Program & Events Manager

Cairns Regional Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Fitness Passport

Up to 5 weeks annual leave

Up to 3 weeks personal leave

Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave

Learning and development opportunities

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Cairns Regional Council is seeking an experienced Program & Events Manager to lead the development and delivery of a vibrant program of arts, cultural, community, and commercial events across the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) and Munro Martin Parklands (MMP).

You will oversee the entire event booking process, build strong client relationships, and drive innovative programming that aligns with council strategies.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Event Management or related discipline.
• High-level experience in performing arts event administration.
• Experience coordinating events in arts, corporate or hospitality sectors.
• Strong marketing, audience development and community engagement knowledge.
• Extensive networks in the arts and culture sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver curated council-funded and venue-hire programs for CPAC and MMP.
• Oversee the full event booking process ensuring high-level service delivery.
• Build and sustain client relationships to develop programming opportunities.

Skills

Event management

Client relationships

Marketing

Analytical skills

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Event Management or related discipline

Job description

Salary Range: $94,992.79 - $110,382.66 per annum

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

Location: Cairns Performing Arts Centre

Application Close Date: Sunday, 20th September 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Program & Events Manager to lead the development and delivery of a vibrant program of arts, cultural, community, and commercial events across two of Cairns' premier venues, the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) and Munro Martin Parklands (MMP).

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Develop and deliver the curated program of council funded and venue hire activation for CPAC and MMP Precinct in line with the strategic arts & cultural initiatives and branch business outcomes.
• Oversee and manage the entire event booking process to ensure consistency in high level service delivery, of commercial, private and community groups.
• To build and sustain on-going relationships with clients to develop programming opportunities within the CPAC and MMP precinct.

What We’re Looking For:

• Tertiary qualifications in Event Management, Performing Arts, or a related discipline; or equivalent demonstrated industry experience.
• High-level experience in performing arts and entertainment event administration.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating or managing events in the performing arts, corporate and/or hospitality industry.
• Demonstrated conceptual, analytical and research skills including the ability to develop innovative solutions, systems and procedures.
• Proven understanding of marketing, audience development, and community engagement in delivering successful arts programming in venues or festival contexts.
• Extensive knowledge of the arts and culture sector, including developed networks of producers, creatives, artists, and professional promoters locally and nationally.

If you are passionate about the arts, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you!

Some benefits we offer:

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.

We are committed to:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support

Now we want to hear about YOU!