Creative Programming Lead

Position:

Organisation Unit:

Location:

Tenure:

Closing:

Synopsis:

• $140,947 - $158, % Super
• Permanent, full-time position
• Employee Discounts Program

About the role

The Creative Programming Lead sits within the Creative Melbourne branch and offers an exciting opportunity to shape Melbourne's cultural life by delivering inclusive and contemporary creative programming across the city.

This role plays a key part in delivering impactful outcomes for our community and supporting the strategic goals of the City of Melbourne. You'll lead a dynamic team of creative professionals, overseeing programming across multiple arts venues and creative spaces. Your leadership will ensure Melbourne's creative program continues to thrive, engage new and diverse audiences, and support artists to deliver work of local, national and international significance.

You will work closely with artists, cultural partners, and community groups to engage new and diverse audiences, while enhancing Melbourne's creative and economic ambitions. From our key venues like Arts House, ArtPlay and SIGNAL, to citywide activations and festivals, this is your chance to make creativity central to Melbourne's everyday experience.

Please note that previous applicants have been considered and need not reapply.

A little more about the role

• Drive audience engagement through community-led initiatives, storytelling, and brand-building.
• Build strong strategic relationships with artists, partners and funders at local, national and international levels.

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

Previous experience in managing arts venues or leading creative programming teams is essential, along with the confidence to deliver inclusive, high-impact creative programs.

You may also be:

• A strategic and creative thinker who looks for new opportunities and challenges the status quo.
• Experienced in delivering high-profile arts programs or organisations of scale.
• Skilled in building and engaging audiences through inclusive and innovative programming.

What your experience might look like

• Proven experience leading and managing high-performing creative or arts programs.
• Strong track record of strategic and operational planning, financial management, and program delivery.
• Demonstrated experience engaging new and diverse audiences and building creative partnerships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to thrive in complex, political environments.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in the arts (or equivalent experience) with more than 5+ years industry experience.

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 Monday, 24 November 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 Lauren Bialkower – Director Creative Melbourne,

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, 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.