Cultural Events & Programming Officer

Careers at Council; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 56,000 - 65,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

12% superannuation

Shift penalties

MAP mima venue experience

Job summary

Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking a Cultural Events & Programming Officer to bring creative ideas to life at MAP mima. You will develop programs, coordinate live events and manage venues, working across digital, performance and community spaces to attract diverse audiences.

The role is hands-on, with weekend work and shifts across seasons. The successful candidate will be autonomous, collaborative and comfortable operating AV systems and visitor services.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or equivalent in arts administration or customer service.
• Proven experience delivering cultural, community or creative programs.
• Experience developing event ideas and coordinating activities.
• Strong organisation and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative ideas and contribute to cultural programming.
• Plan, coordinate and lead events, exhibitions, performances and workshops.
• Independently manage day-to-day venue operations.
• Deliver exceptional customer experiences and welcoming environments.
• Operate and troubleshoot digital exhibition technology and AV equipment.
• Support hospitality, ticketing, merchandise, cash handling and stock management.
• Identify opportunities to grow venue activation and visitation.
• Maintain venue presentation, records and safety compliance.
• Collaborate across Council venues including MAC yapang.

Skills

Creative ideas

Event coordination

Customer service

AV troubleshooting

Education

Certificate III in arts admin or customer service

Tools

AV equipment

Job description

Term Contract Part-time | 8 months | 28 hours per week

Big ideas. Creative experiences. A venue full of possibilities!

• Bring your creative ideas to life through cultural programming, live events and immersive experiences.
• Take ownership of events and venue operations at Lake Macquarie's unique multi-arts spaces.
• Combine your passion for arts and culture with technology, visitor engagement and hands-on event delivery.

LET’S EXPLORE THE JOB

Got big ideas for bringing creative spaces to life? We want to hear them!

We're looking for an energetic, creative and proactiveCultural Events & Programming Officerwho can do more than help deliver events. We want someone who can come up with ideas, develop engaging programs and confidently lead cultural experiences from concept through to delivery.

Based primarily at themulti-arts Pavilion, mima (MAP mima)in Speers Point Park, you'll help activate one of Lake Macquarie's most exciting creative spaces, bringing together digital art, music, performances, workshops and community events.

This is a role for someone who loves the energy of live events, sees opportunities in creative spaces and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves. One day you could be developing a new event concept, the next coordinating performers and suppliers, troubleshooting digital technology or welcoming visitors.

You'll work closely with our Arts, Culture and Tourism team while also taking responsibility for venue operations and events independently. You'll have the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas that attract new audiences, increase participation and make our cultural spaces welcoming, vibrant and accessible to everyone.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop creative ideas and contribute to cultural programming that activates our venues, attracts diverse audiences and creates memorable visitor experiences.
• Plan, coordinate and lead events, exhibitions, performances and workshops, taking ownership of preparation, logistics, delivery and pack-down.
• Independently manage day-to-day venue operations, including opening and closing, visitor services, event supervision and responding to operational issues.
• Deliver exceptional customer experiences, engaging visitors and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Operate and troubleshoot digital exhibition technology, audiovisual equipment and venue systems, identifying opportunities to use technology in new and engaging ways.
• Support hospitality, bar operations, ticketing, merchandise, retail sales, cash handling and stock management.
• Identify opportunities to grow venue activation, increase visitation, improve services and support revenue generation.
• Maintain venue presentation, administrative records and safety requirements, including supporting emergency procedures and operational compliance.
• You’ll also work collaboratively across our cultural venues, including theMuseum of Art and Culture yapang, contributing to the broader delivery of Council's arts and cultural programs.

This is a hands‑on role that operates when our audiences and events are happening.

• Regular Saturday and Sunday work is required.
• Friday evening shifts during summer and Thursday shifts at MAC yapang form part of the anticipated roster.
• Additional hours may fall across school holidays, exhibitions and special events.
• You'll primarily work at MAP mima, with shifts across other Arts, Culture and Tourism facilities as required.
• Working with Children Check is required before commencement

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You're a creative thinker, natural organiser and confident all‑rounder who knows how to turn a great idea into a great experience.

You bring positive energy, initiative and a genuine passion for arts, culture and bringing people together. You enjoy the challenge of developing programs, coordinating events and creating experiences that connect with audiences.

You'll be comfortable working autonomously, making decisions and taking responsibility for a busy venue. Just as importantly, you're hands‑on, adaptable and happy to jump between event production, visitor engagement, technology and operational tasks.

You might come from festivals, live music, performing arts, creative production, cultural programming, galleries or community events. We're interested in your ability to create, organise and deliver experiences, not simply your knowledge of art.

Criteria you will bring;

• A Certificate III or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, such as arts administration or customer service.
• Proven experience in service delivery and contributing to cultural, community or creative programs and events.
• Demonstrated experience developing event ideas, coordinating activities and taking responsibility for successful event delivery.
• Strong organisational skills, initiative and the ability to work independently while managing competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with a welcoming and engaging approach to diverse audiences.
• Confidence using technology, with the ability to quickly learn new systems and troubleshoot digital or audiovisual equipment.
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach to venue operations, safety and continuous improvement.
• A current Class C Driver Licence.
• Availability to work regular weekends, evenings and other rostered shifts as required.

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

• Competitive salary from $40.78 to $47.40 per hour plus 12% superannuation
• Shift and weekend penalty rates apply
• Work at MAP mima, a distinctive contemporary arts venue combining digital exhibitions, performance and creative experiences.
• Bring your ideas to a role where you can contribute to cultural programming, venue activation and audience growth.
• Enjoy variety across event production, visitor services, technology and venue operations.
• Collaborate with passionate arts and cultural professionals across Council.
• We value your health and wellbeing and offer generous, discounted gym memberships through our Corporate Fitness program, connect with colleagues through our social club, be inspired by regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations, and confidential support via our employee assistance (EAP) program.

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY

We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you’re joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET’S START

• Ready to turn your creative ideas into experiences our community will love?
• If you're an energetic self-starter who loves producing events, connecting with audiences and making creative spaces come alive, we'd love to hear from you!
• For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact David Rastas, Coordinator MAP mima Curator and Operationson 0447 297 *** or via ************@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• For enquiries about the recruitment process please contact Georgina Green, Talent Attraction Partner, on 02 4921 0*** or via ***********@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch — we're here for you!
• This position is formally titled as a Cultural Experiences Officer within Council.