Program Producer

VAPAC is seeking a Program Producer to design and deliver their annual program of events, including the performing arts market, Showcase Victoria.

About VAPAC

The Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres is the peak body representing performing arts centres and theatre professionals, supporting a dynamic and diverse sector of arts workers, venues and arts organisations across Victoria. Through advocacy, leadership, sector development, and collaboration, we work to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving performing arts landscape across the state.   

As we expand our impact, we’re excited to announce a newly created role for a skilled and proactive Program Producer to join our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape, deliver, and grow programs that directly benefit the performing arts sector and who will work closely with the Executive Director to design and deliver high quality sector development programs, while also managing the administrative and logistical aspects of their implementation. 

About the Role

The Program Producer is responsible for the design, planning, coordination, and delivery of a diverse range of sector development initiatives. These include professional development programs, forums, conferences, events, and strategic partnerships that respond to the evolving needs of Victoria’s performing arts sector.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Producer will lead the delivery of high-impact programs that support arts workers, artists, producers, venues and arts organisations across the state. A key focus will be managing flagship programs such as the performing arts market, Showcase Victoria and a year-round calendar of industry events.

You’ll combine strong project management and communication skills with a deep understanding of the performing arts touring landscape. This role requires both big-picture thinking and hands-on delivery, from scoping new opportunities and maintaining existing programs to overseeing logistics, administration requirements, member and stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation. 

You’ll work closely with VAPAC’s internal partners, including marketing, ticketing, and technical subcommittees, and be responsible for end-to-end project delivery, including budgeting, revenue modelling, contracting, and stakeholder management.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior producer who thrives in a values-driven environment and is passionate about making a meaningful impact on the Victorian performing arts ecosystem. 

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Development

• Work closely with the Executive Director to design and shape new sector development programs in line with VAPAC’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to design and deliver programs that align with VAPAC’s strategic priorities and strengthen Victoria’s performing arts sector.
• Conduct research, gather sector input, and contribute ideas that respond to current challenges and opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with members, and subnetworks including Box Office and Marketing Network and Technical Managers Network, to research sector trends and develop responsive, inclusive, and forward-looking programs that address emerging challenges and opportunities across the performing arts sector.
• Support the development of program models, formats, and partnerships that align with key strategic directions such as VAPAC’s Equity Action Plan and Reconciliation Action Plan.

Program Coordination & Delivery

• Coordinate and deliver a range of programs and events, including workshops, panels, roundtables, webinars, and sector forums.
• Manage, coordinate and deliver Showcase Victoria.
• Manage and coordinate all logistics, including venue scheduling, speaker/facilitator liaison, venue/online delivery, travel, catering and accessibility needs.
• Manage the delivery of programs, workshops, forums, and events from end to end.Act as the primary point of contact for program participants, members and stakeholders.
• Manage budget allocation and expenditure to ensure efficient use of resources.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders including artists, venues, partners, funders, members and suppliers to support collaboration, smooth program delivery, and high-quality outcomes.
• Ensure clear and inclusive engagement practices, with a focus on access, equity, and representation.
• Contribute to creating culturally safe, accessible, and welcoming environments within all programs.
• Assist the Development Manager with fundraising activities, donor and sponsorship relationship management.

Project Management, Administration & Reporting

• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets for assigned programs.
• Monitor program budgets and track expenses.
• Maintain accurate program records, contracts, and documentation.
• Assist with program evaluations, reporting, grant acquittals, and impact tracking.
• Provide administrative support across all program areas, including data collection, scheduling, documentation, contracts, and record keeping.

Communications & Promotion

• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to develop, distribute and promote programs through newsletters, social media, and partner networks.
• Coordinate and assist in preparing program content for digital platforms, registration pages, and member communications.
• Contribute and assist in the preparation of case studies, feedback summaries, and documentation of program outcomes and final reports.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience (5+ years) in the performing arts sector working in a similar role, including program design, curation, coordination, and delivery.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with strong organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• High attention to detail across logistics, planning, and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural safety in all aspects of program delivery.
• Sound knowledge of the Victorian and Australian performing arts sectors, including artist and organisation development.
• Proficiency in digital tools (ticketing systems, project tracking, Google Workspace) and experience with evaluation, grant reporting, or funding acquittals.

Location: Naarm/ Melbourne, Victoria – Work from Home. Some travel will be required for VAPAC events and meetings with members. Equipment will be supplied, and all travel costs covered. 

Employment Type: Part-time (0.8 FTE – 4 days week), Initial 12-month contract with 3 month probation with potential to extend. The role has scope to evolve based on performance and funding.

VAPAC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that is respectful and supports creativity and innovation. We encourage applications from First Nations people, people of culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTIQA+ community, and provide a working environment that prioritises Cultural Safety.

How to Apply

To apply, please email:

Melenie Stevenson, Executive Director mstevenson@vapac.org.au 

Subject Line: Program Producer application

Include and save as one pdf document:

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the key selection criteria;
• Current Resume (maximum 2 pages) including the names and contact details of two referees 

For questions or a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Melenie Stevenson from Monday 20th October.

Applications close 5pm Wednesday 5 November 2025

Interviews will take place week w/c 17 November 2025

Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.