Milingimbi Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation (MACAC) is a non-profit, Indigenous owned and governed art and culture centre located on the remote island of Yurrwi (Milingimbi) off the coast of East Arnhem Land. MACAC’s mandate is to serve the community in which it operates. Art making is an expression of Yolŋu Rom (Law) and also affords multiple benefits to artists and their families. Artworks from Milingimbi have been widely collected since the 1920s and feature in numerous prominent collections.

The Position

Milingimbi Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation (MACAC) is currently looking for a manager to work closely with its Board of Directors to oversee the operations of the organisation, the administration of all artistic, financial and business affairs to meet the objectives set out in its Business Plan. The manager pursues opportunities that create economic and cultural benefits for the Art Centre’s members. The Manager leads their core team including; Collections Manager, Linguist and Studio and Gallery assistants, with the role providing an outstanding opportunity to be part of a Yolŋu enterprise grounded in sustainable outcomes for our members and their community.

The manager plays a key role in ensuring the success of the organisation. It is a diverse position responsible for:

• Financial viability and reporting;
• Maintaining and generating funding opportunities;
• Supporting strong governance processes;
• Coordinating artist development, sales and marketing.
• Supervising and training a dynamic team of staff;
• Strategic planning;
• Maintaining organisational assets including buildings and vehicles; and;
• Development of exhibitions and other public programs;

About You

This position requires a multi-skilled, team-oriented person with a high level of cross-cultural competence. It is suited to a self-motivated, dynamic, highly organised person who is committed to working with Yolŋu to create long-term economic and cultural benefits. In addition to organisational governance support and successful business management, the Manager also mentors Yolŋu gallery and studio staff. The Manager must have a strong understanding of gallery and studio operations in an arts organisation. The successful candidate will combine a sound grasp of community cultural development with business management.

Before applying please consider that this is a complex role that requires living in an often challenging remote environment and navigating confronting social, political and cross-cultural issues.

Salary & entitlements:

Base salary between $80,000 to $90,000 depending on skills & experience, plus superannuation.

• 2 year fixed term contract

• Fully furnished accommodation provided.
• Utilities; including water, electricity and rates.
• Potential opportunity to also engage a part time studio coordinator, which could suit a couple looking to relocate with shared accommodation
• Provisions for Public Benevolent Institution based salary sacrifice arrangements
• Six weeks annual leave (pro rata) + loading.
• Three return flights per year to Darwin to be taken in conjunction with Art Centre events that require travel (i.e. art fairs and exhibitions) wherever possible.
• Airfares to and from Milingimbi at commencement and completion of contract
• Reasonable relocation costs
• Limited vehicle use

Essential Selection Criteria:

Professional:

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in visual arts, arts management, curatorial practice or similar.
• Experience or strong interest in the Indigenous art sector.
• Understanding of, or experience in visual arts practice.
• Strong business management and administration skills and experience.
• Proven ability in managing complex finances and to work with the organisation’s accountant.
• Proven ability to maintain reporting obligations to government and philanthropic funders.
• Ability to secure funding from diverse sources including government and philanthropic donors.
• Proficiency in not-for profit organisation program management and reporting requirements.
• Proven ability to deliver organisational strategy to achieve its goals.
• Ability to be flexible within your role, multi-task, prioritise, and work well under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate with an extensive cross-section of people including artists and arts workers, community stakeholders, museum and gallery staff, collectors, funders and customers.
• Ability to manage and train staff with diverse numeracy and literacy competencies.

Cultural:

• Understanding of Indigenous governance.
• Ability and desire to live in a remote Yolŋu community.
• Willingness to develop skills in Yolŋu language.

Proficiency in one or more of the following:

• Knowledge of contemporary and/or Indigenous art practice.
• Experience in the day-to-day operations of a medium-large studio, including developing exhibitions, professional development opportunities and cultural programs.
• Experience in social media platforms and communications.
• Experience in grant writing and funding acquittal processes.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector and/or philanthropic fundraising.
• Experience working within a cross-cultural environment or a remote Indigenous community.
• Manual driver’s license preferred, but not essential.
• Marketing and/or fundraising skills.

Although not an essential requirement of the position, applicants who have previous experience working in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities will be highly regarded.

Recruitment contact:

Joslyn Hutchinson

e: [email protected] using the subject line: Milingimbi Art and Culture Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Position description is attached below or can be found on our website.