Chief Executive and Publisher, Australian Poetry
An opportunity to lead Australian Poetry’s strategy, operations, and finances while championing poetry and supporting Australia’s poetry community.
Australian Poetry’s Board of Directors is seeking a Chief Executive and Publisher to lead the organisation alongside the Senior Editor, to showcase the full breadth of poetry produced in Australia and support and represent the poets who produce it.
Before applying, please contact Martin Dolan (see below) to obtain further information about the role.
About Australian Poetry
Australian Poetry (AP) is the peak national body for poetry in Australia. AP exists to support the full breadth of poetry produced in this country. Our role is to represent Australian poetry and its poets, nationally and internationally. Australian poetry is diverse and rich – both in its contemporary manifestations and its heritage. Our mission is to showcase and celebrate this.
The Role
Australian Poetry is seeking an experienced leader to join the organisation as its next Chief Executive and Publisher. Working in in a shared leadership model with the Senior Editor, the Chief Executive will drive the organisation’s strategic direction and work to maintain its financial sustainability.
Reporting to the Chair and Board of Directors, the Chief Executive will oversee AP’s governance, financial management, including risk management and funding diversification, and stakeholder engagement. They will lead a small team, manage key partnerships, and play a key role in fundraising and act as publisher for AP’s suite of poetry publications.
Australian Poetry is an inclusive organisation and particularly encourages applications from people from under-represented and marginalised communities.
Australian Poetry values flexible working arrangements that benefit staff and the organisation. While the position requires regular in-person attendance at the AP offices in the Wheeler Centre, Melbourne, this can be balanced with a remote working component. The position will be between 0.8 and 1 full-time equivalent hours, negotiable with the successful applicant.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a tested leader with substantial experience in the arts sector. They will bring strategic acumen, business leadership, and a passion for poetry in Australia.
Key skills and experience include:
- Executive leadership experience, preferably in an arts or cultural organisation, including working in a collaborative leadership model
- Strong financial management and governance expertise.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships, including government, philanthropic, and corporate partners.
- Proven success in fundraising, sponsorship, and revenue generation.
- An inclusive leadership style and an ability to foster a collaborative culture within a small team
- A good understanding of the Australian arts landscape and poetry’s place within it.
How to apply
To arrange a discussion about this opportunity, please contact Martin Dolan, Chair of Australian Poetry, on 0418249379 or deibhidhe@me.com. Applications comprising a CV and cover letter should be emailed to Martin Dolan.
Download the position description here: Chief Executive Position Description
Applications close Wednesday 7 May.