MURRAY ARTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB INFORMATION PACK BACKGROUND INFORMATION Murray Arts is one of the leading regional arts development organisations in NSW and Victoria. Established since 1996, Murray Arts has a track record of innovative projects, strong partnerships, vibrant networks, experienced staff, financial sustainability and sound governance practice. We provide value to our communities through securing financial support, creating networks, employing and supporting artists, promoting artistic endeavour, encouraging innovation, and dreaming big. Artistically, Murray Arts works across various artforms within the regional cultural sector, connecting with individual artists, arts organisations, communities and audiences. Our artistic program is a catalyst for growth and builds on existing cultural practice and activity. Murray Arts is uniquely placed to deliver regional programs. As one of 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations in NSW, we are based in Albury-Wodonga and employ 3 part time staff members. Murray Arts is well supported by the NSW State Government via Arts NSW and our local Government partners - City of Wodonga, Indigo and Towong Shires in Victoria and Albury City, Greater Hume and Federation Shires in NSW. The Murray Arts Strategic Plan 2016-2018 identifies five goals which underpin the operations of Murray Arts. GOAL 1 : To be the central point of information and communication for the arts across the region GOAL: 2 To forge strong partnerships with local government and other arts organisations GOAL 3 : To build the capacity of artists and communities in the arts GOAL 4 : To develop strategic projects of regional significance GOAL 5 : To ensure the ongoing sustainability of Murray Arts We are passionate about arts in regional communities. We believe that everyone should have access to high quality, innovative and exciting arts activities no matter where you live. We are committed to providing opportunities right across our region, we combine an ambitious artistic program with core service delivery to support a rich and vibrant arts community across the region.
POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: Executive Director REPORTS TO: Murray Arts Board SUPERVISES: Finance and Administration Officer, Communications Officer, Aboriginal Arts Officer SALARY: $65,000 - $75,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications) plus 9.5% superannuation, 4 weeks annual leave with leave loading, access to a fully maintained lease vehicle. HOURS OF DUTY: Full time position, 38hrs per week. Hours may vary to suit project delivery. LOCATION: Murray Arts Office, Gateway Island, Wodonga SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Executive Director is the CEO of Murray Arts and is responsible for the implementation of the Murray Arts Strategic Plan including an annual program of arts and cultural activities, as well as the day to day administrative and operational management of the Organisation. KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS: 1. Organisation 1.1 Governance Provide high level advice and guidance to the Board of Directors on matters relating to the strategic management of Murray Arts including planning, policy development, implementation of approved programs, financial and human resource management practices and organisational performance. In consultation with the Chair, provide or oversee the provision of secretarial support to the Board and its committees include the preparation of agendas, minutes and all supporting documentation and reports as required. Provide appropriate, timely, relevant and accurate reporting to the Board on all matters pertaining to the management of Murray Arts. Coordinate the AGM and manage all associated paperwork. Maintain a comprehensive risk management plan and provide the Board with timely and appropriate information and advice regarding risks inherent with the activities of the organisation. 1.2 Operational Management Manage the day-to-day operations of Murray Arts in order to facilitate arts and cultural development in the Murray Arts region, effectively and efficiently. Undertake and ensure sound and secure management of all Murray Arts activities and the organisation as a whole, including but not limited to financial management, procurement, appointment/management of staff, promotion and representation of the organisation in all matters specified by the Board. Ensure that all Corporate Affairs documents are filed and all legal responsibilities are fulfilled. Write and oversee the compilation of the Annual Report for presentation to and approval by the Board, and forward this report to the Organisation s members and other stakeholders. Oversee the effective management of the Burraja Arts Enterprise in collaboration with Burraja Arts and ensure that the financial viability of the enterprise is maintained.
1.3 Policy and Planning Develop, document and regularly review policies relating to the management and operations of Murray Arts in consultation with the Board for its approval. Prepare and implement an annual program and action plans in accordance with the Murray Arts Strategic Plan and relevant funding agreements. Ensure that the Murray Arts Strategic Plan is implemented in a timely manner and regularly reviewed and updated. 1.4 Personnel Management Within the structure approved by the Board, ensure effective management of staff resources, including recruitment and selection, training and development and performance management. Oversee and direct staff employed by Murray Arts and its contractors to ensure that Murray Arts is achieving its objectives, as documented in the Strategic Plan. Ensure adherence to all current Workplace Health and Safety legislation. Deal with any industrial disputes within Murray Arts within the terms of existing awards and conditions of employment. 1.5 Financial Management Manage the Organisation s finances to ensure adequate means of recording and monitoring all income and expenditure that satisfies the Organisation s legal obligations in respect of annual reporting requirements. Develop for the Board s adoption, a budget for the year s operational activities and projects and report against the budget quarterly. Present to the Board as and when required, and at all Board meetings, written progress reports with respect to the activities, finances and liabilities of the Organisation. Operate within the Annual Budget. Prepare and submit funding submissions and acquittals in order to meet the requirements of funding bodies for core operational funding and project funding. Manage the annual audit process in conjunction with the appointed auditor and ensure that the Audit is completed in time for the AGM.
2. Programs 2.1 Advice and Assistance Support, encourage and promote activities, facilities and resources in the Region relative to arts and cultural development, and advise and assist the community in initiating and/or developing activities and projects. Advise and assist arts organisations and groups with the preparation of funding submissions where required. Act as auspicing body for community arts and cultural organisations as required. 2.2 Project Development Manage and coordinate projects and initiatives that address the goals as set out in the Murray Arts Strategic Plan including contracting, budgeting, scheduling, logistical planning, resourcing, implementation and review. Seek appropriate project partners as required. Develop and implement entrepreneurial activities within the strategic vision of the Organisation. Liaise with local, state and federal government agencies in the development of arts related projects that are of benefit to the Murray Arts Region. 2.3 Skills Development Increase the capacity of regional residents to undertake activities in arts and cultural disciplines through arranging, advising on, providing and/or facilitating workshops and group learning opportunities. Promote education and employment opportunities in arts related occupations throughout the region. 2.4 Cultural Networks Foster co-operation between local community arts groups in the Region involved in cultural development. Coordinate the Cultural Workers Network Meetings. Encourage active participation in arts and cultural activities. 2.5 Cultural Diversity Maintain and grow relationships with Aboriginal artists living and working within the region and promote their work inside and outside the Region. Ensure that all activities are developed with regard to appropriate cultural protocols when working with diverse communities. Express the Region s diverse identity and promote themes and issues relevant to the different communities within the Region.
3. Marketing, Communication and Advocacy 3.1 Marketing Oversee the development and implementation of a marketing strategy for Murray Arts and its activities. Ensure that the activities of Murray Arts are promoted to relevant stakeholders in a timely an appropriate manner to ensure maximum participation in arts related activities. Monitor all current marketing activities to ensure maximum value is obtained from the strategies that are currently being implemented. 3.2 Communication Manage Murray Arts communications activities including the e-newsletters, stop press, website, media releases and social media platforms. Develop and maintain networks of interested arts and cultural practitioners and audiences to maximise the opportunities for arts development that become available through Murray Arts. 3.3 Advocacy In association with the Board, advocate for community cultural development and arts engagement in the Murray Arts region in all relevant forums. Recognise the importance of volunteers to regional arts development and assist those volunteers, and in particular the members of the organisation, to achieve their goals. In consultation with the Chair, represent Murray Arts on relevant Boards and Committees in the Murray Arts region as appropriate. 4. General Carry out such additional tasks as may reasonably be required by the Board. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY 1. Demonstrated experience in arts and cultural development and the capacity to plan and implement arts/cultural strategies in a regional and rural environment. 2. Demonstrated understanding of the role of the Executive Director to a Board of Management and of managing small team in a not-for-profit arts, cultural or similar organisation. 3. Excellent skills in the preparation of submissions and reports, including a broad knowledge of funding sources, with examples of success in applying for funding. 4. Demonstrated experience in the preparation and management of budgets and financial statements. 5. Demonstrated project and event management skills. 6. Experience in working with Aboriginal Communities sensitively and productively. 7. Excellent skills in negotiation and facilitation of arts and cultural activities. 8. Proven ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders including government, community organisations, arts/cultural organisations and individuals. 9. Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines, work flexible hours and travel around the region. 10. A current driver s license.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY: 1. Relevant tertiary qualifications and /or commensurate experience in arts and cultural development. 2. Arts marketing and media relations skills. 3. Understanding of social enterprise and business/commercial opportunities in the arts. APPLICATIONS Applicants for the Executive Director position are required to submit the following: 1. A written application outlining why you believe you should be appointed Executive Director with reference to the above job description and criteria, noting the skills, experience and vision you would bring to the position; 2. A curriculum vitae; 3. The details of 3 professional referees. Applications must be received by 5pm EDST on Wednesday 30 November 2016, and should be emailed to: Tahni Froudist Chair, Murray Arts tahni@hothousetheatre.com.au If you would like to discuss the position in more detail, please contact Tahni Froudist on 02 6021 7433.