EXECUTIVE MANAGER ARTS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Brisbane-City-Council; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Brisbane City Council is seeking an Executive Manager Arts and Community Development to provide strategic leadership across arts, culture, and community services. You will oversee multidisciplinary teams and ensure inclusive, high‑impact programs.

Based in Brisbane, you will lead a 50-person workforce and manage a $39 million budget, delivering outcomes aligned with Brisbane Vision 2031 and Council priorities. A strong background in public administration and stakeholder engagement is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong background in public administration, cultural leadership, or community services.
• Proven leadership experience including stakeholder engagement, governance and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 50-person workforce and oversee a $39 million budget.
• Champion strategic planning and delivery of arts, culture, and community development programs.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior executives and elected representatives; drive inclusive, innovative programs.

Job description

Personnel Area: Community and the Arts Services

Branch: Arts and Community Development Branch

Duration: Contract – 4 years

• Lead a 50-person workforce whilst overseeing a $39 million dollar budget
• Work for Australia’s largest Local Government that focuses on creating a vibrant, successful and liveable city for the future
• Champion the strategic planning and delivery of community services, achieving inclusive, creative, and socially impactful outcomes aligned with Brisbane Vision 2031, City Plan, and Council objectives, ensuring measurable community and organisational outcomes

Brisbane City Council is Australia’s largest local government, managing assets worth over $39 billion and delivering services that shape the future of our city. We are seeking an experienced executive to lead a high performing team and essential delivery function of the Community and the Arts Services group.

Arts and Community Development (ACD) delivers programs that build on Brisbane's reputation as a growing creative, vibrant, safe, healthy and inclusive city. We are committed to empowering young people to lead the journey, while also championing the contribution of seniors and aim to encourage vulnerable members of our community through targeted projects and programs to lead active, healthy lives.

Executive Manager Arts and Community Development

The Executive Manager Arts and Community Development provides strategic leadership and vision for Brisbane City Council’s arts, culture, and community development portfolio. You will lead multidisciplinary teams across the creative sector, social development, and partnerships to deliver inclusive, innovative, and high-impact programs and services. As Executive Manager you will ensure that Council’s arts and community initiatives reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of Brisbane’s residents, fostering a city that is vibrant, connected, and culturally enriched.

This role provides authoritative advice to senior executives and elected representatives, champions Group priorities, and leads change in an agile way, delivering initiatives that enhance community outcomes and branch success. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated strong background in public administration, cultural leadership, or community services. Your leadership experience will includestakeholder engagement, governance, and performance management. Achieving outcomes through creating new relationships and strengthening existing relationships will be pivotal for how success is measured.

Due to the requirements of this role a criminal history and business checks will be undertaken on preferred applicants. A criminal history does not necessarily preclude an applicant from appointment.

Brisbane City Council is a multi-award winning accessible and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people from all diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Closing Date: Thursday 24th September 2026 at 11:55PM AEST

Council and its employees must follow the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 (Qld) and the Code of Conduct. This means employees are expected to act with honesty, fairness, and always prioritise the public interest over personal or private gain. The Code of Conduct requires employees to openlydiscloseany other work they do outside of Council — includingpaid or unpaid employment,operatingtheir own businessor volunteering in certain circumstances— and to manage any conflictsof interest orother risks(such as fatigue)in a way that puts the publicinterestfirst.Maintainingemploymentoutside Councildoes notprecludeyou from being considered for roles within Council.