Queensland Performing Arts Centre – South Brisbane QLD

Job Status: Full Time
Salary: $103,884 p.a. plus superannuation
Industry: Performing Arts
Location: South Brisbane
Application Closing Date: Friday 23 October 2026

About Us

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is one of Australia’s leading cultural destinations and the proud home of live performance in Queensland. Each year, more than 1.85 million people experience over 1,200 performances across its iconic theatres, showcasing everything from blockbuster musicians and ballet to cutting-edge theatre, music and comedy.

At QPAC, the stage is set for extraordinary moments - bringing together world-renowned artists, emerging talent, and audiences from across Australia and beyond to celebrate the power of live performance.

About the Role

QPAC is seeking an experienced and highly organised Opening Nights & Special Events Manager to join our Event Operations team. This newly created role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and elevate the delivery of QPAC's opening nights and special events, ensuring every occasion reflects our commitment to artistic excellence, exceptional guest experiences and strong stakeholder relationships.

Reporting to the Head of Event Operations, you will be the central coordinator and strategic lead for QPAC's opening nights and special events.

You will oversee the entire event lifecycle, from initial planning and decision-making through to event delivery, stakeholder management and post-event review. Working across multiple departments and with external producers, artists, government representatives, sponsors and VIP guests, you will ensure events are delivered seamlessly, professionally and in alignment with organisational priorities.

This is a highly visible role for a confident event professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys bringing people, processes and ideas together to create exceptional experiences.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the planning and coordination of QPAC opening nights and special events from concept to completion.




- Facilitate governance and decision-making processes, including event feasibility assessments and approval pathways.
- Coordinate event budgets, quotes, contracts and supplier relationships for catering, technical services, floral and event theming requirements.
- Organise artist rider requirements based on approved Event Manager requests.
- Orchestrate guest list coordination, seating plans and VIP experiences.
- Develop integrated event plans, timelines, running sheets, staffing requirements and contingency plans for all workstreams (including logistics, catering, technical and operations).
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure all operational, technical, hospitality and stakeholder requirements are met.
- Oversee on-the-day event delivery, providing exceptional guest experience and leadership during critical event periods.
- Manage post-event reporting, reconciliation, evaluation and continuous improvement processes.
- Maintain accurate event documentation and records within QPAC systems.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, producers, hirers and external partners.

About You

You are an experienced events professional with outstanding organisational and stakeholder management skills. You can confidently manage competing priorities, navigate complex environments and deliver high-profile events with professionalism and attention to detail.

To be successful, you will bring:

- At least three years' experience in the performing arts, live events, hospitality or event management sectors.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating complex events with multiple stakeholders and tight timeframes.
- Strong project management,



planning and organisational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing budgets, financial tracking and supplier relationships.
- A customer-focused approach with a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.
- The ability to build productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Why Work at QPAC?

Working at QPAC means being part of one of Australia’s leading performing arts centres. With a vibrant and supportive workplace culture, our people are passionate about delivering exceptional experiences for audiences and artists alike.

Our people also enjoy a range of benefits designed to support wellbeing, connection and a excellent workplace experience, including:

- Complimentary and discounted tickets to performances of your choice all year round!
- Employee discounts on merchandise and a wide range of dining outlets (Storytellers Cafe, TomTom, Russell Street Wine Bar and more)
- Exclusive employee offers across the South Bank cultural precinct
- Access to the QPAC Greenroom, including the Greenroom Café with discounted meals and a daily changing menu
- A convenient central location directly opposite South Brisbane Train Station and within Brisbane's vibrant cultural precinct

Availability

As a dynamic, multi-venue performing arts centre, QPAC hosts a significant number of opening nights and special events, from intimate partner dinners to major event celebrations. Accordingly, this role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends and irregular hours as required to support event delivery.

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, Disabled and Deaf people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of all ages. To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights.

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📌 Opening Nights & Special Events Manager (Brisbane City)
🏢 Queensland Performing Arts Centre
📍 Brisbane City