Arts & Culture Lead

Nowra, New South WalesFull-timeDescriptionPermanent / Full TimeSalary: $118,248 - $135,701 gross p.a. plus 12% Super35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitimeLocated at Nowra Administration BuildingApplications close: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 (at midnight)About The RoleThe Arts & Culture Lead oversees Shoalhaven City Council's arts and cultural services, including the Entertainment Centre, Regional Gallery, and Library Services. The role provides strategic direction, financial leadership, and operational oversight to ensure the services' cultural facilities remain high-quality and well-used community assets. It also leads a coordinated approach to arts and culture across Council, fostering collaboration in delivering programs that reflect the community's stories, heritage and identity. This includes:Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Arts & Culture services, including developing service/business strategy, so they achieve operational efficiency, financial sustainability and community outcomes aligned with Council's strategic objectives.Support service managers to use service/business strategy to develop and implement operational plans that achieve excellence in operational efficiency and effectiveness.Support teams and services to work collaboratively and in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.About YouTo be successful in the position, you will have:Bachelor's degree relevant to the position such as Arts, Business Management, Marketing, and/or extensive relevant experience in a management role in the provision of services in the cultural development, performing and visual arts and entertainment industry sectors.Proven success in developing service/business strategy into operational goals to achieve community outcomes in alignment with Council's strategic priorities.Demonstrated ability to support service managers to use business/service strategy to develop and implement operational plans that achieve excellence in operational efficiency and effectiveness.Experience managing arts and cultural services/facilities, including programming and marketingCurrent Class C Driver's LicenseWe are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader with a strong understanding of arts and cultural development. You will bring experience in management or operation in the arts and culture sector, along with the ability to provide sound operational oversight and financial leadership to improve service sustainability. The ideal candidate will be skilled in building effective partnerships, driving integrated initiatives, and ensuring programs foster community pride and connection. A passion for driving community participation in cultural and lifelong learning activities is essential.How To ApplyTo submit an application, click Apply and complete each Step of the application. You will be required to attach your resume (and cover letter if required) and respond to questions regarding general information about you.In addition, you will be required to demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by answering the below questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are: Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and advise how you have enacted this value in a professional settingWhat relevant qualifications, skills and experience do you offer that relate to this roleWhat makes you a great candidate for the Arts and Culture Lead role, and what excites you about the role?Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (Low Risk,). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 4429 3253.Applications Close: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 (at midnight) If you have any questions about this role, please contact Lauren Buckingham - Manager Customer & Community Services - 02 4429 5515Why Work with Us The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.Benefits IncludeGenerous leave entitlementsLong Service Leave after 5 yearsOption of flexitime for indoor staff9 day fortnight for outdoor staffFlexible and remote working arrangementsNovated lease arrangements availableOpportunities for professional development and trainingCorporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insuranceConditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policiesAt Shoalhaven City Council, we are proud to foster a workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve.We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members to apply.We are committed to ensuring a equitable recruitment processes. If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments to fairly demonstrate your skills, please contact us.As a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to upholding the rights of children and young people and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.Apply for this roleVisit siteShare