Public Programs Officer

Cairns Art Gallery; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cairns Art Gallery is seeking a creative, organised and people-focused Public Programs Coordinator to join our team. The role involves developing engaging programs for visitors, schools and the wider community, coordinating logistics, budgets and partnerships.

You will work with artists and educators, facilitate workshops, and contribute ideas to ensure programs are delivered to a high standard while supporting learning and participation across diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications and 2+ years' relevant experience.
• Experience teaching or facilitating art workshops.
• Knowledge of Australian art history and contemporary practices.
• Experience delivering public programs for schools or community groups.
• Strong communication and organisational skills; ability to manage multiple programs.
• Blue Card (Working with Children) or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate the Gallery's annual public programs calendar, including workshops, classes, tours and school programs.
• Develop programs that respond to the interests and needs of diverse audiences and align with the Gallery's strategic objectives.
• Work with visiting artists, teachers and facilitators to coordinate engaging and well‑organised programs.
• Coordinate required logistics to ensure programs run smoothly, including purchasing materials within budget and overseeing the bookings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, community organisations and external partners to grow participation and engagement.
• Assist with the recruitment, induction and supervision of volunteers, work experience students and casual workshop facilitators.
• Assist with the coordination of school and public tour bookings and liaising with tour organisations.
• Manage program budgets, invoicing, purchase orders and expenditure reporting using Xero.
• Assist with delivery of workshops and have the ability to teach in the event of teacher illness.
• Provide timely content and information to the Gallery's marketing team to promote programs and events.

Skills

Program facilitation

Organisational skills

Communication

Art education experience

Blue Card

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Tools

Xero

Job description

Cairns Art Gallery is seeking a creative, organised and people-focused Public Programs Coordinator to join our team.

Before you apply

This role is not suitable for temporary workers.

About the role

The Public Programs Coordinator plays an important role in creating engaging experiences for our visitors, schools and the wider community. Liaising with artists and educators you will create a range of programs responding to the needs of our diverse audiences. This is a hands‑on role that combines program development, education, facilitation, administration and community engagement. You will have the opportunity to contribute your ideas and creativity while ensuring our programs are delivered professionally and to a high standard.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate the Gallery's annual public programs calendar, including workshops, classes, tours and school programs.
• Develop programs that respond to the interests and needs of diverse audiences and align with the Gallery's strategic objectives.
• Work with visiting artists, teachers and facilitators to coordinate engaging and well‑organised programs.
• Coordinate required logistics to ensure programs run smoothly, including purchasing materials within budget and overseeing the bookings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, community organisations and external partners to grow participation and engagement.
• Assist with the recruitment, induction and supervision of volunteers, work experience students and casual workshop facilitators.
• Assist with the coordination of school and public tour bookings and liaising with tour organisations.
• Manage program budgets, invoicing, purchase orders and expenditure reporting using Xero.
• Assist with delivery of workshops and have the ability to teach in the event of teacher illness.
• Provide timely content and information to the Gallery's marketing team to promote programs and events.

About you

• This role requires an enthusiastic, creative educator with great organisational skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and at least two years' relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of skills, knowledge and experience.
• Experience teaching or facilitating art workshops, classes or educational programs.
• Knowledge of Australian art history and contemporary art practice, with the ability to apply this knowledge within a museum or gallery context.
• Experience developing or delivering public programs, particularly education programs for schools, young people or community groups.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a diverse range of people.
• An understanding of copyright, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights, and the moral and ethical rights of artists.
• A current Blue Card (Working with Children Check) or the willingness to obtain one.
• The right to work in Australia.

About us

Cairns Art Gallery is a three building precinct with a commitment to creating an engaging, inclusive and welcoming environment for our staff, artists and visitors. We pride ourselves on the excellence of our program and the professionalism of our staff.