EXECUTIVE MANAGER ARTS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Brisbane City Council; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Training and career development

Diversity and inclusion

Job summary

Brisbane City Council is seeking an Executive Manager Arts and Community Development to lead a 50-person workforce and oversee a $39 million budget, delivering inclusive, creative programs across Brisbane’s communities.

The role requires strategic leadership for arts, culture and community development, with stakeholder engagement and governance responsibilities that align with Brisbane Vision 2031 and Council priorities to achieve measurable community outcomes.

Job description

EXECUTIVE MANAGER ARTS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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’re 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 programmes 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 programmes 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.

Please consider the full position descriptions, and tailor your cover letter and resume to outline your suitability.

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 conflicts of interest orother risks(such as fatigue)in a way that puts the publicinterestfirst.Maintainingemploymentoutside Councildoes notpreclude you from being considered for roles within Council.

Brisbane City Council is one of the largest local governments in the Asia‑Pacific region and one of the biggest employers in Queensland. We have close to 400 job types across a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community. Council employs an inclusive and diverse workforce, with great benefits and flexible work options.

Brisbane City Council is one of the largest local governments in the Asia‑Pacific region and one of the biggest employers in Queensland. We have close to 400 job types across a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community. Council employs an inclusive and diverse workforce, with great benefits and flexible work options.

Perks and benefits Financial benefits to build a secure future Diversity and inclusion Work/life balance and flexibility Safe and supportive work environment Great leaders in a values‑based culture Training and career development

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