Position Description - Managing Director - Ausdance Vic

Position

Managing Director

Reports to: Chair of the Board and the Board of Directors

Direct Reports - 4

Indirect Reports - 2

Work days and hours

Part-time 22.5 hours per week across Monday – Friday (potential for increase)

Salary

$90-$100k (Pro-rata FTE) depending on experience and a probation period

Location

Work-from-home with regular in-person workdays at Our Community House – North Melbourne. Attendance at meetings / event where required

Position Type

Contract until end of 2026

- Inclusive of a 3-month probation period

- Renewal of contract, pending review

Ausdance VIC

Ausdance VIC is the peak body for dance in Victoria and Australia’s leading dance-specialist Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Whether it's innovative dance education projects, training opportunities, workforce and professional development, resource building or policy representation, we're here to support our members and are committed to nurturing and promoting the art of dance.

We represent the interests of a wide range of stakeholders, including independent dance artists and teachers, companies and ensembles, the education sector (including primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions and educational providers), dance studios, and the community.

Ausdance VIC RTO partners with secondary and tertiary schools and studios to deliver our highly-regarded accredited training programs across Australia. We provide students with the technical and performance skills, knowledge, and attitudes to begin the process of establishing a career within the dance or entertainment industry. We support teachers by providing comprehensive resources, relevant professional development days, mentoring, and an expansive network of dance teachers as support.

For more information on the Ausdance VIC RTO scope of delivery: https://ausdancevic.org.au/rto-partnerships/

The Role

AV is remodelling the organisation in line with the future needs of both the sector and the organisation and is thus expanding the leadership team. We are seeking a visionary and dynamic individual to fill the role of Managing Director. Supported by the Head of Projects and Partnerships, you will be responsible for leading, managing, and growing AV as a peak body and RTO. Reporting directly to the Board, this pivotal role offers an extraordinary opportunity to enhance our commitment to dance and deliver outstanding advocacy and education outcomes for all dancers and educators in the state.

We are on a quest for someone who embodies our values, respects the strong base we have set and is ready to lead the team on our new road of growth. We are looking for a forward-thinking executive leader, with strong fundraising skills who loves dance and is passionate about advancing and delivering dance education.

We understand that meeting all the requirements under the Key Selection Criteria may be unrealistic when the role is as broad and diverse as this one is, however, if you have senior or executive management experience, are a creative problem solver, coupled with a strong track record in business development and fundraising and an interest in creating a brighter future for the dance sector, this may be the position for you.

This is a part-time role that requires 22.5 hours per week (negotiable and flexible according to your schedule), working predominately from home with regular days at our shared office and some offsite meetings and event attendance required. Pending funding there is the opportunity to increase the hours over time.

Key Accountabilities

Responsible for the financial outcomes of the organisation with five reporting periods a year. Including creation of, and, delivery of the organisational wide budget approved by the Board of Directors, management of accounts payable - receivable, management of contractor to implement payroll, oversight of BAS and IAS as well as an annual, external audit.

Full accountability for the RTO, including executive management, compliance under ASQA, and growth however, the Manager RTO and Advocacy manages all day to day processes, design and compliance with your support.

Management of all employees within the organisation including policy and process development and maintenance. Staff training, inductions, professional development, performance management, leave management, OHS management and reporting, Worksafe reporting and risk mitigation.

Abide by the AV constitution and contribute to ensuring the organisation meets all governance requirements in line with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

Ensure the long-term security and stability of the organisation.

Create a work environment that is supportive, empathetic, motivated, and driven by success. Foster and develop a workplace that is happy and supports career progression in a holistic manner.

Specific Duties

Business Development/fundraising - planning and implementation

Advocacy - for dance sector and broader arts sector

Organisational Management - strategic and business planning, digital transformation

Financial Management - budgeting, compliance, general banking and audits

Relationship Management - maintenance and growth

People Management - workplace culture, support and HR compliance

Operational Management - support of team to deliver

Board Liaison - reports, governance and relationships

Selection Criteria

Education & Qualifications

Preferred:

Postgraduate, Masters or PhD degree

Qualification in dance - Nationally accredited or syllabus accredited

Cert IV in Training and Assessment

Knowledge & Experience

Required:

3-5 Years as an Executive manager or Senior manager in a commercial, government or non-for-profit organisation

3+ Years experience leading cross department teams and/or diverse stakeholders

Experience delivering organisational strategic goals and KPIs

High level experience in securing funding (ideally within the arts sector, but not mandatory), philanthropy and/or fundraising

Good understanding of corporate governance and non-for-profit regulations

High level experience with financial management and software – XERO or similar

High level experience in Human Resource management functions

Preferred:

A solid understanding of the Dance sector in Victoria and the many genres, styles, industries, syllabus organisations, performing companies and/or lived experience as a creative professional

Good understanding of Registered Training Organisation functions and management needs

Understanding of how a membership based organisation operates

Experience working with regional and rural communities

Experience in occupational policy writing and implementation

Tech savvy with modern software, applications and computing systems

Behavioural Competencies

High level

Problem solving skills, creative and critical thinking

Ability to work as part of a team and independently

Strong interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal

Why Join Us

At Ausdance VIC you will be part of a small, hard-working team who are all passionate about the arts and entertainment industry. The role offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of dance and contribute fresh ideas in a supportive environment.

You’ll get:

• Hybrid role working from home and various offsite locations

• Flexible working arrangements

• Professional development opportunities

Ausdance VIC proudly supports a safe work environment for people of all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ages, sexualities and gender identifications.

This role could be successfully fulfilled by a person who requires accessibility support due to its hybrid nature. If you are applying for this role and require any assistance, please email [email protected]

If you identify as First Nations, Aboriginal, Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander and wish to view our Cultural Safety Plan and protocols prior to applying, please email [email protected]

Employment Conditions

Initial contract to 31 December 2026 with an option for a 2-3 year renewal, with a 3-month probation period. Part time (22.5 hours per week - negotiable), salary $90-$100k FTE pro rata equivalent per annum plus super (paid in addition to wages at the legislative levels). Salary level is dependent upon experience.

The position will receive the pro rata equivalent of four weeks annual leave and sick / personal leave, calculated upon 10 days’ sick leave per year for a full-time position.

Standard office hours are between 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday but, given the nature of the role, out of hours work, including attendance at evening and weekend events, is required from time to time. Regional or interstate travel may also be required.

Commitment to Child Safety

Ausdance VIC is a child-safe organisation. A valid Working with Children Check and / or a Police Check will be required before commencing.

Recruitment Process

Step 1: Provide your CV and a cover letter. To be considered, the cover letter must include:

· A brief statement outlining why you are excited about this role

· A brief overview of how you personally align with our organisational purpose

· Brief responses to the Professional Experience Key Selection Criteria

We understand preparing these three requests in a reduced capacity can be difficult, but try to keep this within two pages

Step 2: Suitably qualified candidates will be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview with the current Managing Director and the Chair of the Board.

Step 3: Successful candidates from this process will be invited to attend a final interview with; The Chair of the Board and a Board committee member. This interview will require candidates to prepare a ten-minute presentation on a particular topic to be presented in the style of an advocacy meeting with government.

The successful candidate will receive:

· Support and onboarding with the current Managing Director

· Induction into our Registered Training Organisation

· Personal introduction to our funding partners, industry partners and other stakeholders

· Professional development, for skill development required to meet the needs of the role

· Flexible working arrangements

· Autonomy and trust with organisational management

· Ongoing support by the Board of Directors and trusted advisors

How To Apply

Please apply with a resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria through Seek

If you would like to have a confidential discussion about the role, or if any part of the recruitment process presents a barrier for you, please contact [email protected]

Applications will close 5pm, 1 October 2025.