About Mardi Gras

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) is one of the longest continuously operating LGBTQIA+ organisations in Australia. As of 2025 we are 47 years young – now is the perfect time to join!

We are a not-for-profit member-based organisation that produces the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and year-round initiatives that celebrate our LGBTQIA+ identity, creative expression, and elevate diverse voices.

SGLMG was built on the foundations laid by early community activists who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights in a time of wide-spread, institutionalised oppression and discrimination. From these origins, SGLMG has evolved to include a strong focus on celebration while maintaining a commitment to social justice for LGBTQIA+ communities.

The Role

Strong financial and commercial leadership is at the heart of any thriving organisation - and it’s essential to ours. As our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you will play a critical role on the leadership team, partnering closely with the CEO, Board, and the broader Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras team to ensure our financial sustainability and strategic growth.

This is more than a finance role: it’s an opportunity to lead with purpose and pride, shaping the future of one of the world’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ organisations. You’ll also lead core operational functions including HR, IT, office administration, and facilities management, helping keep the entire organisation running smoothly.

You will collaborate closely with the Head of Festival to develop annual event budgets and partnerships team to grow earned income. You will manage financial reporting to key funders and stakeholders, including key government and corporate partners, while ensuring the CEO, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board, and Audit and Risk Committee are consistently well-informed about the organisation’s financial position.

Key role objectives and accountabilities

Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, reporting, audits, cash flow, dealing with company investments and risk management with a focus on long term growth and strategy.

Collaborate with the Head of Festival on event budgets, and with the partnerships team on earned income growth, that support our goals. Key functionality will be to diversify income streams and ensure financial security and prosperity with multi-year strategic financial plans.

Monitor the company's activities to ensure they meet federal and state compliance standards as well as reviewing and improving internal policies and departmental procedures.

Lead corporate services functions including HR policies and systems, recruitment, employee wellbeing, IT services, office administration, and building maintenance.

Oversee Strategic Planning to ensure plans are viable based on current and future budgets and responsible for recommending changes that will better boost profitability.

Liaise with and maintain key stakeholder relationships including LGBTQIA+ communities and organisations, government agencies, venues and partners.

Lead financial reporting to the Board.

Foster a safe, inclusive, and efficient workplace that aligns with SGLMG’s values, culture, and strategic goals.

Navigate a reshaped festival and events landscape with a fresh and grounded approach to achieving financial targets.

Key Requirements

Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, reporting, audits, cash flow, dealing with company investments and risk management with a focus on long term growth and strategy.

Collaborate with the Head of Festival on event budgets, and partnerships team on earned income growth, that support our goals. Key functionality will be to diversify income streams and ensure financial security and prosperity with multi-year strategic financial plans.

Monitor the company's activities to ensure they meet federal and state compliance standards as well as reviewing and improving internal policies and departmental procedures.

Lead corporate services functions including HR policies and systems, recruitment, employee wellbeing, IT services, office administration, and building maintenance.

Oversee Strategic Planning to ensure plans are viable based on current and future budgets and responsible for recommending changes that will better boost profitability.

Liaise with and maintain key stakeholder relationships including LGBTQIA+ communities and organisations, government agencies, venues and partners.

Lead financial reporting to the Board.

Foster a safe, inclusive, and efficient workplace that aligns with SGLMG’s values, culture, and strategic goals.

Navigate a reshaped festival and events landscape with a fresh and grounded approach to achieving financial targets.

Excellent planning, organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and influence across all levels of an organisation.

Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practice and strong alignment with the values and communities of the organisation

Desirable:

Experience in community-focused organisations, with a not-for-profit setting preferable.

Experience working with LGBTQIA+SB and/or First Nations communities.

Demonstrable project management skills, and experience with relevant ERP tools.

Experience in risk management and insurance oversight.

Experience leading or supporting governance functions.

Work Health & Safety knowledge including the WH&S Act and relevant legislation.

In return:

Show up as your authentic true self – there are no masks here

You will have the opportunity for training, mentoring and development opportunities

Diverse working environment

Flexible work arrangements

Employee assistance program

Access to SGLMG events and more!

SGLMG is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and we encourage diversity, equality, and inclusion in all aspects of our business, including our hiring process. We firmly believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our success, and we are committed to creating a working environment where all employees are treated with respect and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We actively encourage and welcome applicants from underrepresented groups, as we strive to build a more fair and inclusive workplace for all.

Applications:

Applications should be addressed to Jesse Matheson, Chief Executive Officer, and be sent to [email protected]

Applications must include:

An outline of your interest in the role, addressing how your experience prepares you for the responsibilities required and how you align with the selection criteria outlined in the job description;

A current CV, including the contact details of two professional referees.

For any queries and the full position description please contact: [email protected]

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted