Manager, Conservatorium Open Academy in Sydney

Opportunity to provide leadership in the strategic development and advancement of the Open Academy at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

About the opportunity

The Manager, Conservatorium Open Academy is responsible for overseeing all operations of the Open Academy unit. The position provides leadership in the strategic development and long‑term advancement of the Open Academy, while also offering operational support to identify the most cost‑effective and artistically appropriate ways to deliver outstanding continuing education and community engagement services.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the strategic direction and long‑term growth of the Conservatorium Open Academy, driving innovative community engagement and lifelong learning initiatives across multiple locations.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the Open Academy, ensuring the successful delivery of programs, services, workshops, courses and events.
• Develop and implement business, operational and growth plans, working closely with Faculty leadership to achieve strategic and financial objectives.
• Manage budgets, financial planning, forecasting and reporting, ensuring effective stewardship of resources and compliance with funding and grant requirements.
• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team, including a large cohort of casual teaching staff, fostering a high‑performing and collaborative culture.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, industry partners, sponsors, artists and community organisations to enhance program impact and sustainability.
• Drive student recruitment, marketing and outreach initiatives to increase participation, raise public awareness and support revenue growth.
• Establish and strengthen partnerships with schools, regional conservatoriums and external organisations to expand engagement opportunities and support educational pathways.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of festivals, conferences, workshops and special projects, ensuring high‑quality experiences and enhancing the Academy’s profile and reputation.

About you

• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to lead, mentor and develop high‑performing teams, including staff supervision, coaching and performance management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with a proven ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate with diverse internal and external partners.
• Strong project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deliver outcomes to deadlines and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven experience in operational management, including establishing, implementing and reviewing administrative processes and procedures.
• Sound financial management skills, including budget development, monitoring, forecasting and resource allocation.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships and represent the organisation professionally.
• Strong organisational, critical thinking and decision‑making skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex environments.
• Knowledge of the music education sector and arts industry, including familiarity with secondary and tertiary education environments and key stakeholder networks.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. You must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident to apply.

Pre‑employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre‑employment or background checks required for the role in accordance with the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender‑Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender‑based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. This position is designated as involving child‑related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer.