The Visitor Services & Placemaking Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational management of Abbotsford Convent’s built environment, facilities, tenancy portfolio, visitor services and placemaking initiatives. This role ensures the precinct is a vibrant, welcoming and accessible destination while upholding the integrity of the site’s heritage and cultural significance.

Reporting:

The position reports to the CEO and oversees the Tenancy Team and Building & Facilities Team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS, DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Visitor Services & Placemaking:

Champion a high-quality, welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors.

Lead placemaking initiatives that enhance community engagement, cultural programming and site activation.

Ensure the Abbotsford Convent precinct is presented to a high standard each day through proactive leadership and collaboration with teams and contractors.

Oversee infrastructure that supports exceptional delivery of exhibitions, programs, events and experiences.

Foster an audience-centric approach, ensuring visitor services align with accessibility, inclusion and community engagement priorities.

Lead and implement strategies to optimise the ACF’s car park, driving revenue growth and enhancing visitor amenity.

Tenancy & Asset Management:

Lead and implement strategies to optimise the ACF’s lease portfolio, driving revenue growth and long-term sustainability, and enhancing the visitor experience.

Oversee tenancy management, including lease negotiations, renewals and compliance.

Manage and coordinate communication with tenants regarding upcoming events, facility updates, capital works, and any operational changes to ensure smooth tenant relations and minimal disruption.

Ensure lease documentation, billing and reporting are accurate and support strategic planning.

Oversee and guide tenants to complete capital improvements, including fit-outs, refurbishments, condition reports and make-good requirements.

Mitigate financial risks and proactively manage outstanding debtors in collaboration with the Finance Team.

Buildings, Facilities & Grounds:

Oversee the efficient operation, maintenance and development of the precinct’s buildings, gardens and infrastructure.

Manage budgets for facilities, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to support operational and strategic objectives.

Lead a service-oriented Facilities Team that upholds high standards in asset and site management.

Ensure compliance with essential safety measures, heritage protection and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Oversee procurement, contracts, security services and utility management to optimise cost efficiencies.

Develop and implement the Convent’s garden management strategy to enhance the precinct’s green spaces.

Precinct Masterplan, Capital Projects & Infrastructure Development:

Support the CEO and ACF Board to realise the strategic ambitions of the precinct’s masterplan, including leading capital projects, developing strategic commercial and creative tenant relationships, and being the ACF representative with relevant government and commercial partners and decision-makers.

Lead strategic asset management and oversee capital projects to enhance site infrastructure.

Plan, scope, budget, and oversee project delivery to ensure alignment with organisational priorities and heritage requirements.

Identify opportunities for funding and resource partnerships to support capital works and site improvements.

Contribute to the development of asset management plans.

Compliance, Risk & Reporting:

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, Australian Standards, and organisational policies.

Prepare and oversee budgets related to facilities, tenancy, and visitor services.

Monitor and report on project and program performance, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

Oversee risk management strategies, particularly in OH&S, emergency preparedness, and compliance.

Leadership & Team Development:

Lead and foster high-performing Facilities, Tenancy, and Visitor Services teams.

Contribute to organisational leadership, ensuring a collaborative and innovative workplace culture.

Represent the organisation in industry groups, stakeholder meetings, and public forums as required.

General Responsibilities:

Maintain safe working environments in compliance with OH&S standards.

Participate in strategic planning and evaluation processes.

Support data management, reporting, and information-sharing practices.

Undertake other duties as required by the Chief Executive Officer.

KEY COMPETENCIES

General Skills

Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Sophisticated written and verbal communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines.

Proficient use of Microsoft Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and experience with financial systems.

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to lead and motivate others.

Advanced negotiation and facilitation skills in gaining mutually beneficial outcomes from a diverse range of stakeholders.

Teamwork

Ability to establish priorities, plan, co-ordinate resources and manage time effectively to collectively achieve objectives within deadlines.

Ability to manage and motivate team members across the organisation to embrace excellent financial planning, processes and procedures.

Specialist Skills

Proven experience in leading and implementing strategies to optimise asset portfolios, drive revenue and enhance visitor experience.

Demonstrated experience leading capital projects, asset management and overseeing infrastructure improvements.

Strong financial acumen and ability to manage budgets.

Strong administration skills including data and information management systems.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

5+ experience in a Property Manager role or similar role in an arts, retail, hospitality, or entertainment precinct.

Proven experience in leading and implementing strategies to optimise asset portfolios, drive revenue and enhance visitor experience.

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline.

Experience working within a heritage environment (desirable).

Strong knowledge and understanding of occupational health and safety and risk management requirements within an operational environment.

Current valid Working with Children Check or willingness to go through the process check on the final selection.

KEY SELECETION CRITERIA

Leadership and Management Skills: High level managerial expertise and strong leadership skills including experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams, providing direction and developing, motivating and supporting staff to deliver high quality services.

Tenancy Strategy and Revenue Generation: Developing and implementing tenancy strategies in a diverse property portfolio, resulting in enhanced visitor experience and increased patronage. Financial acumen to identify tenancy revenue generation opportunities and ensure the placemaking success and financial sustainability of the organisation, particularly in retail, hospitality, or entertainment precincts.

Capital, infrastructure and asset management: strong track record leading capital projects, asset management and overseeing infrastructure improvements to support organisational priorities and heritage requirements. Success in identifying opportunities for funding and resource partnerships to support capital works and site improvements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Establish and maintain positive stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally. Collaboration with tenants, all levels of government, specialist consultants and contractors, construction industry partners, to align strategies, drive performance, and create a vibrant and integrated precinct environment.

Negotiation and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities to deliver successful lease negotiations, including handling rental market valuations, lease renewals, car park agreements and navigating complex negotiations to achieve favourable outcomes for the organisation.

Communication and Reporting: Experience in preparing comprehensive reports, board documents, and other communication Ability to convey complex information clearly, including risk assessment and strategic recommendations, to support decision-making at executive and board levels.

Customer focus: A commitment to providing high quality customer service and engendering a strong customer focus across the team.

CONDITIONS

This a full time, permanent position. A six-month probation applies.

This role has a salary package of circa $110,000 (negotiable) per annum plus superannuation.

The Amusement, Events and Recreation Award (MA000080) is applicable.

Note: As the ACF evolves to meet the changing needs of our community and projects, the competencies required for this role may vary from this role statement.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Our roles are full of opportunity, experience, and collaboration. We value all types of experience— the diversity and variety is what makes us unique.

Salary sacrificing with access to free EAP services.

An organisation committed to Diversity and Inclusion.

A collaborative and inclusive work environment with a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

Access to some free events on-site with free 24-hour car parking access

Application Process

Abbotsford Convent is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of all abilities, and people from LGBTQIA+ communities.

Applications are due by 11.59 pm Friday, 30 May 2025.

Please refer to the information below to submit your application.

Provide a CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter addressing key selection criteria (maximum 4 pages).

Applications are to be submitted to [email protected]

Applications will not be considered without a CV and Cover Letter addressing KSC.