Status

Full Time, The Push works a 9-day fortnight (our office is closed every second Friday)

Reports to

Head of Programs

Award and Classification

Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, Level 5

Contract Period

Fixed-term (12-month) contract until April 2026

Location

The Push, Collingwood Yards (with flexible hybrid working arrangements)

Salary

$97,377 - $101,788 + superannuation

Commencement

April 2025

Position Overview

The Push is looking for an experienced Manager, Programs to lead the implementation and delivery of a range of contemporary music programs, events, and professional development programs for young people. These programs are designed to increase access to contemporary music, fostering a pipeline for young people into the contemporary music sector as artists, audiences and industry practitioners, and positioning The Push as a leader in youth music across Australia.

Reporting to the Head of Programs, the successful candidate will have a solid understanding of the Australian contemporary music industry, as well as experience working with young people to achieve high-level outcomes and be passionate about creating a positive music culture for young people across Australia.

Our dream candidate will have extensive experience in project management, including delivering all-ages events, tours, activities, and professional development programs for young people. They will have significant experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders and funders, and managing grants and funded programs from inception to acquittal. Highly organised, analytical, and detail-oriented, they will demonstrate strong leadership skills and a passion for collaborating with young people to cultivate a vibrant youth music culture across Australia.

Join The Push’s growing team of staff at this pivotal time, providing opportunities for young people in contemporary music across Australia.

About The Push

The Push is an Australian youth music organisation and registered charity based in Melbourne. Over three decades we have supported millions of young people with access to contemporary music programs and events. Our work is guided by our purpose of giving every young person the opportunity to thrive and participate in Australian music.

As an organisation, we believe in our principles of:

• First Nations culture and community are integral to the way we work with young people in music
• Young people are at the centre of everything we do
• We are representative of contemporary Australia
• Our work has impact, and we capture and measure our success
• We are responsive to challenges and new ideas and ways of working
• We work together respectfully and collaboratively towards a common purpose

Position Responsibilities

As guided by The Push 2022-2025 Strategy, the Manager, Programs will:

• Lead the development and delivery of key all-ages events, education and career pathway projects and audience development programs. This may include leading the delivery of the FReeZA Support Service. As well as managing All-Ages Events Teams for festivals such as Vivid Sydney, Queensland Music Festival and triple j One Night Stand as examples. It may also include managing professional development projects such as Music Careers Expo and Music Industry Mentoring program.
• Support The Push in delivering national research projects that advance opportunities for young people and strengthen the connection with the Australian music sector.
• Support the Head of Programs with the development of new programs and events that support young people’s access to contemporary music, and young people’s pathways into the contemporary music industry.
• Develop and manage individual project plans and budgets, within the scope of The Push’s annual budget and organisational targets.
• Undertake project reporting and acquittal obligations promptly for all programs and activities. This includes regular reporting requirements to stakeholders, funding bodies and The Push Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Communications and Engagement and Head of Partnerships and Engagement to develop targeted marketing strategies that effectively reach young audiences to achieve program deliverables and KPIs.
• Ensure risk management processes are completed thoroughly and ensure impact measurement and evaluation frameworks are embedded across all projects, effectively capturing the outcomes of all programs and events.
• Collaborate openly and effectively with the other members of the programming team to support program delivery, share networks and encourage shared learning and continuous improvement.
• Manage a small team, including contractors, workshop facilitators and industry practitioners across a range of projects and events, ensuring contract staff are supported and on track to implement and achieve project plans and deliverables.
• Lead the recruitment, engagement and management of young volunteers to take lead roles across The Push’s programs and events.
• Attend out-of-hours meetings and events, as well as undertake interstate travel, as required throughout the year.
• Other duties, as directed by the Head of Programs.

Qualifications, Certificates and Licenses

The selected candidate will need to successfully complete or possess a current:

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or practical experience in Music Industry, Arts Management, Youth Work, or other related disciplines
• Working with Children Check
• Victoria Police Background Check
• Full Australian Driver’s License
• First Aid Level 2 Certificate

Key Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the Australian contemporary music and arts industry, as well as extensive networks and commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive music culture that supports young people.
2. Demonstrated ability to build, collaborate and maintain successful relationships with external stakeholders including artists, venues, government bodies, community organisations, and funders to achieve high-quality program outcomes.
3. Demonstrated project management skills, leading the development and delivery of a program from inception to acquittal, ensuring timely delivery and high-level budget management whilst meeting measurable outcomes. With experience in coordinating a range of programs including music events, tours, workshops, and professional development programs.
4. Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively with young people, supported by relevant Youth Work qualifications and/or proven experience, with a strong understanding and application of Youth Work principles.
5. Big ideas and strategies to support The Push to be relevant and responsive for future music industry leaders and audiences.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, click "Apply Now" and upload a copy of your CV and cover letter responding to each of the key selection criteria.

The Push is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information or other non-merit factors.

The Push is a child-safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all young people across our programs, staff and board. The preferred applicant will be required to hold a Working with Children Clearance. Additionally, the preferred applicant will be required to undergo a Victoria Police Background Check.

This position is subject to a 3-month performance review.

A position description is attached.