School General Manager

The University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% employer superannuation

Job summary

The University of Sydney's Sydney Conservatorium of Music invites applications for a School General Manager. This full-time leadership role partners with the Head of School and Dean to drive strategic direction and operational delivery across music programs and events.

You will lead professional services, oversee budgeting and resource allocation, and champion a high-performing, inclusive culture within a renowned arts and education institution in Sydney.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.
• Significant senior leadership experience in operations, business management, or professional services leadership within higher education or arts contexts.
• Experience in administration and operational management of music/performing arts programs within higher education, arts, or cultural institutions.
• Proven leadership of diverse teams and a service-oriented culture.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation capabilities.
• Track record delivering strategic initiatives and organisational change.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities using data to inform decisions.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and planning: translate the School's vision into priorities and cross-University collaboration.
• Operational leadership and management of music programs, performances, and events.
• People leadership and management of the professional services function.
• Financial management and oversight of the School's budget and resources.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational leadership

People management

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Change management

HE/University experience

Negotiation

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience

Job description

• Full-time continuing leadership opportunity as School General Manager

• Play a key leadership role in shaping the future of one of Australia's leading music institutions through collaboration and partnership

• Senior Professional Staff position offering a competitive remuneration package, including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

One of Australia's oldest and most prestigious music institutions, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has been part of the University of Sydney since 1990, providing world class music education, performance opportunities, and research. For more than a century, it has been at the heart of Australia's musical and cultural life, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's musical landscape.

This is an exciting time to join the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, which continues to gain national and international recognition for excellence in music education, performance, and research. Adding to this momentum, the Conservatorium has announced the first expansion in its 110 year history, extending its world class programs and industry partnerships to Western Sydney through a new Parramatta campus.

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music is seeking an exceptional School General Manager to join its leadership team. This influential role offers the opportunity to help shape the Conservatorium's academic and operational direction, partnering with senior leaders to deliver on its strategic vision and goals.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic leadership and planning: Partner with the Head of School and Dean to translate the School's strategic vision into operational priorities, driving planning, decision-making, and cross-University collaboration to achieve key objectives

• Operational leadership and management: Lead the implementation of University-wide operational initiatives and service improvements within the School, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and successful adoption across all areas. Oversee the operational planning and delivery of music and performing arts programs, performances, events, and related activities to support the School's academic and artistic objectives.

• People leadership and management: Provide strategic leadership of the School's professional services function, driving workforce planning, recruitment, talent development, succession planning, and the implementation of University people policies to foster a high-performing and future-focused team

• Financial management and oversight: Partner with the Head of School and Dean and the Finance team to develop, manage, and monitor the School's budget, ensuring alignment with financial strategy and performance objectives.

About you

You are a collaborative and influential operational leader with the ability to partner effectively with academic leadership, navigate complex environments, and deliver organisational priorities through collaboration, innovation, and sound decision-making.

• relevant tertiary qualifications, or an equivalent combination of experience and training

• significant senior leadership experience in operations, business management, or professional services leadership, ideally gained within higher education, the creative arts, research-intensive institutions, or similarly complex environments

• experience in the administration and operational management of music and/or performing arts programs, productions, performances, and related activities within a higher education, arts, or cultural institution would be highly regarded

• proven experience leading and developing diverse teams, fostering an inclusive, high-performing, and service-oriented culture

• strong financial management, planning, budgeting, and resource allocation capability

• demonstrated success in delivering strategic initiatives, operational improvement programs, and organisational change

• exceptional communication, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across a broad range of stakeholders

• strong analytical and problem-solving capability, using data and insights to inform decision-making and drive organisational outcomes.

Work Rights

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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 statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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 LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

Applications Close

Sunday 11 October 2026 11:59 PM