Positions Open: CEO

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 and collaborate and partner to broaden the national and international audience for Tasmanian design and craft, advance the value of design in our daily lives, and bring design to as many as possible.

Reports to Chair, Board of Directors
Manages Artistic Director, Communications Manager, Retail Manager, Administration Assistant (Total FTE 2.5 staff, plus volunteers)
Remuneration Negotiable to reflect the importance of the role and the expertise and experience of the successful candidate
Full time 37.5 hours per week
Some weekend and evening work will be required for meetings, exhibition openings, and program delivery. Design Tasmania does not pay overtime but TOIL may be available if permission to work excess hours is approved in advance by the Chair.
Leave Entitlements 20 days annual leave, 10 days personal/carer’s leave
Location The position is mostly based at Design Tasmania in Tamar St Launceston. Some intrastate and interstate travel may be required. You may also be required to work off-site during exhibitions, festivals, fairs, and other public events.
Term The successful applicant will be offered a three-year fixed-term contract with an option to renew. This includes a three-month probation period.
Availability For immediate start

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, government agencies including tourism authorities, cultural organisations, key stakeholders, partners, sponsors, donors and members.
• Build and extend stakeholder relations, advocate for the organisation 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:
a. exhibitions and public programs
b. retail and business development
c. communications, public relations and marketing
d. revenue generation through partnerships, sponsorship and donations
e. membership.
• Manage human resources including recruitment, professional development and performance management.
• Create and lead a harmonious and productive team and workplace, ensuring that all are focused on the priorities of their roles and adhering to the Design Tasmania policies and procedures.
• Keep abreast of current issues and trends in design and related fields.

Personal Competencies

• Demonstrated 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.

Further 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 board@designtasmania.com.au with requests or questions.

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 Monday 25 September 2023 (AEST).