Lead SAM’s next chapter, driving strategic leadership, financial sustainability, public funding, philanthropy and partnerships.

Shepparton Art Museum acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians of the Shepparton region on whose lands SAM is located, the Yorta Yorta peoples and their Elders past, present, and emerging.

About SAM

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is one of Australia’s outstanding regional art museums, showcasing exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways and creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging space for all audiences.

Located in the heart of Shepparton, SAM is an ambitious and evolving cultural organisation with a strong commitment to artistic excellence, community connection and regional cultural leadership.

SAM is a place for artists, audiences and communities to connect, engage and explore ideas. We are committed to creating meaningful cultural experiences and contributing to a vibrant and connected region.

The Opportunity

SAM is seeking an experienced and inspiring Executive Director to join the organisation’s executive leadership and help shape the next chapter of this significant regional cultural organisation.

This is a full time, five-year fixed-term appointment, based at SAM in Shepparton.

The Executive Director and Artistic Director are SAM’s two executive heads, both reporting directly to the Board. Working as complementary leaders, the Executive Director provides leadership across organisational, business and operational matters, while the Artistic Director leads artistic and curatorial direction. Together, they share responsibility for SAM’s overall strategy, organisational direction, culture and success.





This is a unique opportunity for an experienced organisational leader to work alongside an artistic leader in a genuinely collaborative executive model, combining artistic ambition with strong organisational foundations and long-term sustainability.

A key focus of the role will be public funding, philanthropy, fundraising and strategic partnerships, ensuring SAM continues to build sustainable sources of support and strengthen its impact, profile and contribution to the region.

The Executive Director will provide strategic oversight across governance, financial sustainability, people and culture, commercial operations, facilities, risk, compliance, technology and stakeholder relations, while being a highly visible advocate for SAM within the region and broader arts and cultural sector.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide executive leadership and oversight of SAM’s strategic and organisational priorities, working collaboratively with the Artistic Director and Senior Leadership Team
- Support the Board through effective governance, strategic reporting, organisational performance and risk oversight
- Provide executive oversight of financial management, budgeting, financial performance and long-term organisational sustainability
- Lead public funding, philanthropic development, fundraising and strategic partnership opportunities
- Build and maintain senior relationships across government, philanthropy,



business, community and cultural sectors
- Lead and foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture through the Senior Leadership Team
- Provide senior representation and advocacy for SAM across relevant government, sector, community and industry networks
- Support meaningful and respectful engagement with Yorta Yorta people, Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations
- Provide executive oversight of commercial operations, visitor experience and income-generating activities
- Provide strategic oversight of SAM’s facilities, infrastructure, assets and precinct development
- Ensure effective organisation-wide frameworks for risk, legal compliance and workplace health and safety
- Provide strategic oversight of technology, information systems, data and cyber security
- Provide executive oversight of marketing, communications, audience development and SAM’s public profile
- Ensure appropriate organisational systems, resources and accountability are in place to support effective day-to-day operations
- Identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, organisational development and sustainable growth

About You

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative and values-driven leader who is excited by the opportunity to contribute to the future of a leading regional arts organisation.

You will bring:

- Significant senior executive or organisational leadership experience
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organisational development, financial management and organisational sustainability
- Proven experience in public funding, philanthropy, fundraising, corporate partners

📌 Executive Director (Greater Shepparton City)
🏢 REGIONAL ARTS VICTORIA
📍 Greater Shepparton City