Venue Director in Willoughby

The Venue Direction Department is responsible for the artistic direction, programming, production planning and successful delivery of performances, festivals and live events across The Concourse Performing Arts Centre. The department works closely with the Technical Manager, Production HR Manager and production teams to ensure the venue delivers high-quality artistic programs and experiences that align with Century Venues' strategic objectives, community expectations and commercial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and implement the artistic vision, programming strategy and annual performance schedule for The Concourse, ensuring alignment with Century Venues' strategic objectives and community expectations.
• Evaluate, curate and coordinate performing arts programs, festivals and live events, balancing artistic quality, audience engagement, operational requirements and commercial outcomes.
• Direct the planning and delivery of productions and events, ensuring artistic, production and technical requirements are achieved within approved budgets and project timeframes.
• Build and maintain relationships with artists, producers, presenters, promoters, touring companies and other industry stakeholders to secure and successfully deliver high-quality productions.
• Lead and manage the Production Coordinators and production personnel, providing direction, mentoring and performance management to ensure the successful delivery of artistic programs and venue operations.
• Develop and manage production budgets, monitor expenditure and allocate venue resources to maximise operational efficiency while maintaining the artistic integrity of productions.
• Oversee venue production planning, technical delivery and operational procedures to ensure productions comply with venue standards and deliver an exceptional experience for artists, clients and audiences.
• Monitor the success of artistic programs through audience feedback, stakeholder engagement and financial performance, and recommend improvements to future programming and venue operations.
• Provide strategic oversight during the delivery of productions and live events to ensure artistic, operational and technical objectives are achieved.
• Work closely with the Technical Manager and Production HR Manager to ensure productions are delivered to the highest artistic, technical and operational standards.

Organisational Relationships:

• Reports directly to: Chief Operating Officer
• Liaises with: Heads of Department, artists, producers
• Liaises with and advises: Senior Century Management

Accountability:

• The position is accountable to the Chief Operating Officer and is subject to the following reviewable KPIs:
• Successful delivery of artistic programs within approved budgets and timeframes
• Achievement of venue attendance, audience engagement and programming objectives
• Staff satisfaction and productivity
• Meeting budgeted amounts for technical production sales and gross profit margins
• A maximum of three client complaints per year, with an expectation that positive client responses outweigh negative by a factor of three

Extent of Authority:

• Works autonomously.
• Makes decisions regarding staff management, promotion, training and dismissal.
• Liaises and negotiates with clients as required and makes financial decisions arising from those negotiations.
• Supervises full-time staff to ensure client and event requirements are met, and makes changes to ensure the best productivity and financial outcomes.

Judgement and Decision-Making:

• The position is expected to exercise a high level of professional judgement in determining artistic programming, production priorities and operational requirements.
• The Venue Director has significant autonomy in leading the venue's artistic and production functions while ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures.

Specialist Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive experience in the operation of audio, lighting or stage management
• Extensive knowledge of performing arts, live entertainment and venue management
• Strong understanding of artistic programming, production planning and event delivery
• Sound general knowledge of all aspects of technical production, maintained in line with current industry standards and practices
• Proven ability in the management and supervision of technical staff
• Proven knowledge of WHS procedures and industry best practice

Management Skills:

• Demonstrated and proven track record in time management and delegation
• Operational effectiveness — managing a department to make the best and most efficient use of labour and equipment resources
• Financial acumen — running a department on budget and meeting budget targets
• Staff management — getting the most out of the team
• Workflow management and prioritisation of tasks
• Adherence to, and the ability to contribute to and formulate, policies, systems and procedures
• Political acumen — negotiating with external organisations to achieve desired outcomes while maintaining strong working relationships
• Executing tasks and managing workflow and projects to achieve on-time, on-budget outcomes
• Understanding and meeting legal compliance obligations

Interpersonal Skills:

• Enthusiasm and a positive attitude, with the ability to be both a team player and a team leader, and a commitment to group success
• Negotiation skills, with the ability to enthuse and engage others
• Ability to communicate openly, share information and support team members in pursuit of common goals
• Openness to change and a willingness to learn
• Energetic and positive, with lateral thinking and problem-solving ability
• Service orientation
• Emotional and professional maturity

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of five years' supervisory experience in a theatre, production company or related industry is considered necessary.

Salary: Negotiable — $85,000 to $100,000 depending on experience.