• Newly created role to drive Arts & Cultural Development 
• Career development opportunity
• Hybrid options available
• Full time position located in Cheltenham, Melbourne
• Band 8 $125,248 - $140,487 per annum, plus superannuation

About us

Kingston Council’s collective focus is on delivering exceptional service that achieves our vision and meets community expectations.

We are an inclusive, resilient community with a thriving economy, where we all share a safe, sustainable environment. The City of Kingston is south-east of Melbourne and is approximately 20km from Melbourne's CBD. We employ over 1,600 people in a diverse range of roles including engineering, customer service, administration, finance, family, youth and children's services, sport and recreation, health, parks and gardens, planning, arts and management.

The City of Kingston is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Creative Activities to lead our diverse arts and culture portfolio. This high-profile role offers the opportunity to shape the cultural landscape of our community through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

The role

We are seeking a Head of Creative Activities to join the Arts & Culture Team. Reporting to the Manager Arts, Events & Libraries your role is to:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Arts and Culture portfolio, integrating community-centric programs with commercial arts and performance strategies.
• Develop and implement high-impact arts initiatives, including large-scale public art installations, community arts programs, and diverse cultural events.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with artists, cultural institutions, government bodies, and community groups to advance cultural initiatives and achieve organisational goals.
• Manage a multi-million dollar budget, identify diverse revenue streams, and ensure financial sustainability and growth for all arts programs.
• Inspire and guide a large, multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, professional growth, and excellence.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Tertiary qualifications in arts, community development, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification in management or community engagement is desirable.
• Extensive experience in senior strategic arts management, including venue programming, public art, cultural development, and managing substantial teams and budgets.
• Strong strategic leadership, relationship management, financial acumen, and expertise in fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.
• Ability to demonstrate the City of Kingston’s values of;
• We make a difference
• We show care and respect
• We take pride in our work
• We are better together

What we can offer

This is a full-time permanent position.

The City of Kingston is a committed child safe, equal opportunity employer and committed to reconciliation. We value the diversity of lived experience and are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel safe, supported, and connected to perform at their best.

As an employee of the City of Kingston you will be part of an inclusive culture and have access to ongoing professional development and a range of employee benefits designed to promote a positive work/life balance including:

• flexible / hybrid working arrangements
• wellbeing initiatives
• discounted gym membership
• social club events
• 16 weeks paid parental leave for both primary and partner carers,
• salary packaging
• study/development assistance
• employee assistance program (EAP)
• discounted health insurance  
• access to an accrued day off every four weeks (available to full time employees only)

How to Apply

Please submit your CV with a cover letter outlining your experience and how it relates to the role.

Kingston City Council is an equal opportunity employer, committed to being a child safe organisation and to reconciliation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. We support adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. 

Don’t meet every single requirement for this role? Studies have shown women and those of underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every criterion. At Kingston Council, we recognise that different experiences make for great community outcomes. If you are excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly align to the criteria we encourage you to submit your application.

If you require further information after reviewing the position description please contact Acting Manager Arts, Events & Libraries - Luke Dexter - at Luke.Dexter@kingston.vic.gov.au

To be considered for the role all applications must be submitted via our Careers recruitment portal.