Program Manager, Writing Australia

We’re excited to announce that we are recruiting for a Program Manager, Writing Australia

Creative Australia 

Creative Australia is the Australian Government’s principal arts investment and advisory body. With artists at the heart of what we do, we invest in creative talent and stimulate the market for Australian stories to be told on a national and international scale, sharing our rich culture with the world. We do this because art and creativity define us, recording what we have been and what we might yet become. As a nation, creativity connects us and benefits us all. 

Our Purpose 

We champion and invest in arts and creativity for a dynamic, creative Australia. 

Our Culture 

We are proud to have been named an Inclusive Employer for the third consecutive time by Diversity Council Australia. This achievement reflects our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strive to establish and sustain a diverse and inclusive workforce, fostering a culturally safe and supportive environment where everyone can bring their whole self to work. 

Your role 

As our Program Manager, Writing Australia, you’ll manage the development and delivery of investment programs that incorporate the strategic objectives of Writing Australia, to support the sustainability of the Australian literature sector. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Overseeing the design and management of investment programs in response to identified priorities in literature sector that support Creative Australia’s strategic objectives. 

• Liaising, engaging and negotiating with a range of internal and external stakeholders including State and Territory government to effectively deliver on program outcomes that benefit Australian writers, publishers and readers. 

• Working with the Director Writing Australia to prepare for Writing Australia Council meetings by contributing to high quality briefing papers, providing insights and recommendations and ensuring meeting actions are tracked and completed on time. 

• Managing relevant contracts, program budgets and prepare relevant documents including risk assessments, schedule, briefings, presentations and reports to the Director Writing Australia. 

• Providing subject matter expertise on new and ongoing development and implementation of literature programs. 

• Collaborating with the Evaluation team to measure and report on programs outcomes for continuous improvements. 

• Undertake scoping, planning and refinement of current and future programs and opportunities and provide the Director Writing Australia with recommendations to inform effective decision making, including risk identification.   

What this means for you 

• Fixed term of 2 years

• Office Location: Sydney 

• Salary of $114,580 per annum + 12% superannuation 

• Flexible working hours 

• Hybrid work arrangement (two days’ work from home and three days on site) 

• Paid leave between Christmas and New Year 

• Paid cultural leave to attend religious or cultural obligations 

• Wellbeing programs and corporate discounts 

• Holistic employee assistance program for employees, their families, and kin 

How to apply 

We recognise that exceptional talent comes in various forms. We welcome and celebrate candidates from all backgrounds, believing that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and drive our success. Submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the job requirements at Creative Australia careers page.

If you need any support or have any questions about submitting your application, please reach out to Wenona Byrne, Director, Writing Australia at wenona.byrne@creative.gov.au and People and Culture at peopleandculture@creative.gov.au.

Applications close 20 October 2025 at 10am 

This is not an Australian Public Service position. 

Creative Australia is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, cultural and regional communities, including people with disability.