Executive Lead

Synopsis

• $118,141- $132, % Super
• Permanent, full-time position
• Employee Discounts Program

About The Role
The Executive Lead, YIRRAMBOI sits within the Creative Melbourne branch and represents an extraordinary opportunity to co-lead Australia's premier First Nations–led festival. This role is pivotal in shaping sector-wide change, delivering meaningful outcomes for community, and advancing the strategic goals of the City of Melbourne.

The Executive Lead will champion First Nations voices, uphold cultural protocols, and lead transformative work in access and inclusion, embedding equity across all programming and setting new standards for how festivals honour disability justice and cultural responsibility.

Working in collaboration with the Artistic Lead, the Executive Lead will ensure artistic vision and operational excellence are seamlessly aligned to deliver a festival that is bold, impactful, and deeply grounded in Melbourne's commitment to reconciliation and cultural vibrancy.

The Executive Lead will also drive strategic growth by securing federal, state, and international funding streams, cultivating strong partnerships, and leveraging innovative investment opportunities to expand YIRRAMBOI's artistic vision and ensure its long-term impact and global reach.

In line with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Special Measures), this role is specifically designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates. It provides senior leadership to align the festival with organisational priorities and strengthens YIRRAMBOI's position as a leading platform for First Peoples arts locally, nationally, and internationally.

A Little More About The Role

• Co-lead the development and delivery of the YIRRAMBOI Festival's biennial program, ensuring it is inclusive, accessible and First Nations-led.
• Strengthen and grow partnerships with Traditional Custodians, First Nations communities, artists, and industry stakeholders.
• Oversee a creative team of producers, contractors, and artists to deliver high-quality outcomes within budget.
• Build strategic investment through funding and sponsorship opportunities to support the growth and sustainability of YIRRAMBOI.
• Lead sector changing inclusion and access for d/Deaf and disabled artists and audiences
• Manage and support a team of up to seven (7) First Nations producers

Why join Team Melbourne?
Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the
heart
of it all is the
City of Melbourne
– a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of
Team Melbourne
, you'll help deliver what's most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We're proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it's your chance to
make a real impact
, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne's future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About You
You are a visionary cultural leader with deep knowledge of First Peoples' cultures and a demonstrated ability to embed accessibility and inclusion into every aspect of your work. You are an experienced festival or creative industry professional with the capacity to bring bold ideas to life, navigate complex environments, and lead with cultural safety and integrity.

You May Also Be

• A strong relationship builder who can influence across government, industry, and community.
• An inspiring people leader who empowers and mentors diverse teams.

What Your Experience Might Look Like

• Minimum 8 years experience within the First Nations Arts Sector
• Minimum of 2 years proven leadership experience in the creative industries, including the delivery of large-scale programs or festivals.
• Deep understanding of First Nations communities, protocols, and self-determination, ideally as a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.
• Strong track record in embedding accessibility and inclusion into cultural programming.
• Demonstrated success in developing strategic partnerships and securing funding and investment.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to operate in complex and political environments.

Benefits Of Working With Us

• Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.
• Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.
• Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.
• Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

How To Apply
We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role As part of your application, you will be required to:

• Attach your updated resume
• Include a cover letter (max one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you're a great fit for this role.

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm
on Friday, 17 October, 2025.
A few important things to note – don't miss out

• Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can't accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.
• Apply early This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don't wait to get your application in.
• We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Need more info?
Refer to the position description below or contact
Cara Tamandl – Business Manager YIRRAMBOI
,

Inclusion matters
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you're contacted for an interview.