Shape the future of First Nations fashion with CIAF

Applications close midnight 20 September 2026.

CIAF is seeking an experienced, passionate and highly organised Fashion Coordinator to lead the development and delivery of CIAF’s growing fashion program.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping CIAF Fashion as a leading platform for First Nations designers, models and fashion practitioners, both nationally and internationally.

Working closely with the Artistic Director and broader CIAF team, the Fashion Coordinator will be responsible for developing the potential of CIAF’s existing annual Fashion Showcase in Gimuy/Cairns, while also leading the development and delivery of a new annual CIAF Fashion Showcase in Brisbane.

About the role The Fashion Coordinator will combine creative thinking, industry engagement and strong project management skills to deliver high-quality fashion experiences and create new opportunities for First Nations fashion practitioners.

Key responsibilities include

- Developing and expanding the vision, profile and opportunities associated with CIAF Fashion.
- Coordinating and delivering the annual CIAF Fashion Showcase in Gimuy/Cairns.
- Developing and delivering CIAF Fashion Showcases in other locations.
- Working closely with the Artistic Director on the creative development and curation of fashion showcases.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with First Nations designers, models, creative practitioners and fashion industry stakeholders.
- Identifying and developing opportunities for emerging and established First Nations designers to participate in CIAF programs and access new markets.




- Developing relationships across the Australian fashion, cultural, tourism, media and commercial sectors.
- Developing professional development, industry engagement and market opportunities for First Nations fashion practitioners.
- Coordinating associated fashion markets, retail opportunities and other commercial initiatives.
- Working with CIAF’s Marketing and Partnerships teams to build audiences, media engagement and industry profile.
- Managing budgets, contractors, production requirements, timelines and project deliverables.
- Supporting grant applications, acquittals, reporting and evaluation of CIAF Fashion projects.
- Representing CIAF Fashion at relevant industry events, forums and opportunities nationally and, where appropriate, internationally.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings a combination of fashion industry knowledge, creativity, relationships and exceptional project management skills.

You will ideally have

- Experience working in fashion, events, arts, cultural programs or a related creative industry.
- A strong understanding of, and genuine commitment to, First Nations fashion and creative practice.
- Established relationships within the fashion industry and/or First Nations arts and cultural sectors.




- Demonstrated experience coordinating and delivering complex events or creative projects.
- Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing budgets, contractors, timelines and multiple project deliverables.
- The ability to work collaboratively with artists, designers, creative practitioners, industry partners and internal teams.
- The confidence to build current partnerships and identify opportunities for growth.
- A creative and entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to turn ideas and opportunities into successful projects.
- The ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and travel as required.

Why join CIAF? This is an opportunity to be part of the continued growth of one of Australia’s leading First Nations arts organisations and to help shape the future of First Nations fashion in Queensland and nationally.

With CIAF Fashion entering an exciting period of growth, including the development of an annual Brisbane showcase and increasing national and international opportunities, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a genuine and lasting contribution to the sector.

CIAF is committed to offering a competitive remuneration package that recognises the skills and experience of the successful candidate, together with salary packaging opportunities and other benefits.

If you are passionate about fashion, First Nations creativity and creating opportunities for designers and practitioners to reach new audiences and markets, we would love to hear from you.

Please email your CV and application letter to [email protected] by midnight 20 September 2026.

📌 CIAF Fashion Coordinator (Cairns)
🏢 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF)
📍 Cairns