Venue and Programming Lead - Nautilus Arts Centre

Lead the heart of the arts on the Eyre Peninsula.

• Permanent opportunity to lead a much-loved regional theatre and arts centre.
• A 500-seat theatre with two galleries and a Gallery Shop showcasing Eyre Peninsula makers, all under one roof.
• Live and work in Port Lincoln
• $87,215.11 – $91,284.60 (pro rata) plus 15% superannuation.
• Part-time role, 65 hours per fortnight
  

City of Port Lincoln is a seeking a Venue and Programming Lead - Nautilus Arts Centre. This role is critical to transforming Nautilus Arts Centre into an active space for community and private use. The individual will be required to operate outside of business hours as the Nautilus Arts Centre is open 7 days per week, and events can be held at varying times - penalty rates apply for outside of business hours work.

About Port Lincoln:

Port Lincoln is known as South Australia’s Seafood Capital, set on the shores of Boston Bay at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula. World-renowned marine experiences are all on your doorstep, and the city combines regional amenities with a genuinely warm welcoming community. The Eyre Peninsula is also home to the Internationally renowned Tunarama Festival, which is the heart and soul of summer in Port Lincoln.

About the Nautilus Theatre & Arts Centre:

The Nautilus is the heart of Port Lincoln’s performing and visual arts. The 500-seat theatre with retractable raked seating hosts a diverse season, including Country Arts SA touring productions, and converts to a flat-floor space for balls, cabaret, fashion shows and conferences. The Walter Nicholls and Rotary Galleries present an annual program of local and touring exhibitions, and the Gallery Shop at the front of the building is stocked with handmade art and craft by local Eyre Peninsula artists. Housed in the former Civic Hall, redeveloped in 2001, it is a building the community is proud to call its own.

About the role:

Reporting to the Manager Tourism & Events, the Venue and Programming Lead is responsible for the strategic, operational and financial performance of the Nautilus, and for leading selected Council events. You will shape the program, grow audiences and income, work with artists and promoters, and lead a small dedicated team that keeps the centre welcoming, safe and active. It is a rare chance to make your mark on a regional cultural venue, with real influence over what it becomes.

What you’ll do:

• Curate a diverse annual program of performances, exhibitions and events, and attract quality touring and commercial shows.
• Increase venue hire, ticket sales, retail, and sponsorship income, and manage the centre’s budget.
• Lead marketing and audience development across Port Lincoln, the Eyre Peninsula and visitor economy.
• Secure grants and partnerships, including with Country Arts SA.
• Deliver major Council events and support cross-Council event initiatives.
• Lead, mentor and develop your team, and champion local artists and the community.

About you:

• Proven experience in venue management, events, or arts and cultural facilities, with a commercial mindset.
• Strong budgeting, sales and marketing skills, and a track record of growing revenue and audiences.
• Experience in programming, contracts and negotiation, and in grant applications and acquittals.
• A confident leader and collaborator who enjoys working with artists, community groups and hirers.
• Commitment to work evenings and weekends when required, and a current driver’s licence.
• Tertiary qualifications in business, events, arts or similar project experience are highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

At Port Lincoln City Council, we prioritise a supportive and inclusive environment where every team member can thrive. As an employee, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive Salary: $87,215.11 - $97,955.24 with annual pay increases.
• Extra Superannuation: An additional 3% superannuation contribution above the standard 12%.
• Flexible Working Schedule: Better work-life balance.
• Wellbeing Leave: up to 2 days per annum
• Grace Days: up to 3 days per annum
• Additional Perks: Yearly uniform allowance.
• Community Contribution: Directly contribute to the betterment of our local community through maintenance of assets and creation of spaces.
• Family-Friendly Environment: We respect and support your family commitments and provide flexible work arrangements.
• Long Service Leave: Unlock long service leave entitlements after just 5 years.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): cost-free counselling to support your wellbeing.
• Ongoing Training: Continuous professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Lifestyle: a varied role in a welcoming community, in one of Australia’s most desirable coastal locations.
• Relocation Assistance: making your transition to the region smoother.
  

For more information about the role please view the position description.

Using the position description as a guide, your application should be addressed to the Manager Tourism & Events and include, a briefcover letter addressing the key criteria of the position and your most recent resume including details of at least three employment referees.

If you would like to learn more, please reach out to our People and Culture team at [email protected]or by telephone 08 8621 2386.

Applications will be assessed throughout the recruitment process and the opportunity to apply closes 5:00pm Thursday 29th of October 2026.

The City of Port Lincoln is an Employer of Choice, Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free Workplace