The Diplomat is your source for Asia-Pacific careers.

Chief Executive Officer

Job Posted 3/9/2025
Ports North
Adelaide, Adelaide 5001
Category Management
Full-Time
Job Description
Adelaide Festival Centre Trust Chief Executive Officer Full-time position for five years Adelaide Festival Centre Trust is a leader in the arts in South Australia and an integral part of the State's cultural landscape. It is dedicated to showcasing Australian artistic achievements, fostering the arts within our community, and leading the industry locally, nationally, and internationally. The Trust manages dynamic, accessible spaces that inspire, entertain, and bring together diverse audiences and artists alike. It operates four theatres in the central business district: two lyric theatres (Festival Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre), a playhouse (Dunstan Playhouse), and a black box theatre (The Space). The Trust also holds a significant presence in the Riverbank Precinct and the Market/Chinatown Precinct. As an established touring destination for national and international promoters and the home of several resident companies, the Trust presents four of its own festivals (Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival, DreamBIG Children's Festival, and OzAsia Festival), along with a range of children's, family, and community performances and events, First Nations visual arts and literary programs, and manages the Performing Arts Collection and a suite of galleries. The Role Adelaide Festival Centre Trust is seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation and manage its activities. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will possess international standing as a recognised and accomplished leader in the arts community and will be tasked with providing exceptional leadership to ensure the Trust continues to be nationally and internationally renowned in the arts and live performance sectors. The CEO will oversee the development and execution of the next strategic plan, focusing on maintaining the Trust's mission to be a year-round hub for arts and community engagement. Key Responsibilities
  1. Driving artistic and commercial success.
  2. Expanding programming.
  3. Overseeing large-scale redevelopment projects.
  4. Cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders including government bodies, home companies, presenters, artists, donors, sponsors, audiences, and the media.
  5. Leading a skilled executive team and managing operations.
  6. Ensuring compliance with legislative obligations.
  7. Fostering a workplace culture based on integrity, diversity, and inclusivity.
  8. Overseeing financial performance, governance, and risk management.
The Candidate Adelaide Festival Centre Trust is seeking an inspirational leader with exceptional strategic vision and a proven track record of success in leading arts institutions and/or large-scale organisations in adjacent sectors. The ideal candidate will possess strong commercial acumen, transformational leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the arts industry. Experience in managing large teams, complex projects, and large-scale redevelopment is highly desirable, along with the ability to navigate the public sector environment. You will bring a proven track record of balancing short-term goals and long-term vision. A proven capacity to build and nurture relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government, philanthropists, and corporate sponsors, is essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for the arts, a deep commitment to community engagement, and a leadership style that inspires and motivates staff, ensuring operational excellence and a positive organisational culture. For more information and to request a copy of the position description, please contact Courtenay Atwell at . This role will be offered in a full-time capacity for five years in the first instance. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria to . Please do not apply via I Work for SA. Applications close midnight on Sunday 5 January 2025.

Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.