About the role

In this role, you will lead the development of creative programs, spaces, and initiatives that strengthen Geelong’s cultural vibrancy. You’ll work closely with artists, designers, creative businesses, and community partners to support new ideas and increase opportunities for local creatives. You’ll lead the development and management of key creative spaces while delivering residencies, exhibitions, and programs that showcase talent and activate the city.

This role suits someone who is passionate about championing creativity, building strong sector relationships, and helping drive a bold and thriving creative ecosystem in Greater Geelong.

Work type: Permanent, Part-Time
Classification: Band 7 Commencing at $106,158 pa (pro-rata)

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of arts and creative programs that contribute to the cultural vibrancy and economic growth of Geelong.
• Lead the strategic development and delivery of large-scale creative initiatives and sector development programs that contribute to Geelong's long-term creative infrastructure and growth.
• Manage Council’s Creative City unit’s creative spaces, including the Geelong Creative and Design Hub and the Yarra Street Window Gallery, providing local artists with dedicated space to create, rehearse, develop and exhibit new work.
• Develop and deliver artist and designer residencies that enhance cross-sector collaboration, drive creative development, and contribute to the sustainability of programs that position Geelong as a thriving creative hub.
• Develop and oversee initiatives such as the Creative City Passport and Arts & Culture Trails, which encourage public engagement with Geelong's arts and cultural offerings.
• Lead promotional efforts for local artists and designers through platforms such as artist profiles, Creative City banners, and other programs in high-traffic locations, strengthening the visibility of Geelong’s creative sector.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong commitment to supporting artists, designers, and creative communities, with a belief in the power of creativity to shape a vibrant, connected, and economically strong city. You thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy working with diverse stakeholders, and are energised by developing innovative programs, activating creative spaces, and championing local talent. Your approach is creative, solutions-focused, and grounded in genuine sector engagement.

Essential Experience:

• Relevant qualification in Arts Management, Creative Industries, Cultural Development, Community Development, or a related field and/or significant professional experience in a comparable creative, cultural, or community-focused organisation.
• Demonstrated experience designing, delivering, and evaluating arts or creative programs, exhibitions, or sector development initiatives.
• Experience managing creative spaces, residencies, public programs, or similar activations that support artist development and community engagement.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across artists, community groups, creative businesses, and internal teams.
• Knowledge of best-practice approaches in cultural development, creative placemaking, or sector support, with demonstrated ability to implement inclusive and accessible programs.
• Experience coordinating contractors, artists, or collaborators, including contract management, project documentation, budgeting, and reporting.
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now! 

Child Safety Responsibilities   
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.  

Diversity and Inclusion  
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.  

We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries

Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.

Enquiries: talent@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Please note that first-round interviews will be held between 19–21 January, with second-round interviews scheduled between 27–29 January.

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience.  We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared.

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