Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)
Shepparton, Victoria
Full-time | Fixed Term, 5 year appointment

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 partnerships and/or strategic revenue development

Experience working effectively with Boards and governance structures

Demonstrated capacity to work effectively within a collaborative dual executive leadership model, building a strong and productive partnership with an Artistic Director while maintaining clear organisational accountability

Strong people leadership skills and experience building positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational cultures

Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, negotiation and advocacy skills

Experience developing relationships with government, business, philanthropy, community and cultural organisations

An understanding of and commitment to the arts and cultural sector, with relevant sector networks highly regarded

Experience in risk management, compliance, workplace health and safety and organisational operations

An understanding of and commitment to respectful First Nations engagement and community responsibility

Strong strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to manage complexity, competing priorities and organisational change

High levels of integrity, professionalism, accountability and emotional intelligence

Excellent written, verbal and public communication skills

Position: Executive Director

Employment: Full-time, Fixed Term

Location: Shepparton, Victoria

Hours:



38 hours per week

Work environment: The position is based at SAM, with flexibility required to attend meetings, events, openings and stakeholder activities outside standard business hours from time to time

Salary: An attractive remuneration package will be offered, reflecting the responsibilities of the role and the experience and skills of the successful candidate

How to Apply

Applications will only be accepted via Seek.

To apply, please submit:

A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the experience and leadership capabilities you would bring to SAM

Your current resume/CV

Please see the SAM website to view the full Position Description.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process is designed to provide candidates with an opportunity to learn more about SAM, meet key people within the organisation and demonstrate their experience, leadership approach and alignment with SAM's values.

The process is anticipated to include:

1. Application and shortlisting
Applications will be reviewed against the requirements of the position, with suitable candidates progressing to the next stage.

2. Initial screening conversation
Shortlisted candidates will participate in a preliminary conversation to discuss their experience, interest in the role, availability and key employment details, and to provide further information about the position and SAM.

3. First interview
Candidates will participate in an initial interview with the interview panel, focusing on their experience, leadership capability, knowledge, values and alignment with SAM. This interview may be conducted via Teams.

4. Second interview and assessment
Candidates progressing to the next stage may be invited to complete an assessment task and present their response to the interview panel, followed by questions and discussion.

5. Final meeting
The preferred candidates may be invited to a final, more informal conversation with senior representatives of SAM. This provides an opportunity for both the candidate and SAM to further explore the fit, values and expectations of the role.

6. Background and reference checks
The preferred candidate will be required to undergo appropriate pre-employment checks, which may include professional reference checks and a Police Check.

7. Offer of appointment
Following satisfactory completion of the recruitment and pre-employment process, an offer of appointment will be made to the preferred candidate.

For further information about the role, please contact Vikki Southey from OurHR at *****@ourhr.com.au

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and versatile workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultures and people with a disability.

SAM is committed to providing a positive and inclusive recruitment experience and can make reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.

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📌 Executive Director: Regional Arts Leader & Strategic Partner (Shepparton)
🏢 Shepparton Art Museum
📍 Shepparton