General Manager / Manager Special Projects

Rare leadership opportunity | Work alongside some of Australia’s most talented musicians and creatives at the ASQ’s headquarters in South Australia.

Our Client

The Australian String Quartet (ASQ) is Australia’s pre-eminent organisation dedicated to string quartet music and Quartet-in-Residence at the Adelaide University – Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts. Defined by excellence in performance and the joy of musical expression, the ASQ’s DNA comprises three inseparable parts. At the centre is the Quartet – four full-time musicians, each a creative force in crafting the world’s most dynamic and intimate music. Surrounding the Quartet is an innovative production company that presents, tours, records, and promotes exceptional artistry.

Sustaining this is a vital community of partners, including our national Board, visionary Patron, Major Partner—Adelaide University, Instrument Partner—UKARIA, Government Supporters, and generous benefactors. As a small and ambitious Not-for-Profit organisation with a national presence and an international profile, the ASQ celebrates music from the past to the present, from near and afar, and strives to reflect contemporary Australia through performances, collaborations, advocacy, learning programs, and development of new work.

An opportunity now exists for a fixed, 12-month period to join the ASQ initially as General Manager (due to maternity leave), then transitioning to Manager Special Projects.

The Role

General Manager May 2026 – December 2026

• Perform the General Manager function on a fixed term basis, providing organisation‑wide operational leadership to support ASQ’s artistic and business strategy.
• Act as ASQ’s internal operational lead, overseeing processes, systems, and day‑to‑day activities across the organisation.
• Report to the Chief Executive Officer and be based in Adelaide, working closely with the CEO, national Board, external consultants, and key government stakeholders.
• Ensure the organisation is well positioned to deliver its strategic objectives through effective operational and financial management.
• Oversee the day-to day finance function in conjunction with the Accounts & Payroll Consultant and the External Accountant ensure operational and financial functions are sound, efficient, compliant, and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Prepare monthly profit & loss statements and support the CEO in producing quarterly financial reports and associated analysis.
• Provide financial analysis and modelling to support the CEO’s strategic and business development decisions including high level budget modelling for 5-year planning.
• Lead with empathy, flexibility, initiative, and strong attention to detail to support staff and organisational performance.

Manager, Special Projects January 2027 – May 2027

• Transition into the Manager, Special Projects role, providing high‑level strategic, analytical, and project management support to the Chief Executive Officer.
• Lead and deliver discrete projects that support ASQ’s growth, sustainability, and organisational effectiveness.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver complex projects across organisational development, governance, funding, systems improvement, and strategic initiatives.
• Work closely with the CEO, Board, staff, and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered to a consistently high standard.
• Administer compliance reporting and acquittals in support of funding arrangements and prepare stakeholder reports and proposals as required.
• Manage multiple priorities to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and aligned with ASQ’s artistic and business objectives.

About You

• Demonstrated experience managing operations in a small or medium organisation, with responsibility for finance, compliance, and team oversight.
• Proven ability to work in a senior support role alongside a CEO or equivalent, exercising sound judgement about what to manage independently and what to escalate.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget execution, financial reporting, payroll oversight, audit coordination, and the ability to translate financial information to the CEO and Board.
• Hands‑on leadership experience, including HR administration, team supervision, and appropriate management and escalation of people matters.
• Sound knowledge of NFP governance and excellent written communication skills, including Board papers, ACNC compliance, risk management, funding acquittals, and stakeholder reporting, ideally within an art, cultural, or mission‑driven environment.

In Return

• Rare leadership opportunity within a highly regarded, well established arts organisation with over 40 years of history nationally and internationally.
• Work alongside some of Australia’s most talented musicians and creatives at the ASQ’s headquarters onsite at Adelaide University, City East Campus.
• Integral role where you’ll be able to partner and support the long-term, strategic growth of ASQ.
• Broad duties and responsibilities across general management, strategy, planning, projects and finance.

Next Steps

If you’e interested in the position available, please submit your CV using the appropriate link. If you have any questions relating to the position or to request a copy of the Job & Person Specification, please email Megan Kivell from Perks People Solutions – [email protected]

We will be recruiting the position on a rolling basis, and we encourage all interested candidates to submit an application as soon as possible.