General Manager/Kaiwhakahaere Matua

New Zealand String Quartet; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand String Quartet Trust is seeking an exceptional General Manager to guide the organisation through a period of artistic and organisational growth. You will partner with the Quartet musicians and Board to deliver strategic objectives, lead a small team, and drive touring, education and fundraising initiatives across Aotearoa.

This role requires visionary leadership, strong relationship building, and a deep commitment to music and the arts.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership within the arts, cultural, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Outstanding relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Success in fundraising, sponsorship, philanthropy or business development.
• Strong financial management, planning and budgeting capability.
• Experience working with boards and governance structures.
• Excellent communication, influencing and advocacy skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and lead a small high-performing team.
• Collaborative and values-driven leadership approach.
• A passion for music and the arts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the NZSQ Trust through artistic and organizational growth in partnership with musicians and the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee national touring and education programmes.
• Build relationships with funders, partners and donors to secure funding.
• Guide and empower a small administrative team to deliver strategic objectives.
• Ensure NZSQ remains a vibrant, relevant cultural force across Aotearoa.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Fundraising

Financial mgmt

Board governance

Communication

Team leadership

Collaboration

Arts/NGO passion

Job description

About the NZSQ Trust:

Founded in 1987, the New Zealand String Quartet – Te Rōpū Tūrū o Aotearoa (NZSQ) provides transformational chamber music experiences for all New Zealanders. With a strong national and international reputation, the Quartet champions both classical repertoire and New Zealand music, working collaboratively to reflect Aotearoa’s cultural identity and diversity.

The New Zealand String Quartet Trust oversees all Quartet activities, supporting performance, touring, and outreach programmes, as well as fostering professional development opportunities for the next generation of chamber musicians in Aotearoa.

The NZSQ Trust team is small, close-knit, values-driven and passionate about the work they do.

Position Description:

Lead the next chapter of one of Aotearoa New Zealand's celebrated arts organisations.

The New Zealand String Quartet Trust | Te Rōpū Tūrū o Aotearoa (NZSQ) is seeking an exceptional General Manager/Kaiwhakahaere Matua to lead the organisation through an exciting period of artistic and organisational growth. As New Zealand's longest-running professional chamber music ensemble, the NZSQ is recognised nationally and internationally for its artistic excellence, innovative programming, commitment to New Zealand music, and transformative engagement with audiences and communities throughout Aotearoa.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a national arts organisation at a pivotal moment. In 2027, the NZSQ begins an exciting new chapter with a new line-up of permanent players, a strong strategic vision, an engaged and supportive Board, a highly skilled administrative team, and confirmed multi-year funding.

As General Manager/Kaiwhakahaere Matua, you will work in partnership with the Quartet musicians and Board of Trustees to deliver the organisation's artistic and strategic objectives. You will lead a small and dedicated team, oversee national touring and education programmes, build relationships with funders, partners and donors, and ensure the NZSQ continues to thrive as a vibrant and relevant force within Aotearoa's cultural landscape.

This is a role for a confident and entrepreneurial leader who is equally comfortable thinking strategically, building relationships, securing investment, and mucking in to make things happen.

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Demonstrated leadership experience within the arts, cultural, creative or not-for-profit sectors.
• Outstanding relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Success in fundraising, sponsorship, philanthropy or business development.
• Strong financial management, planning and budgeting capability.
• Experience working with boards and governance structures.
• Excellent communication, influencing and advocacy skills.
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and lead a small high-performing team.
• A collaborative and values-driven leadership approach.
• A passion for music and the arts

Previous experience in performing arts organisations would be advantageous, but we are equally interested in hearing from leaders from across the cultural, charitable and creative sectors.