Head of Artistic Planning & Operations

ABO is seeking an outstanding individual to play a central role in planning and operations for an internationally recognised performing arts program.

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (ABO) is seeking an outstanding Head of Artistic Planning & Operations to play a central role in the planning and delivery of one of Australia’s most distinctive and internationally recognised performing arts programs.

This is a senior leadership position at the heart of the organisation. Working closely with the Artistic Director, Executive Director and Managing Director, the role connects artistic ambition with operational delivery—ensuring concerts, tours and special projects are carefully planned, appropriately resourced, contracted, scheduled and delivered to the highest standard.

The Head of Artistic Planning & Operations is the operational engine of Brandenburg’s artistic program.

This is not primarily a repertoire-selection role. Rather, it is about making artistic ideas happen: securing exceptional artists, negotiating engagements, managing budgets, coordinating complex schedules, leading the artistic team and ensuring the many moving parts of a season come together successfully.

About the role

The Head of Artistic Planning & Operations will:

• Lead the operational and logistical planning of Brandenburg’s concert seasons and broader artistic activity
• Work closely with the Artistic Director to translate creative vision into clear and deliverable plans
• Lead artist engagement, fee negotiation and contracting
• Develop and maintain relationships with artists, agents, managers, venues and presenters nationally and internationally
• Manage artistic budgets and ensure activity is delivered within agreed parameters
• Oversee concert, tour and project schedules
• Lead and develop a small, high-performing artistic team
• Work collaboratively across Marketing, Development, Finance and Business Operations
• Contribute entrepreneurial ideas for tours, collaborations, special projects and new initiatives
• Play an active role as a member of Brandenburg’s senior leadership team 

About you

You will be an accomplished arts administrator, producer, artistic planning professional or music administrator with the judgement, organisational capability and relationship skills to operate at the centre of a complex artistic program.

You will bring:

• Senior experience in arts management, artistic planning, producing, music administration or a comparable role
• Experience working alongside an Artistic Director or senior creative leader
• Strong planning and organisational capability
• Experience negotiating with artists and agents
• Sound budget management skills
• Knowledge of the Australian performance and music landscape, with an informed understanding of international practice
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills
• The ability to lead and develop a small team
• Calmness, judgement and attention to detail in a fast-moving environment

You will, however, bring a genuine interest in chamber and ensemble music and ideally an appreciation of baroque music, early music and historically informed performance.

About the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

Founded in 1990, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is internationally recognised for its dynamic performances of baroque and classical repertoire on period instruments.

Brandenburg presents a national subscription season alongside touring, recordings, collaborations with leading Australian and international artists, education activity and special projects. The organisation enjoys strong philanthropic support, loyal audiences and an enviable reputation for artistic excellence.

Why join Brandenburg?

This is a rare opportunity to join one of Australia’s most respected performing arts organisations in a role that sits at the centre of artistic ambition and organisational delivery.

For the right candidate, it offers the opportunity to shape how exceptional artistic ideas move from concept to performance—and to make a significant contribution to the future of one of Australia’s most distinctive musical organisations.

Location: Sydney, NSW Employment: Full-time

How to apply

Applicants should contact us for an information pack.  We will require:

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience and suitability (maximum 2 pages)
• A current CV (maximum 3 pages)

All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence. Referees will not be contacted without prior consent.

For a confidential discussion or further information: Danielle Bolton, [email protected]   03 9959 9887.

Applications close: 12 noon on Monday 27 July 2026.