Executive Assistant and Program Assistant– Fixed Term

Based in Perth | Hybrid & Flexible Work | 5 Weeks Annual Leave

About Us

Perth Festival is your summer invitation to otherworldly experiences. We're a not-for-profit multi-arts festival that brings world class international and local performance, music, film, visual arts and literary events to Perth, Western Australia, every summer.

As Australia's longest-running arts festival, for 70 years we have been celebrating Perth, its people and its culture on the shores of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River). Founded by The University of Western Australia and grounded on Noongar Boodjar, we are uniquely placed to celebrate the oldest living cultures in the world by championing rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and contemporary arts practice.

We have cultivated decades of cultural growth through commissioning major new works and engaging diverse audiences.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a proactive and highly organised Executive Assistant and Program Assistant to support Perth Festival's executive and programming leadership.

This role is the right-hand to the Executive Director and Artistic Director, ensuring seamless coordination across calendars, meetings, correspondence and key projects. You'll also provide assistance to the Head of Programming and wider team, helping to manage logistics, artist visits, office operations, and internal communications.

This position sits at the centre of the Festival and is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced creative environment, is skilled at juggling priorities, and enjoys making things run smoothly behind the scenes.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support

• Manage complex calendars, appointments, meetings, and travel for the Executive and Artistic Directors
• Coordinate agendas, take minutes, and prepare documentation for Board and Advisory Circle meetings
• Draft correspondence and ensure communication is timely and accurate
• Track priorities and follow up on action items with relevant departments

Programming & Artist Support

• Support the Artistic Director with research and program scoping tasks
• Organise logistics for artist site visits including travel and contracts
• Liaise with stakeholders around invitations, hospitality, and contra arrangements
• Coordinate Festival tickets for the Senior Leadership team

Operations & Admin

• Reconcile credit card expenses and ensure adherence to financial processes
• Manage office supplies, maintenance, and function catering
• Support internal events and hospitality, including Festival Fuel and other key functions
• Provide ad hoc support to the Programming department as required

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• At least 3 years of experience in executive support or arts administration
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication across all levels
• Strong discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other admin/project tools
• A confident multitasker who stays calm under pressure
• Knowledge of the not-for-profit sector, governance and compliance
• A positive, collaborative attitude and a passion for the arts

Bonus if you also have:

• Experience in festivals or cultural events
• Experience working with First Nations or culturally diverse communities
• Familiarity with CRM systems

Special Requirements

• A valid Australian Driver's Licence
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends during peak Festival periods

What we offer

· A rare chance to work closely with executive leaders in WA's premier arts organisation

· A friendly, purpose-driven team environment

· Complimentary and discounted tickets to Festival events

· weeks annual leave

· Flexible working arrangements

To Apply

If you're an efficient, thoughtful organiser who loves the arts and thrives behind the scenes, we'd love to hear from you. We work hard, we love what we do and we empower our team to work flexibly in a way that suits their lifestyle.

If this sounds like the right fit for you, please respond to the selection criteria listed above and click "apply" to submit your application including a resume and cover letter.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our People & Culture Team

Application closing date: EOD Friday, 24 October 2024

"Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are received. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early should a suitable candidate be identified."

Our commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity:

Perth Festival promotes inclusion and values diversity, and our recruitment process focuses on the skills and abilities that help to attract, develop, and retain our workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Perth Festival does not condone or tolerate victimisation, sexual harassment, or direct and indirect discrimination.