Manager, Conservatorium Open Academy

University of Sydney Union; Sydney; On-site; AUD 152,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for the Manager, Conservatorium Open Academy in Sydney. You will lead strategic development and oversee daily operations of the Open Academy, delivering continuing education and community engagement across multiple locations.

You will develop business plans, manage budgets, mentor staff including casual teaching personnel, and build partnerships with schools, industry partners and artists to grow participation and impact.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in managing large teams
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Proven project management capabilities and ability to deliver outcomes

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction and long-term growth of the Conservatorium Open Academy across multiple locations
• Oversee day-to-day operations delivering programs, services, workshops, courses and events
• Develop and implement business, operational and growth plans with Faculty leadership
• Manage budgets, forecasting, reporting and grant compliance
• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team including casual teaching staff
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders, industry partners, sponsors, artists and communities
• Drive student recruitment, marketing, outreach and revenue growth
• Establish partnerships with schools and regional conservatoriums to expand engagement
• Oversee planning of festivals, conferences, workshops and special projects

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Budgeting/financial management

Communication

Team leadership

Job description

Full time continuingOpportunity to provide leadership in the strategic development and advancement of the Open Academy at the Sydney Conservatorium of MusicHEO 9 Base Salary $152,045- $160,430 p.a. + 17% superannuationAbout the opportunityThe Manager, Conservatorium Open Academy is responsible for overseeing all operations of the Open Academy unit. The position provides leadership in the strategic development and long-term advancement of the Open Academy, while also offering operational support to identify the most cost-effective and artistically appropriate ways to deliver outstanding continuing education and community engagement services.Your key responsibilities will be to:lead the strategic direction and long-term growth of the Conservatorium Open Academy, driving innovative community engagement and lifelong learning initiatives across multiple locationsoversee the day-to-day operations of the Open Academy, ensuring the successful delivery of programs, services, workshops, courses and eventsdevelop and implement business, operational and growth plans, working closely with Faculty leadership to achieve strategic and financial objectivesmanage budgets, financial planning, forecasting and reporting, ensuring effective stewardship of resources and compliance with funding and grant requirementslead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team, including a large cohort of casual teaching staff, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culturebuild and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, industry partners, sponsors, artists and community organisations to enhance program impact and sustainabilitydrive student recruitment, marketing and outreach initiatives to increase participation, raise public awareness and support revenue growthestablish and strengthen partnerships with schools, regional conservatoriums and external organisations to expand engagement opportunities and support educational pathwaysoversee the planning and delivery of festivals, conferences, workshops and special projects, ensuring high-quality experiences and enhancing the Academy’s profile and reputation.About youdemonstrated leadership experience with the ability to lead, mentor and develop high-performing teams, including staff supervision, coaching and performance managementexceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with a proven ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate with diverse internal and external partnersstrong project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deliver outcomes to deadlines and drive continuous improvement initiativesproven experience in operational management, including establishing, implementing and reviewing administrative processes and proceduressound financial management skills, including budget development, monitoring, forecasting and resource allocationhighly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships and represent the organisation professionallystrong organisational, critical thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex environmentsknowledge of the music education sector and arts industry, including familiarity with secondary and tertiary education environments and key stakeholder networks.Sponsorship / work rights for AustraliaVisa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. You must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident to apply.Pre-employment checks and declarationsYour employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.EEO statementAt the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .How to applyApplications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rae Hao, Recruitment Operations by email to [e-mail]. The University of SydneyThe University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.Click to view the Position Description for this role.Applications CloseSunday 15 November 2026 11:59 PM