Events and Venue Operations Manager

Museum of Contemporary Art – Sydney CBD NSW Full-time, 12-month contract position (opportunity for a contract extension or ongoing) Division: Finance, Corporate Services, Commercial Development Reports to the Head of Commercial Development The MCA encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people from diverse cultures. The MCA acknowledges the enormous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, staff, educators, arts professionals, and guests have made to the fabric of the museum since its inception. Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice has long been central to MCA collection and exhibition programs. Overview of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is Australia’s only public museum dedicated to contemporary art. The MCA presents, collects and engages with the art of now. Guided by the principles of belonging, connection and influence, we aim to be the defining platform for contemporary art and ideas in Australia and beyond. Located on Sydney Harbour at Tallawoladah, a home to stories, art and culture for over 65,000 years, the MCA contributes to the continuity of culture on our site. We connect the widest possible public to contemporary art through our Collection, exhibitions, events, creative learning and access programmes. Our evolving Collection of over 4,700 artworks is the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with over a third represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, the MCA raises over 85% of its revenue each year through donations and commercial activities to deliver its artistic and engagement programmes. Overview of the position The Events & Venue Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the operational side of commercial venue hire as well as managing a range of internal events across the Museum’s various departments (Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy, Exhibitions, Engagement, etc.). The role requires strong management leadership and experience working through implementation of new business model. While the business model continues to be developed, the role is currently advertised for 12 months with the view it will be shaped alongside the new commercial business needs. The role works closely with MCA’s colleagues, and MCA’s Hospitality and Events Partners to deliver Museum events efficiently, within budget, with the highest level of customer service and attention to detail. The Events & Venue Operations Manager works closely with the Head of Commercial Development to manage working relationships with MCA’s Hospitality and Events Partners and to ensure all events are delivered in true partnership and as per Commercial Agreements. Person Specification The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, be an excellent manager across events and venue operations, and have a proven track record of exceeding the expectations of their clients and other stakeholders. You will be a confident leader, comfortable leading through a business change model and comfortable with making suggestions to embed the new model successfully. You will confidently lead your team through a period of change and partner with other stakeholders as an expert across events and venue operations. You will make a positive contribution to the business’ transition and further development; and will build relationships across various stakeholders including the MCA’s hospitality partner, The Big Group, peak industry bodies, and with other internal teams delivering strategic business outcomes for the MCA. Tasks and responsibilities of the position Work closely with the Head of Commercial Development and MCA Hospitality Partners to successfully implement the new business model and identify opportunities for operational improvements to the delivery of the venue hire business while the business model is continuously assessed. In collaboration with the Head of Commercial Development and Hospitality Partners, ensure venue hire, external and internal events are delivered in accordance with hospitality and events partnership agreements. Provide excellent customer service ensuring client event requirements are met. Work closely with other departments to ensure appropriate signage, building access and building maintenance is managed effectively. Collaborate with Museum event stakeholders to understand their event goals, requirements and expectations; and provide guidance and feedback on event briefs to ensure events are delivered within available resources. Develop event concepts, themes and overall design in alignment with event and key stakeholder objectives. Lead on internal event communication across the Museum with relevant stakeholders and in collaboration with hospitality and events partners. This includes clear event briefs to operational staff (e.g. gallery hosts, events supervisors, hospitality and AV leads, cleaners, security, contractors, volunteers, etc.). Oversee event delivery and prepare pre‑ and post‑event reports, and briefs. Manage contractors and casual staff. Manage budgets, contra and relevant reporting. Ensure all suppliers comply with all relevant legislation and MCA policies. Provide guidance to suppliers and contract staff regarding MCA venue and health and safety requirements. Maintain knowledge of and be proactive in relation to MCA policies and procedures with particular emphasis on risk management and work health and safety. Liaise with the Curatorial & Conservation Teams to ensure event protocols and procedures are set and regularly reviewed in line with changing exhibition and event needs. Key selection criteria Essential criteria: Minimum 5 years’ experience in event and venue management. Strong experience in change management. Strong experience in operating under ongoing development of new business model. Experience working flexibly to be able to respond to the needs of a new business model. Experience working with events and venue partners, especially through change and the ability to contribute positively to changes. Experience working with catering or restaurant management, security and function staff. Sound understanding and hands‑on experience of project management principles and practices. The ability to work autonomously and resolve complex client issues without supervision. Exceptional customer service skills with a persuasive manner and strong negotiating capabilities. Previous experience leading and coordinating teams, including external support teams (e.g. cleaners, security, events delivery staff, etc.). Roster management experience and experience in managing casual staff and contractors. Highly organised, with good time management/project skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Strong administrative and computer skills. Experience with change management. Desirable criteria Experience working in the not‑for‑profit or cultural industry. Experience with AV production requirements and troubleshooting. General requirements of all MCA employees Demonstrate support for innovation and organisational changes required to ensure the MCA accomplishes its strategic aim and objectives. Work cooperatively with others to produce innovative solutions and recognise the merits of diverse perspectives and the ideas of others. Experience working through organisational change. Demonstrate commitment to, and knowledge of, the principles and application of equal employment opportunities and anti‑discrimination legislation in the workplace. Work in accordance with the principles of equity, access and fairness; respect and follow safety work practices and procedures; work with due care and consideration to safeguard your own health and safety and the health and safety of others. Terms and conditions of employment This is a full-time, permanent position reporting to the Head of Commercial Development. Some work out of normal hours (9am–5.30pm) will be required to cover the MCA’s events and programs, with adjusted working hours, reasonable additional time or TOIL available in peak periods, as agreed with your manager. Salary package includes: Annual leave: 4 weeks Personal leave: 10 days Superannuation: 12% super payments (in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992). Some benefits of working with the MCA include but are not limited to the below, as per the MCA's and Procedures: Two additional paid days of leave: Birthday Day Off (Additional day of Paid Leave) Museum Day (Additional Public Holiday) Flexible Working Arrangements Employee Assistance Program Paid Parental Leave (Primary and secondary caregivers, adoption, and foster parents) Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) Study Leave Additional accruals to Long Service Leave Free Entry to the Museum, including Paid Exhibitions January 26 (Flexible Public Holiday) Free Flu Vaccination Program Exhibition Pre‑Views (Curatorial Walkthroughs) Other (e.g. Access to Employee’s Discount Programs and Salary Sacrifice options) Applications We ask that you please follow the directions below to finalise your application. Shortlisting for interviews will be based on applicants meeting the essential criteria listed in the position description. Please share with us the following documents as part of your application: Cover letter Your responses to the selection criteria (in a separate document or as part of the cover letter) CV Contact details of two referees. Please email the application to ***************@mca.com.au. Closing date: Wednesday 17 December, 9am. Working for the MCA The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The MCA promotes a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where individuals are treated with fairness, equality, and dignity. Find out more about the MCA. #J-18808-Ljbffr