Operations & Partnerships Lead for a Premier Regional Show

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

Job summary

Cairns Show Association is seeking a fearless leader to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Association, ensuring the sustainable delivery of the annual Cairns Show alongside partner programs and facility management.

You will lead a small, close-knit team, manage budgets and governance, and drive strategic goals outlined in the Cairns Show Association Strategic Plan 2026-31. This role involves heavy stakeholder engagement and grant activity.

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.
• Strong budgeting, governance and risk management abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with committees, sponsors, government and community groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small team including coordinator, finance officer, reception and grounds crew.
• Build partnerships with QCAS, government bodies, sponsors and Show societies.
• Rally volunteers through recruitment, training, rostering and recognition.
• Oversee maintenance, safety and security of the Showgrounds and project manage site improvements.
• Manage budgets, cash flow, invoicing and purchasing, and mitigate operational risk.
• Champion governance, ensure policies are current and aligned with strategic goals.
• Steer communications and reporting for committees, newsletters, social media and the website.
• Identify and pursue grant funding opportunities and prepare applications; ensure funds are spent and acquitted.
• Guide implementation of the Cairns Show Association Strategic Plan 2026-31.

Skills

Senior management

Event management

Governance & risk

Staff leadership

Volunteer coordination

Budgeting & finance

Professional communication

Grant writing

Stakeholder relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cairns Show Association is seeking a fearless leader to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Association, ensuring the sustainable delivery of the annual Cairns Show alongside partner programs and facility management.

You will lead a small, close-knit team, manage budgets and governance, and drive strategic goals outlined in the Cairns Show Association Strategic Plan 2026-31. This role involves heavy stakeholder engagement and grant activity.