CEO

Canberra Potters is looking for a person with exceptional leadership and management skills and a passion for Australian ceramics.

An Exceptional CEO opportunity in the Australian Ceramics World

• Leading ceramic arts not-for-profit organisation
• Diverse CEO role reporting to an experienced Board
• Provide visionary direction and outstanding arts administration, informed by experience within an Australian arts or cultural or public institution, significant events/festival, ceramics and related arts practice, or education provider
• Canberra based (required)
• Tertiary qualifications in arts administration or curatorial studies or related fields(desirable)
• Organisational management experience (essential)

Canberra Potters offers a comprehensive ceramics education program, international artist-in-residence program, professional workshops, comprehensive facilities open to members, a gallery and retail outlet. It is the leading ceramic arts organisation in the ACT, with links to national institutions and is supported by artsACT.

Position Description

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for driving our mission, fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring that Canberra Potters continues to develop ceramics education at all levels, engage the public, and foster excellence and innovation in professional ceramics practice.

Reporting

As the CEO your primary responsibility will be to collaborate closely with the Board of Directors and the management team to advance the vision and implement the strategic mission of Canberra Potters. You will lead and empower our management and teaching teams to achieve the strategic objectives, ensuring ongoing financial sustainability and operational excellence.

In this pivotal role you will build and maintain trusted relatioships with key stakeholders, including Canberra Potters members, the ACT government and artsACT, peer organisations in Australia and internationally, and the Canberra Potters network of exhibiting, visiting and in-residence artists.

You will cultivate an inclusive and motivating workplace environment. Renowned for your strategic leadership you will bring contemporary perspectives, robust insight from best practice arts administration, emotional intelligence and a genuine ability to connect with people.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a flourishing membership-based organisation that is celebrating its 50thanniversary and aspires to national and international prominence in ceramics education and professional and artistic practice.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Strategic Leadership

• • • Provide high level advice and guidance to the Canberra Potters Board
    • Work with the Board to refresh, implement and drive strategic direction by co-developing a strategic plan and implementing through agreed targets,  delivery of key projects and management of Canberra Potters risk profiles.

Operational Management

• • • Oversee all operational matters for Canberra Potters in compliance with relevant Australian and ACT legal and regulatory requirements
    • Ensure ethical governance and management practices
    • Develop and implement business plans based on the Canberra Potters strategic direction
    • Participate actively in governance by preparing effectively for, and reporting to Board meetings
    • Monitor and report regularly to the Board and its Committees on finances, project status and risk
    • With the Board Finance Committee, oversee finances and assets  and assess investment and revenue opportunities, including grants and fundraising
    • Actively pursue grant opportunities relevant for Canberra Potters
    • Liaise with ACT government agencies on maintenance and upgrades to facilities

People Leadership and Culture

• • • Lead, mentor and support the management and teaching teams
    • Develop the professional capabilities of both permanent staff and contractors, and oversee recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of the management team.

Membership

• • • Ensure a safe, inclusive and supportive community environment for Canberra Potters’ 700 members
    • Ensure that courses and professional development meet the needs of members at all levels, making the Canberra Potters offering vibrant and distinctive
    • Maintain, grow and diversify membership in line with the strategic business plan

Stakeholder Engagement

• • • Identify and engage with aligned professional organisations and stakeholders in the ACT, Australia and internationally
    • Build and maintain productive relationships with our key government, academic, public and private sector partners

Representation

• • • Represent Canberra Potters as required in public forums and events.

About Canberra Potters Society Inc.

Canberra Potters is one of Australia’s only fully integrated ceramics centres, offering an international artist-in-residence program, professional workshops, kilns and glazing facilities, gallery featuring local, national and international exhibitions, retail outlet and tranquil outdoor spaces.

Canberra Potters is a not-for profit membership based association. As a leading arts organisation for the ACT It receives grant funding from the ACT government but finances 80% of its activities through its own activities and income streams. It is the sole tenant of the Watson Arts Centre , a public facility, and manages this on behalf of the ACT government.

The CEO is appointed by Canberra Potters Board and reports to the Board.

REMUNERATION

A starting salary of $120,000  (negotiable) + superannuation for a three-year contract with option to renew.

HOW TO APPLY

Your application will need to include:

• a short pitch of no more than 2 pages outlining why you are interested in the role, what you offer as a CEO in response to the role’s key responsibilities, relevant career history and achievements, and your leadership qualities.
• your short form resume (2 pages maximum) including details of at least two referees.

Please email your application (in confidence) to:  Veronica.Taylor@canberrapotters.com.au

Applications close Friday 4 April 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in April.

For more information about this role and Canberra Potters, please visit: https://canberrapotters.com.au