Executive Director, Baaka Cultural and Art Centre
Baaka Cultural and Art Centre, Wilcannia
The Baaka Cultural and Art Centre in Wilcannia is a landmark new project dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and sharing the living heritage of Barkintji Country and the wider Darling River region.
Position Title: Executive Director, Baaka Cultural Centre
Location: Wilcannia, NSW (on-site, subsidised housing provided)
Reports To: Baaka Cultural Centre Board of Directors
Remuneration: Highly competitive, benchmarked circa $150,000 plus superannuation
Employment Basis: Full-time, one-year contract (renewable, with annual performance review)
Support: Housing and relocation assistance, generous annual leave, professional development
Position Purpose
The Executive Director will provide strategic direction and hands-on operational management to maximise the Centre's business performance and sustainable growth. This role is responsible for implementing the Board-approved business plan and activating enterprise opportunities across art sales, tourism, venue hire, retail, and training.
The Executive Director will lead the effective launch and ongoing operationalisation of the Centre's facilities and services, ensuring systems, staffing, and resources are aligned to deliver commercial, social, and community impact. Key objectives include driving financial sustainability through diversified revenue streams, developing partnerships and sponsorships, overseeing marketing and audience development, and ensuring governance and compliance.
The Executive Director will monitor business metrics, proactively respond to market shifts, and report regularly to the Board on performance, risk, and outcomes. The role demands a results-focused professional able to build stakeholder relationships, lead major projects, and position the Baaka Cultural Centre as a productive, well-managed hub for innovation, community engagement, and economic development.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead the development and delivery of Baaka Centre's vision, strategy, business, training and sustainability plans in line with Board direction and Indigenous best practice frameworks.
Champion Barkintji cultural values across operations.
Business, Finance & Governance
Ensure robust financial management, asset protection, and compliance with relevant legislative requirements and Indigenous governance standards (e.g. ORIC).
Diversify and optimise income streams including art sales, venue hire, grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, and tourism.
Oversee financial reporting and sustainability metrics.
Oversee the integrated delivery of activities, programmes, events, exhibitions and services, ensuring high quality and cultural safety.
Support and enable Art Centre and Language Centre Managers.
Ensure sound facilities management and compliance.
People & Culture
Lead recruitment, mentoring and training delivery of a multidisciplinary team.
Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and safe work environment, prioritising Indigenous employment.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Cultivate strong relationships with Elders, artists, Barkintji community, local stakeholders, government partners and funding bodies.
Represent the Baaka Culture and Art Centre locally, regionally and nationally.
Drive marketing, media and advocacy efforts.
Embed innovation in enterprise, arts programming and cultural tourism.
Monitor and report on impact and outcomes to the Board, funders and community.
Advocate for the Centre's role in reconciliation, community empowerment and sector advancement.
Selection Criteria
Demonstrated senior leadership experience in Indigenous cultural, arts or community organisations—preferably remote/regional and including governance responsibilities.
Proven track record in operational delivery, driving financial sustainability and business growth.
Advanced stakeholder, relationship-building and negotiation capability.
Strong financial management and compliance knowledge.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-cultural teams and deliver outstanding community outcomes.
An understanding of Indigenous cultural protocols, intellectual and cultural property principles and strengths-based practice.
Outstanding communication and advocacy skills.
Tertiary qualification in business, arts management or a related field.
Experience in language revitalisation programming, digital engagement or contemporary Indigenous arts markets.
ORIC governance or comparable sector experience.
Remuneration and Employment Conditions
Competitive salary package (negotiable, benchmarked to sector standards).
Nine-day fortnight optional.
Subsidised housing, relocation support and professional development opportunity.
Application Process
How to Apply
Submit a current CV, cover letter and address all selection criteria.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Your application will include the following question:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
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