ABOUT BARKLY ARTS

Barkly Regional Arts (BRA) is a leading, not for profit organisation that has provided innovative arts, music and multi-media programs and services across the Barkly Region of the Northern Territory for 20 years.

At the heart of BRA are core programs: the Visual Arts program and the Winanjjikari Music Centre, as well as an events team responsible for delivering our flagship event the Desert Harmony Festival. The Visual Arts program spans Tennant Creek and three remote communities - Epenarra, Canteen Creek and Elliott - providing artists with critical support, professional development, and market access. This program has gained substantial recognition in the global arts industry, becoming a significant economic resource that generates meaningful income for local artists.

The Winanjjikari Music Centre stands as another cornerstone of the organisation's work. With a rich history of supporting generations of Barkly Musicians it is more than just a training facility, it is a celebrated local institution, studio and workspace recognised across the Barkly and the NT. The centre focuses on developing skills in music production, event management, and touring, creating employment pathways for local community members and professional growth for musicians throughout the region.

The Desert Harmony Festival is the flagship event of Barkly Regional Arts' cultural programming. The Festival has become a celebrated showcase that combines Indigenous and non-Indigenous artistic traditions. By creating a vibrant platform for storytelling, music, visual arts, and performance, the festival highlights the rich, diverse cultural landscape of the Barkly Region.

Through these programs, Barkly Regional Arts does more than support artists - it cultivates a living, breathing cultural ecosystem that amplifies the voices and creativity of remote Barkly communities.

ABOUT TENNANT CREEK

Tennant Creek offers an incredible and unique living and working experience for those who appreciate genuine community connection and are comfortable with remote living. Situated 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, this small town presents remarkable opportunities for the right person. While the challenges of a remote location can be demanding it is an environment where your professional contributions can make a tangible difference, and where the landscape's raw beauty provides a backdrop to a sense of connection and purpose that won’t be found in larger cities.

Despite its remoteness the town provides all the facilities required to make day-to-day life comfortable. Facilities including a hospital, pharmacy, hardware and retail stores including a well-stocked IGA supermarket ensure residents can access necessary services, groceries and fresh supplies. Local cafes, restaurants, pubs and social clubs offer a high level of quality and variety of meals and refreshments. The Mary Ann Dam provides a surprising recreational space, offering moments of peace and natural beauty that contrast with the town's rugged surroundings. A bush golf course, public pool, library and speedway are also easily accessed. Regular flights connect Tennant Creek to Alice Springs and Darwin and there are multiple bus connections as well.

The summers are hot and the distances are vast. But for those seeking an authentic landscape with real work, genuine community connections, and breathtaking landscapes - Tennant Creek offers something truly special.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is based in Tennant Creek and reports to the voluntary Board of BRA, and under delegations, is responsible for implementing the Strategic Plan, hiring, and leading staff and working proactively to develop and deliver programs and services. The CEO works proactively with governments and partners, they oversee organisational budgets and are responsible for meeting funding obligations and securing future funding.

You will be inheriting a team of dedicated and passionate arts professionals delivering an incredible program across the Barkly region. Each department has highly competent management and employs a range of specialist positions as well as a team of local trainee positions. We have great relationships with the Barkly community, long term funding bodies, local stakeholders and delivery partners. External accountants provide exceptional financial oversight and support of budgeting and compliance requirements.

Key priorities of the role include:

1. Strategic, Business and organisational leadership

• Design and oversee the implementation of new and existing program initiatives that are consistent with the organisation’s strategic plan
• Identify and pursue resource opportunities that support the organisation's objectives and operations
• Oversee the strategic planning process with the Board and stakeholders
• Work with the Board and staff to develop strategies for business growth
• Develop and implement effective policies in collaboration with the Board
• Work with the board to identify growth opportunities and partnerships to resource organisational development
• Diversify and enhance revenue streams
• Effectively represent and promote the organisation and its goals to all current and potential stakeholders
• Deliver high-level advocacy for the arts and cultural sector in the Barkly region

2. Strategic Relationship Development

• Set a climate for strong, positive internal relationships so the organisation’s vision is realised, and values are embraced
• Work with the Board and staff to identify potential partners in progressing the organisation’s objectives, and develop a planned and strategic approach to partnership building
• Represent the Barkly Region at Territory, National and International meetings as required

3. Effective and Efficient Management

• Lead, motivate and manage staff performance in their roles
• Lead processes for:
  • planning, allocation and management of annual budgets
  • performance against strategic plan objectives and funding requirements
  • successful implementation of the organisation's priorities and programs
  • managing staff to achieve optimum
• Act within delegations
• Ensure organisational and contractual compliance and reporting requirements are in place and maintained.

3. Financial Management

• Report to the Board on organisational budgets, financial plans and strategies, and financial statements
• Ensure the effective and efficient application of relevant accounting standards and legislative requirements with regard to accounting activities and reporting.

4. Board Liason

• Facilitate effective functioning of the Board by providing appropriate, accurate, timely and strategic advice and information
• Participate in Board discussions, and inform the Board of key current and emerging issues in the organisation, and any external issues potentially impacting on the organisation
• Ensure Board reports and records are informative, timely and accurate (staff reports, financial report, and up to date compliance and risk management reports)
• Communicate Board decisions appropriately to staff and key stakeholders

5. Promoting the organisation and the sector

• Promote:

• • the work, reputation, and success stories of BRA
  • the personal and community benefits of engagement with culture and arts

• Uphold and portray the vision, mission, values, and strategies of the organisation
• Ensure the organisation, its artists and communities are promoted and marketed effectively and that communications internally and externally are timely and effective.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Able to respond quickly and effectively to everyday demands of busy office.
• Able to adapt to fast changing work environment with broad range of issues and challenges.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and with a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry and government partners.
• Knowledge and understanding of First Nations people and cultures and the issues affecting Indigenous people in Australia. This includes an understanding of cultural obligations and protocols of First Nations people.
• Experience working with remote Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of the Indigenous and/or national contemporary cultural sector.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role; or an equivalent combination of the relevant qualifications and experience.
• Proven ability to lead and manage projects and project teams, and lead the governance, administration, and management of a not-for-profit organisation.
• Proactive administrative and organisational skills with fluent and effective written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to travel and work outside of normal work hours, and holder of a full driver’s license.
• Must be able to provide a current national police check and be eligible for a working with children clearance.

BENEFITS

• Pay range = $110,000 - 120,000 plus superannuation
• 6 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading per annum
• Relocation assistance including airfares
• Subsidised furnished accommodation including utilities (water, electricity, and telephone)
• Comprehensive salary packaging benefits as not for profit

TO APPLY

Further information please contact James Winwood at Barkly Regional Arts – 08 8962 2799

www.barklyarts.com.au

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.