Ringmaster (Operations Manager)

Ringmaster (Operations Manager) needed to take centre stage and shine as you oversee Aerialize's business administration, operations and marketing.

About Aerialize

Aerialize – Sydney Aerial Theatre is a long-standing and respected Australian circus arts organisation and training centre. For over 25 years, we have supported aerial and circus skills development from tiny tots to highly experienced performers, in demand the world over.  

We provide individual and group skills development, emerging artists’ professional pathways, performance opportunities and specialised industry training in our customised training centre.

We run classes year-round in, but not limited to, silks (tissue), lyra, static trapeze, acrobatics, corde lisse, chains, straps and handstands.  We also offer school holidays programs, bespoke school, and community workshops. Performances are presented at Aerialize and off site, featured in festivals, community, and corporate events. In addition to  offering venue hire and hosting birthday parties.

We love to strut our stuff and provide performers for birthday parties, corporate events, weddings, parties, anything!

Aerialize is a safe and inclusive space, which celebrates diversity. Based in Canterbury, along the Cooks River, we are accessible by the nearby train station and extensive bus networks.

Aerialize acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work, the Durak and Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

About the Role

The Ringmaster (Operations Manager) is responsible for the smooth running of the administrative, financial, and operational systems of the organisation.  Reporting directly to the Aerialize Management Committee (MC), you will work alongside the Space Captain (Head Instructor) and oversee customer service and administrative staff. As the go to person on the ground in a small team, you will need to work collaboratively to get the job done.

An independent organisation, we are nimble and self-sufficient. In liaison with Aerialize’s accountants, you are responsible for financial records management, including budget, and supplier payments on Xero. You will also identify funding opportunities and prepare applications and acquittals in liaison with the MC.

Good governance, including the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures to ensure HR, OH&S and legal business compliance are appropriate and applied, is an ongoing priority. You will also be required to be confident with the onboarding and training of new admin staff when required.

Rolling up your sleeves and taking a hands-on approach to coordinating site maintenance, sourcing supplies, and pulling a rabbit out of your proverbial hat will be key.  Super charged executive management skills are vital.

Becoming well versed in the use of Aerialize’s CRM and booking system, Clubworx software is essential.  Ensuring up-to-date information informs organisational decision making.

In the spotlight, the Ringmaster (Operations Manager) will lead and motivate others, while working under pressure and managing competing demands on your time. You will cultivate a collaborative approach to prioritising tasks and problem-solving. You welcome the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people, from all walks of life – most love dangling from the ceiling.

Marketing will be in your wheelhouse. You will shape and implement a marketing strategy with the MC to drive organisational growth and financial sustainability. 

In addition to attending MC meetings each month, you are required to prepare monthly management reports, including critical content to drive decision making. 

Occasionally, you may also be needed to attend and represent Aerialize at events and meetings off-site, outside of business hours and weekends.

Your experience to date will guide creative partnership development, expand public programming, attract new participants, and reach new audiences across greater Sydney.

The position available is a part-time (0.6 FTE or 3-days per week), one-year contract with the potential to be ongoing.

The salary ($82,000) is paid on a pro-rata basis in addition to superannuation. 

About You

To be successful in this role, you will be a smooth operator, efficiently running financial and administrative systems. Completing tasks and meeting deadlines brings you joy. You are a people-person and enjoy being a go-to support person in a small team. You see opportunity in a challenge and have a problem-solving mindset. You are a confident communicator, and skilled storyteller.

You are willing to do what it takes to keep this show on the road and prepared to jump-in when needed to swing a spotlight, sell tickets, help a sick child, call a plumber, or put through a payment.

Circus people are your people.

You will have the following qualifications and experience:

• Prior experience working in an operations manager or similar role.
• Degree or diploma qualification in appropriate field or relevant work experience to undertake a role at this level.
• Strong working knowledge of OH&S, HR policies and processes, governance, and compliance.
• Experience writing unputdownable board reports, managing budgets, developing a plan and delivering it, and preparing compelling funding applications.
• Comfortable producing digital marketing content and navigating social media in a professional context, including ongoing analysis.
• Confidence to broker partnerships and extend external networks, with a view to attracting new students and developing new programs.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to get the task done despite literally being in a circus.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel. Experience with Clubworx [CRM and booking system] and Xero or willingness to learn is highly desirable.
• A current NSW driver’s licence.
• Experience working in the performing arts is an advantage, but not a deal breaker.

While there is some flexibility in our working hours, you are required to attend Management Committee (Board) meetings each month outside office hours (remotely or in person) and attend Aerialize events in the evening/weekends as agreed.

To Apply

Please submit a one-page cover letter addressing the qualifications and experience along with your CV. Applications can be submitted through ArtsHub or email to: board@aerialize.com.au.

Applications close 16th March 2025 COB. Approximate start date, 24th March 2025.

For more information, email us at board@aerialize.com.au