Rebus Theatre CEO/General Manager position:

Award winning Rebus Theatre seeks an experienced manager to take over the CEO position of the company, to provide strategic vision, manage business operations of the company, and set it up for future success. The position is available as an initial fixed term until 30 June 2026, but may be extended if funding allows.

About Rebus Theatre:

Vision

A more sustainable and ethical society that is inclusive, creative, compassionate and accessible to everyone.

Mission

Rebus is an inclusive company using theatre and other arts to stimulate healing and provoke social and environmental change. We work with people who have experienced marginalisation to create innovative, powerful performance in diverse contexts.

Rebus is based on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land in Canberra, with an office at Gorman Arts Centre. Rebus works closely with communities across south-east NSW and in East Gippsland, Victoria, and performs nationally. It was founded in 2013.

Organisational Structure

Rebus Theatre is an incorporated association registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) as a Health Promotions Charity, with Deductible Gift Recipient and Fringe Benefit Exempt status. It is governed by a volunteer board.

Rebus has for the last three years operated with two CEO positions – an Artistic Director and a Creative Producer. The staff in both of these roles are stepping aside, after eleven years of leading the company.

The company will move to a structure with a single CEO who will also be the General Manager. Funding does not allow for the creation of a separate Artistic Director co-CEO, so artistic direction will be provided by an Artistic Advisory Group, consisting of the core staff who hold artistic positions in the company. The Artistic Advisory Group will advise the CEO/GM on the overall artistic strategic direction, and the artistic design of individual projects.

The Artistic Advisory Group will initially consist of the Stages of Empathy Artistic Director and the two creative Project Managers.

The other Rebus core staff are Finance Manager, Administrative Officer, Stages of Empathy Project Manager, Stages of Empathy Wellbeing Officer, Stages of Empathy Access and Inclusion Officer, and Payroll Officer. All of these positions are part-time, with varying number of hours. Rebus also employs a number of casual staff as tutors, actors, and in other roles.

One of the outgoing CEOs has also acted as Communications Manager. They may continue in this role, or it may be necessary to recruit a new Communications Manager.

Part of the new CEO/General Manager role will be to review the existing organisational structure, and to restructure the company as necessary for it to be sustainable into the future.

About the Role of the CEO/General Manager:

The CEO/General Manager will provide leadership to Rebus, including reviewing the structure and strategic direction of the company. With the staff and Board, the CEO/General Manager will adjust or restructure the organisation as necessary to maintain the sustainability of the company, including seeking new funding sources. Note that the company is committed to retaining existing staff where possible.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management:
  • Develop the strategic vision and plan for the company with input from the Board, Artistic Advisory Group and other stake-holders.
• Finance:
  • Overseeing the finances of the organisation, including preparing an annual budget, with the Financial Manager and the volunteer Treasurer.
  • Develop plans for the long-term financial sustainability for the company.
• HR Management:
  • Support and manage core staff, including supervision, performance management, planning for professional development, and having final say on employment decisions.
  • Ensure that all staff are paid the correct amounts, in line with relevant awards, with support from Project Managers, the Financial Manager and the Administration Officer.
• Oversee the overall management of the company:
  • Report to the Board at scheduled board meetings or as required.
  • Oversee the preparation of the Annual Report with the Communications Manager.
  • Find funding opportunities and write grants with the Artistic Advisory Group.
  • Liaise with funding bodies in collaboration with Project Managers.
  • Liaise with artsACT, as Rebus’ only source of recurrent core funding.
  • Oversee IT systems and internal communications systems with the Administration Officer.
  • Review and respond to requests for partnerships in collaboration with the Artistic Advisory Group,
  • Liaise with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, ACT government regulatory bodies, and ensure that our reporting is up to date.
  • Ensure that insurances are adequate and up to date with the Administration Officer.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria:

• At least three years management experience in a small to medium arts or community sector organisation, preferably at an executive level.
• Demonstrated success as an organisational leader.
• Experience in staff supervision, performance appraisal and management.
• Demonstrated belief in the power of arts to bring about social change.
• Demonstrated commitment to building a sustainable and ethical society that is inclusive, creative, compassionate and accessible to everyone.
• Demonstrated commitment to access and inclusion of people with disability.
• Experience in creating and working to budgets and an understanding of financial management.
• Experience in developing strategic plans.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Confidence with IT systems generally and Microsoft 365 in particular.
• Experience in chairing or facilitating meetings.
• Success in applying for substantial grants from government.
• Experience in reporting on and acquitting grants.
• Possess or be willing and eligible to get a Working With Vulnerable People Card.
• Possess or be willing to obtain a current First Aid certificate.

Desirable Criteria:

• Qualifications in Arts Management or a related field.
• Experience in working in an incorporated association to a volunteer board.
• Experience in writing and/or adapting organisational policies.
• Experience in organisational communication strategies.
• Success in applying for grants from private foundations.
• An understanding of theatre-making and the various roles involved in creating and presenting theatre.
• An understanding of Applied Theatre.
• A knowledge of the industrial award system.
• Familiarity with the various kinds of insurance needed by an incorporated association.

Rates and conditions:

The position is offered as a fixed term position until the 30 June 2026, with the intention that the position will be extended, or an equivalent position offered, as funding permits. There will be a three month probationary period.

Hours are 30-38 hours week, by agreement, at $49.28 per hour. The position includes four weeks annual leave, in addition to a paid Christmas shutdown period. Hours can be worked flexibly, with a generous time in lieu arrangement. Salary sacrificing is available.

A substantial amount of working from home is possible by negotiation.

A contribution to relocation costs of $1000 is available to a successful applicant moving from interstate.

Disabled people, First Nations people, people of colour and LGBTQIA+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Rebus aims to be a model employer for disabled people and is open to negotiating flexible work arrangements. 

If you have any questions, including regarding accessibility of the role or application process, or require any further information, please contact [email protected] or 0403 815 784, using the subject line: CEO / General Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Learn more about Rebus at rebustheatre.com.