GENERAL MANAGER

Shepparton Arts Festival is a vibrant community arts festival focused on creating fresh opportunities for the public to engage with art across the Greater Shepparton region.

We are seeking a General Manager for a part-time (3 days / 24 hours) per week role to lead the operations and strategy of the Festival.

Working closely with the Board, artistic support, stakeholders, and partners, the GM ensures the Festival's sustainability, financial health, and community impact.

This role oversees the Festival from an operational perspective, funding and fundraising efforts, financial management, stakeholder relations, and logistical coordination to deliver art experience and engagement for the people of Greater Shepparton.

This role will suit a hands-on leader who thrives on community engagement and believes in the future of grassroots community organisations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operations and Strategy

  • Develop and implement strategic and operational plans in alignment with the Festival’s vision.

  • Oversee the festival’s planning, administration, and delivery to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Manage risk, compliance, and governance in collaboration with the Board.

2. Strategic Stakeholder Management

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including artists, government agencies, sponsors, funding bodies, community groups, and local businesses.

  • Represent the Festival at meetings, industry events, and networking opportunities.

3. Volunteer coordination

  • Work with Volunteer and Community Engagement Ambassador and subcommittee to Grow and nurture the number of volunteers who support the Shepparton Arts Festival and its events

  • Identify opportunities to increase volunteer participation and satisfaction

4. Funding and Fundraising

  • Work with Fundraising Ambassador and Fundraising and Finance subcommittee to Identify and secure funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic contributions.

  • Develop and maintain relationships with donors, funding bodies, and sponsors.

  • Oversee grant applications, acquittals, and reporting requirements.

5. Finance and Administration

  • Develop and manage the Festival’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability.

  • Oversee financial reporting, record-keeping, and compliance.

  • Work with external accountants, Treasurer and auditors to ensure transparency and accountability.

6. Logistics and Festival Delivery

  • Oversee festival logistics, including venue management, supplier coordination, and event operations.

  • Ensure smooth delivery of festival programs in collaboration with staff, Programming subcommittee, volunteers and production team.

  • Support marketing and audience development strategies in partnership with the Festival’s communications team.

7. Marketing and communication

  • Work with Communications Ambassador and Marketing and Communications subcommittee to oversee marketing and communication for the Festival

8. Evaluation and reporting

  • Evaluate the impact of Shepparton Arts Festival events on the Shepparton Community and Artists

  • Report on impact and outcomes

  • Report on finances and operations to Board

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

  • Demonstrated experience relevant to role. 

  • Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.

  • Project and operational management skills, including balancing multiple priorities, time and working to schedule

  • Experience in fundraising, sponsorship, grant acquisition and/or financial management.

  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building abilities.

  • Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work autonomously.

  • Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and governance requirements.

Desirable:

  • Based in the Goulburn Valley region.

  • Experience working with not-for-profits or community organisations.

APPLY

Please apply with a cover letter indicating your response to the selection criteria and CV.

Send responses to tim@rocketshop.com.au

Applications close COB Friday 12 June 2026.

For a confidential discussion about the role please contact Tim Winkler on 0409 551 743 or email tim@rocketshop.com.au