APW General Manager

Salary:          $120,000 - $145,000 pro rata + superannuation

Contract:     Part-time position EFT: 0.8 (initial 18-month contract)

Hours:           30 hours per week, Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

 

About the opportunity

Australian Print Workshop is seeking an experienced and highly capable General Manager to work alongside the CEO / Artistic Director and help lead the business operations of one of Australia’s most respected centres for contemporary printmaking.

This is a rare opportunity to bring your business acumen, organisational leadership and management experience to a creative, values-driven organisation with a proud national and international reputation.

As an experienced arts, not-for-profit, or business professional, you will play a central role in strengthening APW’s day-to-day operations, supporting a talented team and contributing to the ongoing success and development of an internationally recognised centre for contemporary printmaking.

As APW looks to its next phase, the General Manager will help build strong systems, support sustainable growth and work closely with the team to ensure the organisation is well positioned for the future.

With ownership of its beautifully renovated building, secure four-year funding from Creative Australia and the support of valued philanthropic partners, APW is well placed to build on its strong foundations and support ambitious creative outcomes.

Located in Melbourne’s vibrant Gertrude Street precinct, APW is an internationally recognised centre for contemporary printmaking, supporting artists to create new work and promoting original prints as a dynamic contemporary art form.

Working as part of a small, committed team, the General Manager will ensure APW’s daily operations are professional, efficient and aligned with the organisation’s artistic, financial and strategic goals.

If you bring strong financial capability, excellent organisational judgement and a genuine interest in contemporary visual arts, we would love to hear from you.
 

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POSITION PURPOSE

The General Manager supports the CEO / Artistic Director in the operational and strategic management of APW, with responsibility for smooth, compliant and financially disciplined running of the organisation.

The role leads and strengthens systems across finance, administration, human resources, income generation, reporting, stakeholder communications and general business operations.

The General Manager helps ensure APW is well governed, financially sustainable, professionally administered and responsive to artists, audiences, funders, donors, partners, Board members and other  stakeholders.

The successful candidate will bring practical leadership, commercial awareness and a collaborative approach to the following areas:

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning

In consultation with the CEO / Artistic Director:

  • Contribute to the development, implementation and review of APW’s strategic and business plans, including monitoring progress against agreed goals, objectives and KPIs.

Financial Sustainability and Funding

In consultation with the CEO / Artistic Director:

  • Identify and implement practical strategies that strengthen APW’s financial sustainability, earned income and operational resilience.

  • Research and analyse business development opportunities including increased income through APW programs, fine art printing services, retail, merchandising and audience engagement.

  • Research, identify and help secure funding opportunities including government grants, philanthropic trusts and foundations, corporate sponsorships, donations, bequests, in-kind support and fundraising initiatives.

  • Prepare compelling funding applications, proposals, acquittals and reports for government, philanthropic, corporate and individual supporters.

  • Support the implementation and administration of a APW's Giving Program and related donor engagement activities.

  • Contribute to the planning and delivery of stakeholder events, donor cultivation opportunities and special functions.

  • Maintain accurate records for all grant, donation, sponsorship and other income, ensuring timely reporting and compliance with funding requirements.

  • Collect and manage the information required for high-quality funding reports, acquittals and supporter communications.

  • Prepare reports required by government funding agencies, philanthropic trusts and foundations, corporate and business partners and individual donors.

  • Ensure compliance with ATO reporting and procedural obligations for Deductible Gift Recipient bodies.

  • Maintain stakeholder databases and ensure effective content management, communication, backup and distribution processes are in place.

Policy Development and Adherence

In consultation with the CEO / Artistic Director:

  • Develop, review and improve policies and procedures that support effective, compliant and efficient operations.

  • Monitor policy review cycles and ensure APW's procedures remain aligned with relevant legislative and regulatory obligations.

  • Promote consistent adherence to APW policies and procedures across operations, programs and administration.

Financial Management

  • Coordinate accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting including bank reconciliations, profit & loss statements, balance sheets, trial balances, and cash flow reports for the CEO / Artistic Director and Board of Management.

  • Coordinate end-of-year financial processes including stock inventory, depreciation schedules, employee provisions, liabilities and assets.

  • Manage the external audit process and ensure audited financial reports meet statutory and funding reporting requirements.

  • Develop, manage and monitor annual operating and project budgets, including quarterly forecasts, in consultation with the CEO / Artistic Director.

  • Monitor income and expenditure against budgets and provide timely advice to support sound financial decision-making.

  • Monitor and report on APW’s cash flow, bank accounts and investments.

  • Coordinate payroll, employee entitlement records, Workcover, superannuation and related payroll obligations.

  • Coordinate accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, banking and debtor follow-up.

  • Prepare quotes and issue invoices for:

           -APW fine art printing services in consultation with APW Printers, and establish and maintain effective cost of production procedures.

           -APW print sales in consultation with the APW Gallery & Retail Manager, and ensure accurate and timely artist payments.

           -APW education programs and other services.

  • Monitor accounts receivable.

  • Ensure accurate and timely banking and recording of all monies received.

  • Ensure compliance with taxation and government reporting requirements, including IAS, BAS and Superannuation contributions.

  • Oversee ordering and purchasing of office, operational and workshop materials to support effective resource management.

Administration

  • Oversee office management systems including correspondence, filing, document archives, equipment, stationery and general administration.

  • Coordinate and prepare management reports including the annual report, Board papers and other organisational reports as required.

  • Maintain accurate Board of Management records and support compliance with the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Victoria) and ACNC requirements.

  • Prepare various reports for Board of Management and Sub-Committee meetings in consultation with the CEO / Artistic Director.

  • Maintain HR administration systems and accurate staff records, including leave and entitlement records.

  • Oversee APW’s IT systems and liaise with IT contractors to resolve office-related computer and network issues.

  • Ensure data backup procedures are maintained.

  • Ensure insurance policies are appropriate, current and renewed on time, including property, Workcover, public liability, business and management liability cover.

  • Maintain the APW asset register.

  • Maintain detailed and accurate records APW projects, assets, contracts and organisational archives.

  • Support compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, including occupational health and safety, privacy and not-for-profit governance obligations.

  • Provide administrative support to the CEO / Artistic Director.

Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs

In consultation with the CEO / Artistic Director:

          - Develop and implement marketing and communications activities that strengthen APW's profile, audience engagement and digital presence.

          - Support strategies to increase visitation, enhance the visitor experience and build stronger relationships with artists, collectors, audiences and partners.

  • Oversee the implementation of all marketing, publicity and communications initiatives in collaboration with the relevant staff and contractors.

  • Maintain consistency, quality and clarity across APW's public messaging, brand materials, website content and social media channels.

          - APW's website: oversee the ongoing development of the website to ensure published information is accurate, continually monitored and updated.

          - APW’s social media channels: oversee content and monitor posting on APW's social media platforms to grow APW’s online audience.

Other

  • Undertake special projects, research and other duties that support APW's operational and strategic priorities.

  • Attend and assist with APW exhibitions, events and special functions as required.

 

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • At least 5 years relevant experience in a similar role in a cultural organisation, non-profit organisation or comparable business enterprise and/or government agency is essential.

  • Strong financial management experience, including accrual accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting.

  • Practical bookkeeping experience, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, invoicing, bank reconciliations, PAYG, BAS and use of accounting software, preferable MYOB.

  • Proven ability to research, prepare and write funding submissions, manage grants and prepare reports for funding bodies, philanthropic partners, community partners and sponsors.

  • Demonstrated success in preparing grant applications for Creative Australia, including multi-year organisational funding, along with completing associated reports and acquittals.

  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development, business administration and operational management.

  • Sound knowledge and experience of marketing, communications and audience development.

  • Experience in raising income from a range of sources, including government agencies, corporate sponsorship, foundations, donations and individual giving is desirable.

  • Relevant qualifications in arts management and/or business administration; and/or fine arts, marketing & communications, finance, fundraising, or related studies are desirable.

  • Established networks in the arts and broader community.

Other Skills & Knowledge

  • Strong IT capability, including proficiency with Microsoft 365, MYOB accounting software, Filemaker database systems and digital administration tools.

  • Knowledge of statutory, governance and reporting obligations relevant to not-for-profit organisations and registered charities.

  • Excellent organisational skills, sound judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities from start to finish.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage professionally with a broad range of stakeholders.

  • A collaborative, practical and self-directed working style, with the ability to contribute effectively in a small team environment.

  • A genuine interest in contemporary visual arts, particularly contemporary printmaking, and an understanding of the cultural value of artist-centred organisations.

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This position description describes the broad scope of the role and is not an exhaustive list. It may also change from time to time with due consultation to meet the changing needs of the organisation.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position is part-time EFT.8 (30 hours per week) with an initial 18-month contract, reporting to the CEO / Artistic Director.
There is a 3-month probationary period.
The usual days of work are Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; however some flexibility regarding days/hours of work may be possible.
The role is based at 210 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
An attractive salary is offered, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATIONS

Applications addressing the selection criteria (maximum 3 pages) should be accompanied by a cover letter and curriculum vitae with the names and contact details of two professional referees.

Applications should be addressed and emailed to:

Anne Virgo OAM
CEO / Artistic Director
Australian Print Workshop
E: contact@australianprintworkshop.com 

 

All enquiries should be directed to:

Anne Virgo OAM
CEO / Artistic Director
Australian Print Workshop
E: anne.virgo@australianprintworkshop.com

 

Applications close: 5pm, Monday 10 August 2026.