Geelong Arts Centre is one of eleven Victorian State Government owned creative organisations under the umbrella of Creative Victoria. Since opening in 1981, Geelong Arts Centre has made significant artistic and cultural contributions to Geelong and the surrounding regions.
Geelong Arts Centre is currently undergoing a period of exciting and dynamic change. To meet the cultural needs of a growing population and help secure Geelong's position as a global city, the Victorian State Government, through Creative Victoria, has committed funding for three stages of capital development. Stage One - the refurbishment of The Playhouse Theatre was completed in 2010. Stage Two - the Ryrie Street Redevelopment ($38.5m) was completed November 2019 and opened to the public on 7th November 2019. Stage Three - The Little Malop Street Redevelopment ($140m) commenced in 2019 and is planned for completion in 2023. This investment will result in a world-class arts facility becoming the cultural heart of Geelong and the G21 region.
Led by a dynamic CEO and Leadership Team, your contribution and expertise will be highly valued. We offer a great working environment in the creative heart of Geelong, working alongside passionate people who are committed to community and the Arts.
About the role
The Manager, Governance – Policy and Contract Management is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and oversight of the organisation's governance frameworks, with a strong focus on policy management and contract lifecycle governance.
The role ensures policies and contracts are contemporary, compliant, consistently applied, and aligned with legislative, regulatory, and organisational requirements. Working closely with Trust and Subcommittee members, executive leaders, legal advisors, and operational teams, the Governance Manager provides expert advice, drives continuous improvement, and strengthens accountability, risk management, and decision-making across the organisation.
This position works with Trust members, the CEO, the Director Corporate Services and Executive Assistant to CEO to manage Trust and Subcommittee governance and provides organisational and administrative support to these committees.
Essential qualifications and experience
To be successful in this position you will have:
* Qualifications in business, accounting, legal, risk management, governance, compliance or audit or a combination of relevant experience and qualifications in a related discipline.
* Experience (5+ years) in governance, policy development, risk, and compliance, with knowledge of relevant regulations, policies, and sector best practices.
* Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, and compliance frameworks (public sector experience desirable)
* Highly developed stakeholder management, influencing, and advisory skills and ability to, foster a culture of compliance and accountability.
* Analytical and problem-solving mindset, demonstrating curiosity and confidence when working with policies, regulations, and governance challenges with an ability to translate compliance requirements into practical, engaging, and accessible processes for staff.
* Experience preparing documentation and reporting for Board / Trust and Audit and Risk Committees.
* Demonstrated high level of discretion, sensitivity, trust and pragmatism.
* Technological proficiency, particularly across Microsoft 365 and other digital compliance tools.
Desirable qualifications and experience
* Experience as a corporate or commercial lawyer providing legal advice at a senior level.
* Familiarity with governing legislation including the Financial Management Act (1994) and the Public Administration Act (2004) together with experience working in a Victorian public entity or similar organisation.
* A genuine passion for providing exceptional support and contributing to the overall success of the team.
Special requirements
Flexibility in working hours to support daytime, evening, and some weekend work will be required as part of the normal hours of duty for this position.
The following checks, licences and certifications are required for this role:
* Current and valid Working with Children's Check (employee)
The employee must provide evidence that they hold current certifications prior to commencing employment with Geelong Arts Centre. The employee must maintain currency of these checks, licences and certifications for the duration of their employment with Geelong Arts Centre.
Applications close Midnight Wednesday 25 March 2026
Sound like you? Then we want to hear from you!
To apply for this opportunity please click the Apply Now button and provide a cover letter including your ability to meet the key requirements outlined in the position description, and a current CV.
Applicants will be required to undergo police and identity screening. First round interviews will be conducted either face-to-face or online. Geelong Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and values the contribution that diversity brings to the workplace.
Geelong Arts Centre is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of all children that interact with our organisation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.
Geelong Arts Centre encourages and welcomes applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders People.
Applications are open to those with full-working rights in Australia.
#J-18808-Ljbffr