Executive Director (part-time)

Canberra International Music Festival is looking for an Executive Director to help us deliver this world-class music Festival in our nation's capital!

Position Description: Executive Director (part-time)

The Executive Director (ED) will hold a central role within Canberra International Music Festival (CIMF). Working in close association with the Artistic Director (AD), the ED will work to deliver the annual festival and maintain the operations of the organisation.

The ED is responsible for the operations, management, fund raising, finances and communications between staff, board and stakeholders. The ED will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation playing a major role within a small team.

The ED is accountable directly to the CIMF Board, reporting to the chair, and works closely with the AD. The position involves weekend and evening work, as required. The position is pro-rated at three days per week FTE but requires flexibility to match work schedules to program demands, meaning it will be more than full-time at specific points of the year, and less at others, by mutual agreement and planned arrangement.

Location: CIMF’s office is located in the Ainslie Arts Centre, Elouera St., Braddon. There is some scope for remote work but frequent, regular time in the office with the team is vital.

Remuneration: $110,000 – $120,000 pro rata + super, depending on experience and demonstrated results.

Key attributes:

• Demonstrated professional experience in arts administration or business management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Financial management skills.
• Enabling leadership style which is open, collaborative and respectful; a team player.
• Fundraising success (e.g. government grants, private giving and philanthropy).
• Ability to work independently and show self-initiative.
• Understanding of and love for the performing arts.
• Ambitious for and enthusiastic about Canberra, with the ability to advocate eloquently on behalf of the Festival, aligned with long term strategy of both CIMF and ACT Tourism.
• High personal credibility, trust, enthusiasm and integrity.
• Flexible, able to work across multiple genres and venues.

Key expectations and responsibilities in the role:

• Manage CIMF’s daily operations effectively, provide leadership for CIMF team, assist in shaping and delivering the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Work closely with AD to deliver the 2026 festival, effectively balancing artistic innovation, audience development and commercial imperatives within agreed budgets.
• Liaise regularly with and report to the Board through the Chair, ensuring program and direction remain aligned with the Festival’s agreed strategic directions.
• Identify and deliver opportunities for philanthropy and development.
• Work with marketing team and copywriters to deliver accurate and compelling content for publicity and programs.
• Identify and leverage opportunities, in collaboration with the AD and relevant staff, to expand revenue and/or control costs.
• Maintain strong networks within the music and broader Canberra arts community.
• Leverage excellent communication skills, able to engage a broad range of stakeholders, encouraging their active support of CIMF.
• Make a positive contribution to the organisational culture, implementing best practice diversity, equality and inclusion principles across employment, commissioning and production responsibilities.
• Adhere to the CIMF policies.

Please submit your resume and covering letter detailing your experience and suitability for the role to info@cimf.org.au. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 14 March.