About Us

Join us at Ngukurr Arts, a dynamic remote Art Centre in Australia’s north, boasting a group of maverick and bold multidisciplinary First Nations artists.

Our artwork knows no boundaries- we work with contemporary mediums like canvas, textiles, and print making, but also in our own cultural ways, painting with natural ochres and carving wood. We’re a non-profit, First Nations’ owned and governed Art and Culture Centre located a stone's throw from the beautiful Roper River, southeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.

Ngukurr Arts, like the community of Ngukurr, is unique – bringing together various clans and language groups including Ngalakgan, Alawa, Mangarrayi, Ngandi, Marra, Warndarrang, Nunggubuyu, Ritharrngu, Wägilak and Rembarrnga. Together these clans are known as Yugul Mangi.

Ngukurr Arts provides a diverse range of cultural and economic opportunities for the community. Our Art Centre supports the studio practice of senior artists and a growing number of mid-career and emerging artists. We provide various artistic development opportunities, as well as engage in important community development projects. Artwork from Ngukurr is represented in public and private collections across Australia, and we have strong working relationships with many of Australia’s public institutions and established commercial galleries. We regularly exhibit our artwork and take part in major industry events.

‘Melabat plenti langgus mob bat melabat bin migim wanbala pipurl. Holot mela at migim melabat strongbala’- Walter Kolbong Rogers Chairperson.

English: We have lots of language groups, but we are one people. All of our art makes us strong.

The Position

We are seeking a friendly, dynamic and dedicated person to be our Manager. The Manager is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects and ensuring the sustainability of the organisation. While undertaking all duties the Manager must maintain and promote the artistic and cultural integrity of the Art Centre. The Manager will also oversee the arts worker staff and the studio coordinator. It’s a challenging and exciting opportunity to collaborate with a wonderful team of dedicated artists and their community!

This role comes with a two-bedroom house, which may or may not be shared with the Studio Coordinator (up to the individual applicants’ preferences). We understand a shared living arrangement is unique and may be best suited to people who know each other already (friends, couple, colleagues etc), and we are willing to be flexible with the exact arrangement and timing for the right two candidates. Please note, we are simultaneously advertising the Ngukurr Manager and Studio Coordinator roles.

This role is intended as a 12-month contract, with the possibility of extension.

The salary is $80,000 - $85,000 plus 11.5% super. Other benefits include:

• Fully furnished accommodation with utilities included (water, electricity, rates)
• 6 weeks annual leave + leave loading
• Provisions for Public Benevolent Institution based salary sacrifice arrangements
• Work vehicle

Key Responsibilities

The Manager is responsible for all operational aspects of the organisation including:

• Maintaining efficient administrative procedures required in the day-to-day operation of the Art Centre
• Managing the finances of the organisation to ensure its sustainability, including sourcing funding and working closely with the accountants and auditor
• Developing and maintaining marketing, sales and business opportunities for the Art Centre, including promoting Ngukurr Arts through appropriate exhibitions and art fairs
• Reporting to the board of directors and ensuring good governance practices
• Supervising and mentoring a dynamic team of arts workers and local staff
• Managing and supporting the Studio Coordinator in their role
• Undertaking strategic planning in consultation with the board of directors
• Maintaining organisational assets including buildings and vehicles
• Developing and implementing community-based projects
• Developing and implementing appropriate workplace policies
• Respecting and encouraging maintenance of Indigenous language, culture and traditions

About You

This role calls for a well-rounded, adaptable individual with the ability to work respectfully and compassionately in a cross-cultural context. It is well-suited for a self-motivated, highly organised individual committed to creating lasting economic and cultural benefits for the community. The ideal candidate will combine a sound grasp of community cultural development and experience in the arts industry with business management.

Before applying, please consider that this is a challenging role that requires living in a remote environment, and navigating complex social, political and cross-cultural issues. If you are up for the challenge and the great rewards that come with it, we’d love to hear from you!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in arts management, community development or the Indigenous arts and culture space
2. Demonstrated budgeting and financial management skills with experience in grant writing and reporting
3. Demonstrated effective strategic leadership in a culturally diverse team, with excellent interpersonal communication skills
4. Ability to effectively manage other people and staff
5. Demonstrated competent use of technology and ability to manage financial spreadsheets, marketing, social media and online sales

Desirable:

1. Experience working in remote Indigenous communities with an understanding of traditional and contemporary Indigenous arts and culture

Requirements

• Manual driver’s license (4WD + Long distance driving experience highly regarded)
• Ochre card
• National Police Clearance

Any questions, feel free to contact Jude on 0419 480 079.

A position description is attached.