Studio Administrator

MESS is looking for a studio administrator to support the day-to-day operations of the organisation from our new location in Fed Square.

About MESS

MESS is a globally unique, not-for-profit organisation which aims to be the centre of excellence for electronic sound culture. MESS oversees and provides public access to a collection of hundreds of electronic instruments which span the history of electronic sound, enabling all individuals to explore and create electronic sound and music. Our purpose is to foster creativity and connection and empower all people to live a creative life through music. 

MESS has recently moved to Fed Square, Melbourne’s creative heart, and this new role has been developed to support and drive this significant next step for the organisation.

Purpose of the Position

The Studio Administrator sits at the heart of MESS’s day-to-day operations, supporting everything from studio logistics and administration to front-of-house activity and communications. This is a hands-on, wide-ranging role that helps keep the studio functioning smoothly while contributing to the energy and flow of the organisation as a whole.Working across a diverse set of stakeholders, including staff, artists, members, partners and the public, the Studio Administrator brings strong systems experience, excellent communication skills and a genuine enjoyment of working with people. Confidence using digital tools and managing information is essential, as is the ability to stay organised and attentive in a busy, creative environment.This role is well suited to an early-career administrator who is self-motivated, adaptable and eager to learn. As part of a small, dedicated team, you will work both independently and collaboratively, contributing to a fast-paced and inclusive workplace shaped by curiosity and shared purpose. This role offers meaningful responsibility, practical experience and space to grow within a creative organisation dedicated to experimental sound and access.

Key Responsibilities

The Studio Administrator supports MESS operations across several areas, including:

Administrative Support

• Supporting the smooth, efficient running of the studio through clear systems, accurate record-keeping and thoughtful coordination.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for general enquiries via email, phone and in person, delivering a consistently welcoming and professional experience.
• Meeting and greeting diverse studio visitors, members, students and artists, ensuring an inclusive and informative experience of MESS.
• Coordinating meetings, diaries and logistics for staff and Board.
• Supporting the preparation of information and materials for staff and Board meetings.
• Assisting with the development, documentation and upkeep of studio policies, procedures and operational workflows.
• Booking artist and staff travel and preparing itineraries.
• Assisting with event coordination.

Studio Operations

• Overseeing bookings and use of studio spaces, including coordinating studio tours.
• Maintaining operational, program and event calendars, diaries and booking systems.
• Supporting ticketing, registrations and payments for programs, workshops and events.
• Supporting membership communications and maintaining accurate mailing and membership lists.
• Managing student registrations, participant databases and membership records.
• Supporting merchandise administration, including overseeing merchandise orders through the MESS online store.
• Overseeing cleaning rosters and ordering studio consumables.

Additional responsibilities as required to support the team and the organisation.

About You

You are at ease in a busy, people-centred environment and enjoy working with a wide range of personalities, roles and perspectives. Highly organised and adaptable, you balance deadlines, interruptions and shifting priorities with good humour and care. You bring a warm, lively and can-do approach to your work. You communicate clearly, take pride in the details, and understand that thoughtful administration plays a vital role in helping a creative organisation function at its best.

Selection Criteria

You bring:

• Experience providing administrative support in a creative or cultural environment, working collaboratively within a small, agile team.
• Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills, with confidence interacting one-on-one and in group settings.
• The ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities and respond flexibly in a busy studio environment.
• As the first point of contact for the general public at MESS, the ability to withstand consistent interruptions while maintaining the focus required to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Confidence using cloud-based tools and systems to support efficient work practices; familiarity with Google Workspace and Xero is desirable.
• Experience working with complex databases, including accurate data entry and record-keeping.
• A working knowledge of electronic sound culture, or a strong curiosity and willingness to learn.
• A commitment to representing MESS’s values with professionalism, warmth and respect in all working contexts.

Submission Process

Please email the following to [email protected] by 11:59pm Tuesday 3rd March.

• Current CV
• Cover letter addressing the selection criteria above

Please include ‘Studio Administrator’ in the subject line of your email. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

For terms of employment and details on the submission process, please see the position description at mess.foundation/jobs/