General Manager

Reports to: CEO/Artistic Director

Location: Musica Viva Australia (Zetland) + work-from-home

Working conditions: Permanent Full Time

Salary: $100,000-$110,000 per annum, plus 11% superannuation (commensurate with experience)

Commencement date: ASAP

Ensemble Offspring is looking for an exceptional, experienced and supportive General Manager to work as an integral leadership part of our small team. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO/Artistic Director, Claire Edwardes and Board of Directors to shape the direction of the ensemble, drive strategy, growth and revenue as well as ensuring the smooth operation of its activities.

We are looking for an organised, systematic and driven person who is inspired by new music and committed to the company’s culture of innovation and excellence.

The Position

The General Manager (GM) is a key leadership position for Ensemble Offspring and will report directly to the CEO/Artistic Director. We are looking for a dynamic, organised and driven person with good communication skills - a positive and energetic force who will uphold the company’s culture of innovation and excellence. The successful candidate will have diverse skills in strategic planning, music business operations, budgeting, government funding, philanthropy, people management and communications. This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant and successful music organisation with a long track record and work closely with our formidable Artistic Director and our small yet dedicated team.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

  • Lead an annual strategic planning process in collaboration with the CEO/Artistic Director and the Board, and implement the strategic plan 

  • Meet monthly with Board Chair and Treasurer, and weekly with the CEO/Artistic Director, as well as attending all board meetings

  • Liaise with board and bookkeepers (AFG) including preparation and delivery of sections of bi-monthly board papers & financials 

  • Tracking, coding and processing invoices via Dext

  • Ensure insurance policies are current (Public Liability, Workers Compensation and Board insurance) 

  • Track activity against KPI’s

  • Ensure appropriate risk management plans, governance and compliance requirements are implemented, at the direction of the board

  • Maintain a workplace culture that empowers and develops staff in the delivery of Ensemble Offspring’s objectives

  • Maintain appropriate Workplace Health and Safety standards for all activities and staff

OPERATIONS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

  • Implement and manage grant applications and acquittals (government and foundation), with CEO/Artistic Director, with a focus on acquittals and reporting

  • Work with the CEO/Artistic Director in budgeting and negotiations of bookings, fees and contracts with presenters including venues and festivals 

  • Identify new revenue streams and philanthropic opportunities in collaboration with Development Manager

  • Oversee the preparation and administration of musician contracts and manage payments with AFG

  • Manage annual budget with CEO/Artistic Director

  • Assist with the acquisition of concert, festival and touring opportunities locally and internationally, in collaboration with CEO/Artistic Director

  • Oversee implementation of successful Marketing, Communications and PR Strategies

  • Identify and act upon business opportunities in a strategic and dynamic manner

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Manage own role and responsibilities in a varied and flexible work environment

  • Manage the 3 day/week Operations Manager, Development Manager and Administrator/Librarian

  • Facilitate a positive work environment and culture for the company and advocate for the ensemble publicly, along with the CEO/Artistic Director

  • Pursue new skills and knowledge for personal and organisational development

  • Contribute to and champion the development of the organisation through leading planning and review processes, staff meetings and other activities as required

  • Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures are met

  • Participate in and attending relevant meetings, performances and other events as required

  • Copywriting/solid writing skills

  • Participate in staff development and training activities as required

Work outside of normal office hours (including occasional evenings and weekends for board meetings and concert attendance) is expected in this role as well as general public advocacy for Ensemble Offspring at industry events. We are very open to providing the successful candidate with commensurate flexibility within the role.

About the Organisation

Founded in 1995, Ensemble Offspring is at the forefront of new music in Australia, commissioning and performing new compositions by Australian and international composers. The ensemble is renowned for its genre and boundary-pushing performances, which feature a range of instruments and technologies, and its commitment to developing the careers of diverse and under-represented artists.

We share an office at Musica Viva part-time on Wednesday and Thursday each week and work from home other days. Extra office days by negotiation.

Ensemble Offspring is currently funded by Create NSW in a multi-year capacity and from 2025, Creative Australia in a multi-year capacity.

Selection Criteria

  1. At least 5 years of experience in a senior arts management role, with a proven track record in developing and implementing strategic plans, securing funding, managing staff and budgets. Knowledge of the national/international performing arts and specifically new music scenes, is preferred. 

  2. An entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify and develop new income streams and opportunities for growth. 

  3. Strong leadership skills while still working in a collaborative team environment, with demonstrated affinity for working with artists/performers as well as a wide range of stakeholders.

  4. Demonstrated success and experience in grant writing (with exceptional writing skills) as well as fundraising and development through the private and philanthropic sector. A proven ability to reach and grow fundraising targets and manage budgets responsibly.

  5. High level planning, organisational and problem-solving skills including the ability to prioritise and complete tasks in a time effective manner.

  6. Excellent and effective communication, negotiation and leadership skills with both internal staff members and key stakeholders.

  7. Demonstrated experience in financial management, risk management, governance and strategic planning.

Desirable Qualities

  • NSW Drivers Licence

  • Experience servicing and reporting to a board 

  • Familiarity with online platforms such as the Google suite of programs, Dext, Xero, Notion, Mailchimp, Canva and Airtable

Application Process

Candidates should submit an application via this Careers form, including a considered response to all selection criteria and referencing the desirable criteria where appropriate. Applicants should also provide a cover letter and a CV (including the details of 3 referees), both no more than 2 pages.

Applications will be accepted from Tuesday April 2nd and will be assessed as they are submitted. If your application is successful, we will contact you to arrange an interview.

Applications close at midnight AEST Friday 26 April 2024.

Any queries about the position, please contact Claire Edwardes at admin@ensembleoffspring.com

Diversity and Inclusion

Ensemble Offspring is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, mature age workers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people.

Ensemble Offspring is committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a supportive and barrier-free workplace. If you require any adjustments before or during the selection process, please email admin@ensembleoffspring.com