Chief Executive Officer

Posted on July 3, 2023 Closing date 10/08/2023

The Arts Law Centre of Australia is looking for an energetic and inspiring CEO – someone who is deeply motivated by the opportunity to make a profound impact on artists’ lives, and with a passion to advance the rights of artists and drive positive change.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Arts Law is Australia’s only independent national community legal centre for the arts, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. We provide free or low cost specialised legal advice, education and resources to Australian artists and arts organisations across all art forms, on a wide range of arts related legal and business matters. Arts Law’s Artists in the Black program delivers targeted services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists nationally.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The CEO’s primary role is to secure the future for Arts Law through exemplary client and stakeholder relationships, innovative services and sustainable funding sources including developing new income streams from social enterprise initiatives. You must understand the arts, legal and political landscapes in which Arts Law operates and take a strategic approach in order to maximise opportunities to achieve positive outcomes for Australia’s artists.

The CEO role will also lead our fundraising activities and the development of philanthropic support which has grown in recent years. With the support of the Board, you will inspire and activate financial support from donors, corporate partnerships and grants.

ABOUT YOU

The position requires a confident and respected leader in the legal, cultural and arts sector who will draw on strategic insight, vision, capability and proven experience to lead Arts Law into the future, whilst being an exemplar of Arts Law’s organisational values of Excellence, Accessibility, Empowerment of artists, Integrity, Collaboration and Innovation.

You will be an intrepid strategic thinker-able to foresee opportunities for Arts Law’s future growth and performance, be confident in leading a dynamic and creative team of professionals, be comfortable with building strong stakeholder relationships and have high levels of legal, financial and commercial literacy, and a deep affinity for the arts.

SELECTION CRITERIA

  1. 5+ years’ experience in executive or leadership roles in legal service delivery preferably in intellectual property (copyright) and commercial law.
  2. Experience in strategic and business planning.
  3. Well-developed management and organisational skills including demonstrated experience in leading a high-performing SME, community legal centre, social enterprise, “service” oriented or profit-for-purpose commercial organisation.
  4. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills of a high order, and the capacity to understand organisational needs in the pursuit of organisational objectives.
  5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in particular, the ability to explain complex legal issues to individuals and groups with a predominantly non-legal background.
  6. Experience in building partnerships and relationships with a wide variety of stakeholder groups.
  7. Experience in the development and growth of funding and philanthropic support.
  8. Experience in policy and law reform work and an awareness of law reform issues relevant to artists’ professional and creative activities.
  9. Demonstrated understanding of, and experience in, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  10. Previous experience reporting to a Board of Directors.

The successful candidate must hold or be eligible to hold a NSW unrestricted practising certificate, and have the ability to travel nationally on a regular basis.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

  1. Attractive salary of up to $160,000 and access to salary packaging.  The salary may be negotiable for an exceptional candidate.
  2. A unique opportunity to connect with Australia’s artists and have a meaningful impact on Australian culture.
  3. A supportive working environment enhanced  by a national network of pro bono lawyers who are all committed to advancing Arts Law’s mission.
  4. A small and committed team who is passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for artists and arts organisations.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications close on Thursday, 10 August, 2023 and should be send to [email protected].

Your application should include Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a Candidate’s Statement.

The CV should include:

  • full name, nationality, home address, confidential email address, telephone contact details
  • positions held, reporting lines and the scope of responsibilities and key achievements
  • details of formal education and other training qualifications
  • other relevant information, such as involvement or representation in professional and community activities including speaking engagements, conference panels, publications, board memberships, volunteer roles, etc

The Candidate’s Statement should include:

  • A statement of no more than 2 pages that outlines your motivations for applying for the position, how your experience and expertise are relevant to Arts Law and the role, and finally, your perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Arts Law over the next 5 years.
  • Full contact details of three referees who you feel will be able to attest to your credibility and suitability for the role.
  • Referees will be contacted only after prior consultation with you, and it is your responsibility to ensure that the referees are willing to provide reports when contacted.
  • An indication of the earliest date on which you would be available to commence.

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION

For inquiries or further information about the role, including a copy of the Candidate Pack, please contact:

Jemma Fitzgerald
Principal, Converge HR
M: 0420 959 946
E: [email protected]