_{14th April, 2026}

Managing Director
 
Ausdance VIC  |  North Melbourne (Hybrid)
 
Part-time (25 hours/week)  |  Contract to December 2027  |  A leadership role driving meaningful impact in the dance sector

• A rare opportunity to lead Victoria's peak body for dance— empowering a thriving and inclusive dance sector
• Part-time, flexible and hybrid — leading a small dedicated team to invest their expertise and passion for the sector in a purpose driven organisation.
• Executive-level autonomy with genuine Board support — lead business strategy, advocacy for the dance sector in Victoria and grow the RTO business arm of the organisation

The Organisation
Ausdance VIC is the peak body for dance in Victoria and Australia's leading dance-specialist Registered Training Organisation (RTO). For decades, Ausdance VIC has been at the heart of the Victorian dance community — championing independent artists, supporting educators, delivering world-class accredited training, and advocating for the sector at both state and federal levels.
 
From innovative education projects and workforce development through to policy representation and community engagement, Ausdance VIC exists to nurture and promote the art of dance in all its forms. The organisation serves a diverse membership spanning independent dance artists and teachers, companies and ensembles, and the full education sector — from primary schools to tertiary institutions.
 
Ausdance VIC is a small but mighty team, united by a genuine love of dance and a shared commitment to making a lasting difference. .
 
The Role
Ausdance VIC is seeking a visionary and values-led Managing Director to lead the organisation through its next exciting chapter. Reporting directly to the Board, this is a pivotal executive role that sits at the intersection of strategy, advocacy, education, and community — and it calls for someone who brings more than just professional credentials.
 
This is a role for someone who has the capacity and the desire to genuinely invest in a organisation they believe in. The remuneration reflects the organisation's not-for-profit context and the part-time hours, and we are honest about that. What it offers in return is meaningful: the chance to lead an organisation you care about deeply, and an opportunity to make real change for the dance sector in Victoria.
 
Whether you're a seasoned executive looking to step into something purposeful, a dance professional ready to apply your industry expertise in a leadership capacity, or someone returning to work in a flexible and fulfilling way, we want to hear from you.
 
Based predominantly from home with regular days at Our Community House in North Melbourne, the role is part-time at 25 hours per week (with some flexibility in how those hours are arranged) and is contracted through to December 2027, with the strong possibility of renewal.
 
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead and deliver the 2026-2029 strategic plan, driving the organisation's vision and long-term sustainability
• Ensure compliance with ACNC obligations and uphold the AV constitution and governance frameworks
• Report to the Board of Directors and work closely with the Chair and the Treasurer , including preparation of board papers, budgets, AGMs, and sub-committee engagement
• Develop and monitor Annual Business Plans and KPIs across all departments

Business Development & Advocacy

• Identify and pursue strategic growth opportunities, including diversification of revenue streams
• Oversee funding applications across government, philanthropic, sponsorships and private sources
• Develop and implement an Advocacy Plan to advance dance and dance education at state and federal levels
• Represent Ausdance VIC with industry bodies, stakeholders, and government

RTO Management

• Provide executive oversight of the RTO, including ASQA compliance and strategic growth
• Support the RTO Senior Coordinator in growing RTO business partnerships and maintaining Ausdance VIC's status as the industry leader in dance education

Financial Management

• Oversee financial sustainability including budget development, approval, and reporting
• Manage the relationship with the contract bookkeeper to ensure accurate payroll, BAS/IAS, and compliance
• Work with the Board Treasurer on financial reporting and annual statutory statements
• Manage the annual audit process

 People & Culture

• Lead, manage and develop a small, dedicated team of employees, contractors, and volunteers
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace that supports career growth
• Oversee HR functions including recruitment, induction, performance management, WHS, and leave management

Key Selection Criteria
We understand no candidate will tick every box — if you have the right mix of executive experience, passion for dance, and commitment to impactful leadership, we encourage you to apply.
 
Essential

• 3-5 years' experience as a Senior or Executive Manager within a commercial, government, RTO or not-for-profit organisation
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-departmental teams and managing diverse stakeholders and working with a Board of Directors
• Proven ability to deliver organisational strategic goals and KPIs
• Strong understanding of corporate governance and not-for-profit regulatory requirements
• High-level financial management experience, including use of XERO or similar software
• High-level HR management experience across the employee lifecycle
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Creative and critical thinking with strong problem-solving capability
• Working with Children Check and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain prior to commencement)

Highly Regarded

• Knowledge of and/or lived experience within the dance sector or performing arts industry in Victoria
• Experience in arts funding, philanthropy, and grant management
• Understanding of RTO functions and the ASQA compliance environment
• Experience in a membership-based organisation
• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline
• Cert IV in Training and Assessment
• A genuine passion for the advancement of dance education and the arts

Benefits
 
This  role is for someone who wants to expand their leadership, management experience and for their work to mean something — who is energised by the idea of making dance more accessible, more funded, more valued, and more visible in Victoria and nationally b.
If you have the executive capability to lead well— this is a rare and special opportunity.

• Hybrid, flexible working arrangements designed to suit your life
• Genuine autonomy and trust in how you lead and manage
• A collaborative and supportive Board
• Professional development opportunities
• A small, dedicated team who love what they do
• The chance to shape the future of dance in Victoria

Applications close 5:00pm, Thursday 30th April 2026.

Patterson Recruitment is proud to partner with AusDance VIC.
 
Please apply via the link below, or for a confidential discussion, contact Gabrielle Patterson on 0416 170 100 or gab@pattersonrecruitment.com.au
 
Ausdance VIC and Patterson Recruitment proudly supports a safe and inclusive work environment for people of all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ages, sexualities and gender identifications.

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