAGNT, and community stakeholders
• Creating international exchange opportunities 
• Supporting the Board with governance, reporting, and strategic planning and policy
• Overseeing marketing, communications, and the Tactile Arts public profile

About You

• Proven experience in a general management or senior operational role, ideally in a small-to-medium organisation
• Strong financial management skills, including budget oversight and a track record of sustainability across multiple revenue streams
• Experience in writing successful grant applications and managing acquittals
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team
• Solid project and event management skills – you know how to deliver a busy calendar on time and on budget
• Experience working with or within a membership organisation
• Sound understanding of governance in a nonprofit or incorporated association context
• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder
• Self-directed, highly organised, and comfortable wearing many hats in a small team environment

Why Apply?This is a rare opportunity to lead a genuinely loved organisation in a role that offers real variety, community connection, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the Top End arts sector. Darwin is a brilliant place to live and work, and Tactile Arts sits right at the heart of its creative community.

Full time or part time considered for the right candidate – we’re open to discussing a working arrangement that suits

To ApplyClick Apply to submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining what you’ll bring to this role.

Applications are reviewed as received.

Applications close 2 July 2026, or when a suitable candidate is found.

For more information, visit https://tactilearts.org.au/pages/careers or email [email protected].