General Manager (Parental Leave Cover)

Lead a distinctive cultural institution bringing people together through music that celebrates the unique cultural life of the Northern Territory

POSITION DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION INFORMATION

General Manager (Parental Leave Cover)

1.0FTE, fixed term May 2025 – January 2026 (8 months)This position is based in Darwin, Northern Territory

About Us 

Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is a leading cultural organisation in the Northern Territory and its only symphony orchestra.  

Based in Darwin, DSO is recognised as a centre for distinctive artistic work with a purpose to perform inspiring orchestral music.

A vibrant and innovative orchestra, DSO has a dedicated group of more than one hundred volunteer musicians and a core of paid professional musicians. Our location has seen the orchestra deliver artistic and educational programs that are responsive to the Northern Territory’s unique culture and geography for over 30 years. 

DSO has established a reputation for collaborating with a wide range of artists and arts organisations, broadening our reach and enriching our work. These collaborations centre NT First Nations artists and stories, music, dance, poetry, singing and visual media, giving audiences and participants a distinctive experience that celebrates our cultural context. 

DSO stands at a pivotal moment in its journey, as it embarks on a new strategic direction for 2025-2028. With a significant increase in Federal funding from 2025, DSO is seizing this opportunity to deepen artistic quality, enhance our profile, and create opportunities for all Territorians to engage with music.

About the Role

Lead a distinctive cultural institution dedicated to bringing people together through music that celebrates the unique cultural life of the Northern Territory.

Balancing current operations with future planning, the General Manager leads DSO’s team, program, funding, resources and systems effectively and efficiently, to ensure sustained success and adaptability in the years to come.

The General Manager is accountable to the Board and directly manages a core staff of five who in turn work with contracted staff, musicians, and volunteers to deliver DSO’s performances, events and education programs.

SELECTION CRITERIA AND ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrated professional experience in arts administration or business management
• Financial management skills, with a proven record of developing and managing budgets
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Strong skills in revenue raising, including box office, philanthropic income, government funding and sponsorship
• A creative and clear-thinking problem solver and negotiator
• High personal credibility and integrity
• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to manage, mentor, and motivate a small team.
• Highly organised with a strong attention to detail
• Knowledge and understanding of orchestras or the Australian performing arts sector highly regarded

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – ACTING GENERAL MANAGER 

• Maximise funding opportunities for DSO and maintain excellent relationships with government partners, corporate partners, donors, and other philanthropic partners.
• Develop 2026 budget and manage 2025 annual budget and financial reporting, ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Work closely with Artistic Director/Chief Conductor to deliver the DSO 2025 program and activities, effectively balancing artistic, financial, community engagement and audience development priorities within budget.
• Work with the Artistic Director/Chief Conductor in the development of the 2026 Program, ensuring alignment with key strategic goals.
• Prepare grant and other funding submissions, manage contractual requirements, and submit acquittals and reporting.
• Manage and mentor DSO staff across marketing, development, operations, orchestra management, finance and artistic areas, to maintain an effective working environment and ensure that organisational objectives are met.
• Drive revenue growth through event income, philanthropy, grants and sponsorship.
• Maintain strong networks within performing arts communities at local, Northern Territory and national levels.
• Actively support the Board through communication, policy development, and strategic decisions to ensure the ongoing stability of the organisation.
• Manage the organisation and delivery of live performances, including contractual arrangements with venues and personnel.
• Act as a passionate ambassador for the orchestra, engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including patrons, donors, musicians, and community partners.
• Develop and oversee marketing, sales and public relations strategies.
• Manage the effective operation of day-to-day systems and drive continuous improvement in the organisation.
• Provide reports to Board including progress on key strategic goals, financial performance, operational risks, and other activities
• Continue implementation of multi-year strategic plan that supports the orchestra’s artistic, financial and community engagement goals.

Salary Range $110k – $119k per annum, plus superannuation.

How to apply 

Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you would like to take on this role. 

Please address applications to Kate Stephens, General Manager at kate.stephens@cdu.edu.au. Any queries can also be directed to this address, or by calling 08 8946 6974.

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply, even if they may feel they do not possess all the attributes or cannot address all of the selection criteria based on their experience to date.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations People, people of culturally diverse backgrounds, people from the LGBTIQA+ community, people with disabilities, and people from all sectors of the community.