Position Open: CEO

We are delighted to offer an opportunity for our next CEO to lead Design Tasmania towards its next 50 years. This is a rewarding role that expands opportunities for our community of designers and makers and for the growing audience who admire and appreciate the beauty, skill and excellence of their work.

We seek an experienced, effective, inclusive, values-driven and entrepreneurial leader who can set and fulfil a dynamic and expansive agenda for Design Tasmania while comfortably pursuing strategic, creative and financial opportunities.

The successful applicant will have strong and respectful people leadership skills and proven experience driving the strategic direction of organisations as well as day-to-day management of various streams of operations. Demonstrated business acumen is essential including an understanding of financial systems and accountability and marketing – ideally in small professional, arts and cultural organisations. The appointee must also demonstrate a real capacity to collaborate on creative programming and project management and have experience in retail operations (in-store and online), securing grant funding, building relationships, negotiating partnerships, and attracting investment and donor support. They will have a good knowledge of design, craft and visual arts in Tasmania, nationally and internationally.

Although we are seeking experience, we also encourage those who have had a taste of leadership and want to take the next step in their career or, people with senior executive producer experience, to apply.

CEO Position Details

Reports to	Chair, Board of Directors
Manages	Artistic Director, Retail Manager, Administration Assistant, and future recruits (Total FTE 2.5 staff, plus volunteers)
Remuneration Package	$71,367 for 4 days $89,209 per annum (inclusive of Superannuation) for the full time equivalent. Negotiable to reflect the expertise and experience of the successful candidate. Salary sacrifice available.
Hours	Minimum 4 days a week but negotiable based on skills and experience. TOIL benefits are also available.
Leave Entitlements	20 days annual leave, 10 days personal/carer’s, leave, 3 days of study or professional development leave
Location	The position is mostly based at Design Tasmania, Tamar Street Launceston. Some intrastate and interstate travel may be required from time to time. You may also be required to work off-site during exhibitions, festivals, fairs, and other public events to represent the organisation.
Availability	For immediate start

About Design Tasmania

Design Tasmania is recognised as one of Australia’s leading not-for-profit design organisations. A hub for Tasmania’s makers, design, culture and enterprise, we are a cultural destination in Launceston promoting design and craft through exhibitions, collection, retail, mentoring, and workshops.

From international innovators, to weaving workshops and kids' tours, we showcase activities for everyone from the design curious to established design professionals. Welcoming more than 65,000 visitors each year, our spectacular City Park galleries are also home to one of Australia’s most significant contemporary timber design collections.

The recognised leader for our island’s design culture and enterprise, Design Tasmania works to build a strong and connected professional ecosystem and has supported the careers and practices of thousands of design creatives for almost 50 years. Dedicated to nurturing and championing creative practice in Tasmania, we:

encourage creative risk-taking
facilitate new work
collaborate and partner to broaden the national and international audience for Tasmanian design and craft
advance the value of design in our daily lives
bring design to as many as possible through Design Tasmania’s physical and digital presence.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage and implement the Design Tasmania Operational, Brand, Retail, and Marketing Strategies and Business Plans and meet key performance indicators in the delivery of organisational priorities.
Work with the Board to maintain good governance including timely acquittals and reporting, risk management, OH&S, legislative requirements and the Design Tasmania Constitution.
Deliver strong business acumen and financial management and identify opportunities through grants, retail, partnerships, sponsorship and philanthropy to broaden and strengthen the organisation’s financial base.
Maintain and enhance strong relationships with funding bodies, the City of Launceston, Tasmanian and Australian government agencies and entities including tourism authorities, cultural organisations, key stakeholders, partners, sponsors, donors and members.
Build and extend stakeholder relations, advocate for Design Tasmania and raise its profile in local, national and international audiences.
Work closely with the Artistic Director to develop and deliver Design Tasmania’s annual program of exhibitions, workshops and related events.
Lead, manage, motivate and mentor staff and volunteers to successfully deliver:
- exhibitions and public programs
- retail and business development strategies and operations
- marketing, communications and public relations activities
- revenue generation through partnerships, sponsorship and donations
- membership campaigns.
Manage human resources including professional development, performance management of staff and recruitment.
Create and lead a harmonious and productive team and workplace, ensuring that all understand and are focused on the priorities of their roles and are adhering to the Design Tasmania policies and procedures.
Keep abreast of current issues and trends in design and related fields.

Personal Competencies

Capacity to work effectively with the Board of a not-for-profit organisation.
Strong ability to lead and inspire a close team and foster a collaborative environment to deliver the artistic program and business operations within a positive and safe workplace.
High-level strategic planning and project management skills, including ability to multitask and prioritise effectively within tight timelines.
Strong decision-making ability, with sound judgement and strong analytical skills.
Demonstrated capacity in working within financial constraints and build diverse revenue streams.
Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.
Network oriented with excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal and public speaking skills.
Capacity to build and sustain productive and harmonious relationships with designers, makers, artists, audiences, partners and stakeholders.
Commitment to continuous improvement, using evaluation to understand effectiveness and areas for growth and review.
Strive to achieve responsible business practices and actively look to maintain a healthy work life balance.

Selection Criteria

Proven experience in successfully leading and managing an organisation in collaboration with a Board, preferably in the craft, design, or visual arts sector, including business development, strategic planning and budget accountability, and creative leadership.
Demonstrated creative and commercial acumen with an ability to develop, discuss and deliver strategic and annual business plans.
Brand, marketing, media and communication prowess and the ability to raise Design Tasmania’s profile locally, nationally and internationally.
A sound understanding of the design, craft and visual arts sectors and demonstrated ability to identify, develop and maintain relationships in the sector and beyond.
Proven experience in partnerships, sponsorship and fundraising and the ability to identify and submit successful grant applications.
Sound stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively, both within the organisation and with key external individuals, organisations and government.
Ability to create or support innovative commercial opportunities for Design Tasmania and Tasmanian designers and makers to achieve revenue targets.
People management experience demonstrating a capacity to recruit, train, inspire, empower, motivate and manage staff in a collegial, inclusive and team-based environment.

Submitting your application

Only applications submitted using the following guidelines will be considered:

Submit via email to board@designtasmania.com.au with the subject line: Design Tasmania CEO - [your name].
Attach an up-to-date CV and cover letter, no longer than two pages, detailing a brief overview of your experience and suitability for the selection criteria.
Please provide the names and contact details for two referees.

Applications due by 6pm on Sunday 24 November 2024 (AEST)

More information

Design Tasmania’s strategic plan, annual reports and audited financial statements are available on request. Please contact Chair of the Board of Directors, Megan Perkins, on 0439337813 or email board@designtasmania.com.au with requests or questions.