Tantrum Youth Arts is seeking an inspiring leader and strategic thinker to join our team.

We are a small but noisy team of change-makers and artists. We exist to serve our community of young people and early-career artists through our distinctive creative programs. At an exciting stage in our organisation’s journey, we are thrilled to invite a new Executive Director aboard to shape a vibrant and sustainable future for Tantrum.

About Tantrum

Tantrum is the leading youth arts organisation in the Hunter region (NSW) and a not-for-profit co-operative. Our mission is to empower young people to harness their creative agency. We achieve this through transformative creative workshops and projects, bringing together young people, early-career artists and industry professionals to make new performance and multi-artform work.

Tantrum was established in Newcastle in 1976. Since then, the company has grown from its humble beginnings as a weekend drama workshop to a nationally-respected arts organisation. We are focused on creating sustainable employment in the arts sector in the Hunter and on developing confidence, connection and creativity in young people aged 5-30.

Our Workplace

We are a small, tight-knit workplace with five core staff plus a dynamic team of teaching artists, and we centre joy, play and collaboration in everything we do.

As part of team Tantrum you can expect:

• A hard-working, fun-loving and mission-driven team culture
• Family-friendly workplace and flexible working arrangements
• Paid Wellbeing Leave and Employee Wellbeing Allowances

About the Role

In 2026 Tantrum Youth Arts will turn 50 – marking an important milestone for the company and our work with young people of the Hunter. At this exciting stage in our organisation’s journey, we are thrilled to invite a new Executive Director aboard to shape a vibrant and sustainable future for Tantrum to ensure we continue making impact for another 50 years.

The Executive Director is a key role within our small organisation, providing leadership in the operation and sustainable growth of Tantrum Youth Arts. The Executive Director is responsible for the execution of Tantrum’s strategic vision as set out in our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, and works very closely with the Creative Director and other staff in achieving artistic and organisational goals.

This permanent, part-time (08.FTE) role is based at our Merewether office (Newcastle, NSW), with hybrid working arrangements possible in negotiation with the Board of Directors.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Leadership. Positive and progressive leadership style, with a demonstrated track record of leading, supporting and nurturing teams.
• Strategic Vision. Excellent ability to think strategically and deliver initiatives to support organisational growth and sustainability.
• Fundraising Success. Demonstrated experience in securing funding through government grants, philanthropy and fundraising campaigns.
• Financial and Operational Management. Demonstrated success in managing budgets, board reporting and governance, and managing systems and resources effectively.
• Collaboration. Ability to collaborate effectively to achieve shared goals.
• Communication and Relationships. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and proven ability to develop strong relationships with stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Networks. Established connections and relationships within the national arts sector and/or related sectors (education, health, community development).
• Arts Expertise. Experience in organisational management, producing and/or project management within the arts sector.
• Young people. Demonstrated passion for working with young people and emerging artists.

If you require further information about the role or support with your application, please direct your enquiries to:

Nel Kentish - Creative Director

[email protected] using the subject line: Executive Director - Merewether, Newcastle enquiry via EthicalJobs

Tamara Gazzard - Executive Director

[email protected]

Or call Tantrum on (02) 4929 7279

A full position description is available in the applicant pack downloadable below.