Program Manager

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a dynamic Program Manager to join our passionate team at Helpmann Academy – the only organisation of its kind in Australia. For over 30 years, we've empowered South Australia's most promising emerging artists to thrive through grants, mentorships, residencies, and world-class professional development opportunities.

ABOUT US

The Helpmann Academy empowers South Australia's rising emerging creatives to realise their visions and build sustainable practices. Helpmann Academy provides professional development opportunities including grants, awards, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses, advisory services, and international artist residencies, all tailored specifically for South Australia's higher education students, tertiary graduates, and emerging artists.

The Helpmann Academy is a unique collaborative partnership, unifying the skills and resources of our state's universities. Since 1994, the Helpmann Academy has been empowering emerging creatives, promoting South Australia as a centre for excellence in creative education, and contributing to the artistic community of the state.

ABOUT YOU

In this role, you'll lead the design and delivery of innovative programs and events, working closely with artists, universities, and cultural partners. You'll bring strong project management skills, deep knowledge of the creative sector, and a passion for seeing artists prosper and be celebrated.

If you're a highly organised, forward-thinking arts professional who thrives on collaboration and delivering impact, we'd love to hear from you.

RESPONSIBLE TO:  Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

TERMS:This is a full-time position. A part-time option (0.8 / four days a week or 0.9 /nine-day fortnight) may be negotiated.

Some out-of-hours work (evenings/weekends) will be required. As Helpmann Academy is subject to funding agreements, this position is offered on a two-year fixed term contract basis, subject to a six-month probation period.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead the initiation, planning, development, and evaluation of a calendar of funding opportunities and professional development programs that empower emerging creatives to build sustainable practices.
• Work with the CEO to develop new programs and initiatives in line with the Helpmann Academy's Strategic Plan.
• Provide well-developed project management on multiple concurrent projects, programs, and events including budgets, financial reports, data management, schedules, risk management plans, stakeholder engagement and contracts.
• Evaluate new program opportunities as they arise, with the CEO
• Management of the evaluation of programs and activities, including reports and grant acquittal support.
• Work with the Engagement and Development Manager on the preparation of project funding proposals and applications; and on the delivery of stakeholder events.
• Work with and brief the marketing and communications team to launch, promote and evaluate programs and events.
• Manage applications to Helpmann grants and other opportunities, including preparing web copy, application forms and organising assessment panels.
• Management of artist programs, including providing expert advice to applicants/ emerging creatives, administration, promotion and assistance with contracts, agreements, and acquittals.
• Manage direct reports, volunteers and contract staff to ensure successful delivery of programs and events.
• Work collaboratively with our external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of programs and events.
• Contribute to the internal and external consultation processes, which reflect the ethos of the Helpmann Academy.
• Foster and maintain relationships with the South Australian arts community, including Helpmann Academy eligible creative community, including presenting to university classes, attending exhibitions and performances and providing 1:1 consultations.
• Manage the Helpmann Academy Artist Advisory Group.
• Contribute positively to the team culture of the Helpmann Academy.
• Other duties as required.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Demonstrated experience in designing, managing, and evaluating professional development programs and events, and a high attention to detail and accuracy, preferably within the arts sector.
• Capacity for creative thinking with a track record of developing and collaborating on initiatives and bringing them to an impactful reality.
• Highly developed skills in all interpersonal communication requirements with a commitment to excellence to achieve the desired outcomes and build a reputation as a trusted leader and influencer.
• Demonstrated ability to work under broad direction and exercise delegated authority in planning and setting priorities to successfully manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously.
• Highly developed organisational skills with the ability to manage time, work output and priorities and handle a range of tasks with competing priorities within tight timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to write reports.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office suite, in particular Word, PowerPoint and Excel and is enthusiastic about adopting and using technology in the workplace.
• A tertiary qualification in arts or cultural development with some relevant industry experience or lesser formal qualifications with substantial relevant experience.
• Strong working knowledge of the arts and cultural sector, and the ability to provide sound advice on arts and cultural issues to emerging creatives.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrates professional integrity and ability to work harmoniously within a team environment and autonomously.
• Solutions focused and unflappable under pressure.
• Energetic, self-motivated, flexible and adaptable with a sense of humour and positive outlook.
• Passion for supporting emerging creatives.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE A SINGLE PDF WITH THE FOLLOWING:

• A cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for this role.
• A response to each of the Key Selection Criteria.
• A current CV.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Please address your application to Jane MacFarlane, CEO, Helpmann Academy.
• Applications must be submitted via the Helpmann Academy website form with single PDF uploaded with this form - found here: )
• Applications via SEEK or emailed directly will not be considered.
• Applications close 9:00am Monday 29 September 2025.