Arts Centre Melbourne – Director, Programming

Location: Melbourne, Australia | Term: Full Time

Shape the next chapter of programming at Arts Centre Melbourne

This is a rare opportunity to lead the programming vision of Arts Centre Melbourne at a defining moment for the organisation and Melbourne’s cultural landscape.

As Director, Programming, you will shape and deliver a distinctive, ambitious and relevant program across one of Australia’s most significant performing arts institutions. Working closely with the CEO, Executive Team and creative partners, you will bring together artistic ambition, audience insight, public purpose and commercial judgement to create exceptional experiences for audiences and artists.

With the transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct underway, the role offers an extraordinary opportunity to help define how Arts Centre Melbourne connects with artists, audiences and communities into the future.

Why This Role?

- Shape programming at a pivotal moment – help define the artistic and cultural offer of Arts Centre Melbourne as the organisation and precinct enter an important new chapter.
- Create distinctive audience experiences – develop programs that are ambitious, contemporary, relevant and capable of engaging diverse audiences.
- Balance artistic ambition and organisational impact – make thoughtful programming and investment choices that bring together artistic excellence, public value, accessibility, venue utilisation and financial sustainability.
- Build influential partnerships – deepen relationships with artists, producers, companies, festivals and cultural partners across Victoria, Australia and internationally.

About Arts Centre Melbourne

Arts Centre Melbourne is a globally recognised performing arts centre and a cornerstone of Australia’s cultural life. Situated on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People, it is home to The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company and Opera Australia, and hosts leading artists,



companies and festivals from Australia and around the world.

As the Melbourne Arts Precinct undergoes an extraordinary period of renewal, Arts Centre Melbourne has the opportunity to reimagine the experiences it creates for artists, audiences and communities.

The Opportunity

As Director, Programming, you will:

- Provide strategic and creative leadership of Arts Centre Melbourne’s programming.
- Shape a compelling, distinctive and diverse program that reflects contemporary artistic practice and audience expectations.
- Build strong relationships across the performing arts and broader cultural sector, nationally and internationally.
- Bring rigorous artistic, audience and commercial judgement to programming and investment decisions.
- Lead and develop a high-performing specialist team and work collaboratively across the organisation.
- Contribute as a senior organisational leader to Arts Centre Melbourne’s strategy, transformation and future direction.

What We’re Looking For

- A strong record of shaping and delivering ambitious and relevant performing arts or cultural programs.
- Sophisticated artistic judgement and a deep understanding of contemporary practice, artists and audiences.
- Strategic leadership capability and experience operating successfully within a complex, multidisciplinary organisation.
- The ability to balance artistic excellence, audience impact and public value with commercial and organisational realities.
- Solid networks and credibility across the Australian and/or international performing arts and cultural sectors.
- A collaborative, generous and influential leadership style, with the capacity to build trust and bring people with you.

Ready to Shape the Next Chapter of Arts Centre Melbourne?

For a copy of the Candidate Information Pack and a confidential discussion, please contact Andrew Abbott or Caitlin Pang at Korn Ferry via [email protected] or [email protected].

Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 18 October 2026

How to apply: Submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

SE: 510822400

📌 Director Programming (Melbourne)
🏢 Korn Ferry
📍 Melbourne