NERAM Senior Business Manager

Company Description

The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is a premier cultural destination in regional New South Wales, recognised for holding one of Australia's most significant art collections outside the capital cities. As a living museum of national importance NERAM plays a vital role in the social, cultural, and economic life of Armidale and the New England region. In its over four decades of history, NERAM has consistently nurtured the region's creative ecology, supporting both grassroots community and nationally competitive arts programming.

NERAM features six galleries, education and workshop spaces, an artist residence, the Museum of Printing, an artisan retail space, a café, and picturesque grounds on the Black Gully Creek. As custodian of the Howard Hinton, Chandler Coventry, and NERAM collections, it houses over 5,000 artworks by celebrated Australian artists, including Margaret Olley, Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, Margaret Preston, Brett Whiteley, and Emily Kame Kngwarreye (to name a few). The diversity, quality, and scale of these collections make NERAM an exceptional gallery in regional NSW. NERAM presents a dynamic annual program of exhibitions and events that enriches the lives of both residents and visitors.

Role Description

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success and sustainability of one of Australia's leading regional art museums. We have bold plans for the future and you can help us shape them. If you are a strategic thinker with strong business acumen and a passion for the arts, we encourage you to apply

This new position at NERAM will play a pivotal role in working alongside the Museum Director to manage the day-to-day operational activities of the organisation while supporting and enabling our strategic vision for the next decade. The Business Manager will have a clear focus on maximising NERAM's commercial operations and ensuring the Museum's long-term financial sustainability.

The role will lead the development and management of NERAM's business systems, operational governance, and commercial frameworks. This includes overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, revenue generation, and compliance, as well as supporting grant development, funding acquittals, and human resources functions. The Business Manager will also play a key role in identifying new income-generating opportunities and optimising the performance of existing commercial activities, such as venue hire, retail operations, sponsorships, and events.

As part of NERAM's leadership team, the Business Manager will ensure that the organisation operates efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with best-practice governance. They will implement policies and systems that streamline operations, strengthen financial management, and enable staff to deliver innovative cultural programs.

The Business Manager will liaise with external stakeholders—including funding bodies, government agencies, donors, and community partners—to enhance NERAM's commercial, financial, and operational foundation. This position requires a strategic thinker who combines strong business acumen with a collaborative, solution-focused approach.

The successful candidate will be an experienced, motivated professional with excellent communication and leadership skills, capable of turning plans into action and inspiring confidence across a diverse team.

Five positions report directly to the Business Manager: Finance and Admin Officer, Front of House Officer, Communications Officer and two Front of House Coordinators.

Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent work experience in either arts/business management/business development;
• Proven business management experience;
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to make data-driven decisions;
• Strong track record in people management, and in fostering open and effective communications in support of a positive and productive team culture;
• Highly developed ability to effectively and professionally engage with a diverse set of stakeholders and partners;
• Excellent computer literacy – including knowledge of Microsoft based applications, Customer Relationship Management databases and financial tools.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of the arts sector;
• Familiarity with funding bodies, government grants, and philanthropy.

Personal Attributes

• Strong time-management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, multi-task and work under pressure;
• Highly developed strategic and analytical capacity, with the ability to develop practical and forward-thinking operational plans and solutions;
• Attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality;
• Strong ability to engage and manage a range of stakeholders;
• Be enthusiastic, proactive, decisive, flexible and self-motivated;
• Ability to learn and effectively use various software and systems as required;
• Full Australian working rights.

APPLICATION FORMAT:

Full information and position description available here:

Covering letter

Provide a covering letter which introduces yourself, the reasons that you are interested in the position and addresses the Key Selection Criteria. Refer to the Position Description, which lists the essential selection criteria, and explain how you meet each one. Use the elements in the Position Description as a guide on what to include.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Provide a clear and concise resume with:

Your contact details (full name, address, contact telephone number/s, email address)

A summary of your work experience including where you have worked, positions held, period of employment and brief outline of role/duties performed.

Referees:
Include contact details of two work-related referees who will provide comments on your suitability for the position. Referees will only be contacted if you are the preferred candidate.

Submitting application:

Mark your application PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL and address it to:

Ms Rachael Parsons

Director

New England Regional Art Museum

PO Box 508

ARMIDALE NSW 2350

Or email to 

For further information about the role call Rachael Parsons on

Closing date for applications:
 Monday 8 December 2025