Managing Director

Lead the future of classical music in Australia as Managing Director of ANAM.

The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) is one of the world’s leading training academies for exceptional classical musicians – and the only institution of its kind in Australia. Since its founding in 1996, ANAM has built a global reputation for artistic excellence, intensive studio-based learning, and a performance program of more than 200 concerts each year.

With an extraordinary network of national and international partners – from major Australian orchestras to leading global institutions – ANAM plays a vital role in shaping the future of music. Its alumni perform on the world’s great stages, and its impact reaches far beyond the concert hall through deep community engagement and sector leadership.

ANAM is now seeking an outstanding Managing Director to lead the organisation through its next phase of growth. This is a rare opportunity to guide a nationally significant cultural institution at a pivotal moment of transformation. Working in close partnership with incoming Artistic Director Anna Goldsworthy and the Board, the Managing Director will drive ANAM’s strategic, financial and operational leadership – strengthening sustainability, expanding revenue, and elevating the organisation’s profile in Australia and internationally.

A key priority will be leading ANAM through the transition to its new $100m home at South Melbourne Town Hall, overseeing operational readiness, activating dynamic new performance venues, and building a sustainable commercial model that enhances both income and impact.

The role calls for a seasoned and entrepreneurial executive with strong commercial acumen, a track record in organisational leadership, and success in fundraising and revenue diversification. Equally important is the ability to lead through change, build trusted partnerships across the arts, government and philanthropy sectors, and foster an environment in which artistic and educational excellence can thrive.

Candidates will be motivated by purpose as much as performance, bringing a genuine passion for music and a commitment to supporting the next generation of artists.

This is a defining leadership role with the opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia’s most important cultural and education organisations.

Key priorities:

• Work in close partnership with the Artistic Director to support ANAM’s next phase of artistic and organisational development. 
• Help build ANAM’s international profile through deeper institutional relationships, visiting faculty and exchange opportunities. 
• Support the design and implementation of a sustainable South Melbourne Town Hall venue hire and hospitality model.
• Improve short-to medium-term sustainability through disciplined management of revenue and costs. 
• Strengthen long-term financial resilience by developing new revenue streams, including endowment and bequest growth. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

This process and search is led by REA arts + culture, specialists in executive search for creative industry leaders across Australia. As a candidate engaging with REA, we understand applying for roles can be both an exciting and vulnerable process. We pride ourselves on treating people with respect and discretion and will support you throughout the process.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact REA arts + culture to obtain a copy of the key selection criteria and detailed Candidate Pack, and a confidential discussion about the role and their potential candidacy.

Richard Evans, Principal

Vanessa Duscio, Managing Partner

REA arts + culture

Visit: reaartsandculture.com

Email: [email protected]

Applications are due before 6:00pm AEST, Friday 15 May, 2026.

ANAM is an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.  We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, religions, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, LGBTQIA+ people, those with disability, women and people with cultural or linguistically diverse background.

Location

The full-time position is currently based at Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne, and is expected to relocate with ANAM to the South Melbourne Town Hall in 2028.

Contract entitlements

ANAM is offering a five-year Permanent Full-Time contract, with a competitive salary package, including four weeks annual leave.

Other relevant information

As a performing arts training institution, and a new venue on the horizon, the leadership position will involve irregular hours including evenings and weekends and considerable flexibility will be required.