Program Manager - Public Art and Innovation

The City of Gold Coast is looking for an experienced leader to guide the strategic direction of the Public Art and Innovation workstreams

• Full Time | 9-day fortnight | 36 Hours
• Salary: From $121,838.89 plus superannuation

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for public art, arts innovation and city-shaping projects? We’re looking for an experienced Program Manager – Public Art and Innovation to lead the strategic direction and delivery of the City’s Public Art and Arts Innovation workstreams, creating vibrant places and meaningful cultural experiences for our community.

In this leadership role, you’ll lead city‑wide coordination of public art and drive innovative arts and cultural initiatives that will strengthen our city’s identity, support creative industries and deliver lasting community outcomes.

About the role 

Reporting within the Arts and Culture team, you will provide program-level leadership across the City’s Public Art and Arts Innovation portfolios. You’ll oversee the planning, governance and delivery of diverse programs including public art commissions, urban art projects, strategic partnerships and emerging arts innovation initiatives.

Working collaboratively across Council, government, industry and the creative sector, you’ll ensure public art and arts innovation outcomes are embedded in major city projects and aligned with the City’s long-term cultural vision.

You’ll also lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery.

About you

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with experience delivering complex arts, cultural or public realm programs. You thrive in environments where innovation, partnership and long-term planning are valued, and you’re confident influencing stakeholders at all levels.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading complex public art, cultural, placemaking or innovation programs.
• Strong strategic planning, governance and project management capabilities.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and competing priorities across multiple initiatives.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive partnerships across government, industry and the creative sector.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including preparing executive reports and strategic advice.
• Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
• A passion for creating vibrant public places through creativity, collaboration and innovation.

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future 

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.  

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:   

• 9-day fortnight  

• Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations  

• Personal and professional development courses 

• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport  

• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member 

• 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year 

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.  

How to apply

Visit the application website to view the full position brief and link to application. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes align to the position responsibilities within the position brief. 

Contact Person Carly Barnes

Contact Email [email protected] 

Closing Date Monday 10th August @ 11:59pm AEDT