Head of Operations & Secretary — Community Show & Grounds

Human Resource Dynamics Pty Ltd; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cairns Show Association is seeking a proven senior operations leader to oversee day-to-day management of the association and ensure the sustainable delivery of the annual Cairns Show alongside partner programs and facility management.

You will lead a small team, manage budgets and governance, build partnerships with government and sponsors, and drive the Cairns Show Strategic Plan 2026-31 to keep the Show thriving year-round.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior management or operations role, ideally within events, venues, agricultural shows or not-for-profits.
• Experience leading and developing staff, and working alongside volunteers and committees.
• Sound financial, governance and risk management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage with committees, sponsors, government and community groups.
• Sharp attention to detail, sound judgement and the ability to prioritise and stay calm under pressure.
• Grant writing experience (highly regarded).
• A genuine passion for the Cairns Show and our community.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing our team, including our event coordinator, competition coordinator, finance officer, receptionist and grounds crew.
• Being the go-to person for our committee, members, volunteers and community, and building strong partnerships with QCAS, local and state governments, sponsors, schools, other Show Societies and the Showmen’s Guild of Australasia.
• Rallying our volunteer army – recruiting, training, rostering and recognising the people who make the Show happen.
• Keeping the Showgrounds in top shape – overseeing maintenance, safety and security, and project managing site improvements with contractors and Council.
• Keeping a tight handle on budgets, cash flow, invoicing and purchasing, while managing operational risk and WHS.
• Championing good governance, ensuring our policies are current and compliant, and driving the strategic goals set by the Management Committee.
• Steering our communications and reporting – from Committee meeting reports to newsletters, social media and website content.
• Sniffing out grant and funding opportunities, drafting applications and making sure funds are well spent and acquitted.
• Guiding implementation of the Cairns Show Association Strategic Plan 2026-31.
• As we are a small, close-knit team, we all roll up our sleeves when it counts. In the lead-up to and during Show week, you will be right at the heart of the action alongside our staff and volunteers, so be ready to jump in wherever you are needed.

Skills

Staff leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Communication

Risk management

Job description

Cairns Show Association is seeking a proven senior operations leader to oversee day-to-day management of the association and ensure the sustainable delivery of the annual Cairns Show alongside partner programs and facility management.

You will lead a small team, manage budgets and governance, build partnerships with government and sponsors, and drive the Cairns Show Strategic Plan 2026-31 to keep the Show thriving year-round.