Program Manager

Blak & Bright is hiring a Program Manager to lead their delivery within the First Stories Collective - a Partnership with Magabala Books. Position Title: Program Manager, First Stories Collective Position Term: Fixed term three-year contract Reports To: Artistic Director & CEO Applications Close: Midnight on Sunday 30 November 2025 About Blak & Bright Blak & Bright is Australia’s leading organisation dedicated to showcasing and elevating First Nations literary voices. Partnering with like-minded organisations across Australia, our year-round programming includes workshops, panels and performances, creating distinctive spaces for Blak conversations. Most proudly, our flagship literary festival is the only one in the country to focus exclusively on First Nations literature, writers and storytellers. Being First Nations-led, Blak & Bright’s overarching ambition is to support the economic empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and storytellers. We pride ourselves on our commitment to self-determination, to stories and storytelling of all kinds, and to our belief in the importance of not only what we do, but in how we do it. The Program Manager will develop and implement Blak & Bright’s program of activities as part of the First Stories Collective. As Blak & Bright is constitutionally a First Nations led organisation, the Program Manager is a designated role and is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons. To apply, please send your cover letter (maximum 1x page) and a resume with two referees (maximum 3x pages), which combined, address the selection criteria to Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival Limited acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the custodians of the sacred lands on which we work and gather. We pay our respects to the people of the Kulin Nations and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past present and future. We recognise all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first storytellers; and that knowledge transfer through storytelling is embedded in the very DNA of this Country. About the First Stories Collective The First Stories Collective unites two of the nation’s leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in literature, Blak & Bright and Magabala Books. Together, we bring nearly 50 years of sector leadership, advocacy and cultural authority. As Creative Australia’s Delivery Partner for the First Nations literary sector, the Collective strengthens the ecosystem for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers, illustrators and publishing professionals. Our work includes national gatherings, professional development initiatives and international advocacy for Blak stories. We are building a vibrant and sustainable sector led by First Nations knowledge, values and decision-making. About the Role The Program Manager is responsible for leading Blak & Bright’s delivery within the First Stories Collective, ensuring all obligations, programs and activities are achieved to the highest standard. Reporting directly to the Artistic Director & CEO, the Program Manager will deliver Blak & Bright’s commitments to the Collective, including coordinating and implementing the biennial national gatherings, developing and managing online international roundtables that connect First Nations creators globally, and contributing to the development and consultation process for sector-wide industry protocols for ethical publishing. The Program Manager will attend meetings of the Collective’s Cultural Advisory Committee and Project Governance Group, ensuring alignment with joint planning and oversight processes. This role requires excellent project coordination, stakeholder engagement and reporting skills, with a clear understanding of working within culturally grounded and community-led frameworks. The Program Manager will oversee the contributions of the Program Coordinator, engage and manage consultants and facilitators and supervise volunteers as required. Key Responsibilities Project Management Plan, deliver and evaluate Blak & Bright’s program of activities within the First Stories Collective, including national gatherings and online international roundtables Coordinate consultation and co-design processes connected to these programs, including sector feedback loops Contribute to the development and implementation of publishing protocols and related initiatives Ensure all program activities are culturally safe, well-documented and delivered on schedule and within budget Prepare project reports, briefings and acquittals in line with funding requirements Work collaboratively with Magabala Books and other partners to ensure cohesion across Collective activities Administration and Operations Manage budgets, contracts and procurement processes within delegated authority Oversee timelines, documentation and project monitoring Maintain accurate data for reporting and evaluation, including metrics, participant information and qualitative feedback Support fundraising and partnership development to enhance the sustainability of Blak & Bright’s Collective programs Provide administrative and executive support to the Artistic Director and CEO as required Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain strong working relationships with Magabala Books and other Collective partners Engage with consultants, facilitators and service providers as required to deliver program outcomes Support stakeholder communications, ensuring all engagement is culturally safe, professional and aligned with Blak & Bright’s values Liaise with First Nations writers, artists and communities in ways that prioritise cultural safety and accessibility Event Delivery Plan and execute events, gatherings and associated Collective activities Prepare comprehensive event plans covering budgets, logistics, risk management and evaluation Oversee event delivery on the ground, ensuring smooth and professional execution Support marketing and communications efforts in collaboration with the Magabala and Blak & Bright teams Strategic Contribution Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnership and growth across the sector Contribute to developing processes that enhance Blak & Bright’s capacity to deliver national and international programming Selection Criteria Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage Proven experience in program or project management within the arts, cultural or community sectors Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively and respectfully with First Nations communities and organisations Strong administrative and organisational skills including managing budgets, contracts and timelines Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes under pressure Experience coordinating or supporting events and programs of national scope Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills Understanding of cultural safety and the importance of ethical First Nations storytelling Established networks within the First Nations literary or arts sectors Familiarity with the publishing industry and associated organisations Experience in fundraising, donor relations or partnership development Competence in cloud-based systems and project management tools Experience working with or supervising teams, volunteers or contractors Contact Information For more information, please contact Acting Artistic Director, Jane Harrison at . Applications close at midnight on Sunday 30 November 2025 with the successful candidate commencing in the role early-February 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr