Director Creative and Tourism Programming

Work type: Full time

Salary: $135,016 - $157,847

Grade: RBGV 6.1

Occupation: Hospitality and Tourism

Location: Eastern Metropolitan

Reference: VG/422157

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) employs over 240 staff overseeing two beautiful world-class gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. The organisation fosters an understanding and appreciation for plants and the natural world through arts and culture, learning programs, world-leading scientific research, plant conservation programs, and promotes health and wellbeing in nature. For further information please visit

What You'll Do
We are seeking an experienced Director Creative and Tourism Programming to lead the further development and delivery of bold, innovative strategies that expand audiences and revenue across creative and tourism initiatives. This pivotal role will lead and oversee the creation and curation of exceptional programs, events, and partnerships that reflect RBGV's mission and strategic priorities. You will provide inspirational leadership to a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the skills and capabilities needed to deliver dynamic and high-impact outcomes. As the Director, you will drive collaboration across RBGV, including with Traditional Owners, to cultivate meaningful partnerships and build support from community, industry, government, tourism, and cultural stakeholders. You'll play a key role in leading revenue-raising activities, negotiating and managing contracts, and identifying growth opportunities. As a senior leader, you will offer strategic advice to the Executive Team, manage functional risk, contribute to organisation-wide planning and reporting, and ensure continuous improvement across the portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the creative and tourism experiences of one of Victoria's most iconic cultural and environmental institutions.

What You'll Bring
The ideal candidate will hold a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience in creative arts, commercial or tourism programming, and will demonstrate excellence in developing, delivering, and evaluating innovative programs that drive audience growth, depth of experience and revenue generation. You will be an adaptive and visionary leader with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, managing complex projects, and fostering partnerships across diverse sectors. A deep understanding of how the environment, science, and the arts intersect to create meaningful visitor experiences is essential, along with demonstrated experience working with Traditional Owners and First Peoples artists and communities. You'll bring strong skills in organisational and audience development, and change management, with the creativity to shape unique public offerings that cater to diverse needs and interests. Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills will ensure your ability to advocate for and represent RBGV's programming in a variety of professional and public settings. With excellent project management and financial skills, you will be well-equipped to lead a portfolio that delivers both cultural impact and financial success. All other key selection criteria can be found in the position description which is located under the attachments heading on the Victorian Government Careers website.

Working with Us
At RBGV you'll be part of a nationally-recognised organisation that makes a genuine impact on a local and international scale. As an employee you will benefit from flexible working arrangements to assist in creating genuine work/life balance, annual leave loading, access to an Employee Assistance Program and much more.

How to Apply
To apply for this role, please visit the Victorian Government Careers website at must submit a recent resume along with a letter (maximum three pages) responding to the Key Selection Criteria as stated in the position description prior to the deadline of end Sunday 6 July. Applications will only be accepted via the Victorian Government website. Enquiries can be directed by email to [email protected].

Applications close Sunday 6 July 2025 at 11.59PM