WORK WITH US
WORK WITH US:
Artistic Director + CEO (12 month parental leave cover)
Position type: Part-time (0.8 FTE), 12-month parental cover position, commencing June 2026.
Salary: $112,458 (pro-rata) + 12% superannuation. This employment package includes pro rata annual and personal leave in accordance with the National Employment Standards in the Fair Work Act 2009.
Days and Hours: The position is part-time, 30 hours per week. A key requirement for this role is some flexible work hours for evenings or weekends (for exhibition openings or public programs). Canberra Contemporary is open to the public 11am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday.
Location: The position is primarily based at Canberra Contemporary at 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace Parkes ACT (office and main gallery space), with occasional visits to Canberra Contemporary’s satellite project gallery Platform at 19 Furneaux Street Forrest ACT.
Reporting to: Board of Canberra Contemporary
Supervises: Curator + Program Manager, Communications + Engagement Coordinator, Administration Coordinator, Casual staff, contract bookkeeper, interns, and volunteers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Artistic Director + CEO of Canberra Contemporary is a dynamic, inclusive, and entrepreneurial arts leader responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s vision to the growth of and development of contemporary art in Kamberri/Canberra and beyond. Reporting to the Chair, the Director is both the executive and artistic leader of Canberra Contemporary, overseeing strategic and financial leadership, artistic programming, stakeholder engagement, and brand development. They lead a dedicated part-time team of professionals, fostering collaboration and professional growth while delivering innovative programs that engage artists, audiences, and partners.
The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in arts leadership, with expertise in areas including financial and program management, curating, funding, sponsorship and philanthropy, and community partnerships. This is a 12-month parental leave position and an exciting opportunity for an early-career arts leader to develop and grow their skillset.
We are looking for someone who is a creative and bold thinker, able to work with care and compassion for a diversity of artists and communities and is invested in shaping contemporary discourse in the region and beyond. The ideal candidate will be someone who can thrive in a small team environment, and lead and shape a positive workplace culture where a diversity of views and lived experiences are supported. Relationship-building is at the heart of this work, and you will be able to work reflexively and collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders. The Artistic Director + CEO will ensure that Canberra Contemporary remains relevant, timely, and an industry leader in the field.
APPLICATION PROCCESS
Download and read the full position description here.
To apply for this position, please submit as one PDF document:
· A cover letter
· A statement addressing the selection criteria
· CV (2 pages maximum) including the names and contact details of 2-3 referees
Send your applications to
Kanesan Nathan, Chair, Canberra Contemporary, board@canberracontemporary.com.au with the subject line “Artistic Director + CEO”.
If you have access needs or would like to apply in another format, please get in touch before the closing date.
Applications close Friday 8 May 2026 at 5pm, with interviews to take place in May.
The role will commence in June 2026.