Business Manager

Organisation: Aboriginal Art Co
Reports to: Board of Directors
Works closely with: Creative Director
Employment type: Part-time (0.8 FTE / 4 days per week)
Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 per annum, pro rata + super

About Aboriginal Art Co

Aboriginal Art Co is an Aboriginal-led not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the advancement and promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, artists, and enterprise. We work across exhibitions, retail, public programs, residencies, and partnerships to create ethical pathways for artists and meaningful engagement with community, audiences, and industry.

About the role

The Business Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for the organisation’s financial management, governance, compliance, funding, and partnerships. Reporting directly to the Board and working closely with the Creative Director, the role ensures Aboriginal Art Co is financially sustainable, well-governed, and strategically positioned for growth.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is confident working across strategy and day-to-day operations in a small, values-driven arts organisation.

Key responsibilities

Financial management & reporting

• Oversee financial management, budgeting, cashflow, and forecasting

• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for the Board

• Manage acquittals, audits, and year-end reporting

• Liaise with accountants, auditors, and external advisors

• Strengthen financial systems, controls, and procedures

Grants, funding & partnerships

• Manage government, philanthropic, and private funding agreements

• Lead grant reporting and acquittals in collaboration with program staff

• Support funding strategy development and forward planning

• Maintain strong relationships with funding bodies and partners

• Identify opportunities for new partnerships and income streams

Governance, compliance & risk

• Support the Board with governance documentation and reporting

• Ensure compliance with ACNC, ASIC, funding agreements, and relevant legislation

• Maintain organisational policies, risk registers, and compliance calendars

• Support Board meetings, including agendas, papers, and minutes

• Oversee WHS, employment, and organisational compliance obligations

Operations & organisational support

• Oversee contracts, insurances, leases, and service agreements

• Support HR administration, payroll oversight, and employment compliance

• Contribute to organisational planning, systems improvement, and sustainability

• Work collaboratively with the Creative Director to align business and creative priorities

About you

You are an experienced Business Manager, Operations Manager, or Finance Manager with a strong understanding of the not-for-profit and/or arts sector. You are organised, calm under pressure, and comfortable balancing compliance with creativity.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in financial management and reporting

• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management

• Experience managing grants and funding agreements

• Confidence working directly with a Board

• Excellent organisational and communication skills

• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach

Highly desirable:

• Lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

• Experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations
  

What we offer

• A meaningful leadership role supporting First Nations art and artists

• Flexible, part-time working arrangements (4 days per week)

• A collaborative and values-driven workplace

• The opportunity to shape the long-term sustainability of a respected cultural organisation

How to apply

To apply, please email hello@aboriginalartco.org to request an application pack.

Aboriginal Art Co is an Aboriginal-led organisation. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.