Executive Director

Closing date:
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)
Type: Full time
Term: Non-ongoing/contract
Contract terms
3 year FT contract which may be extended by mutual agreement.
Location: Perth
Western Australia
Job category: Executive
Salary and conditions
$125,000
Other

Yirra Yaakin is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a measure to achieve equality and support, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.

One-off relocation expense package to be negotiated as required. 

Preferred starting date 16 June, 2025. 
 

Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation

Invitation from the chair

Yirra Yaakin [Yir-raarh Yaarh-kin] means Stand Tall in Noongar language, a name that reflects the strength, resilience, and vibrancy of our company and community. 

For over three decades, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company has been a powerful voice for Aboriginal storytellers, celebrating and sharing First Nations culture through the performing arts and is currently under the artistic leadership of Artistic Director, Maitland Schnaars.

From our home at the Subiaco (Wandaraguttagurrup) Arts Centre, our stories travel far and wide—reaching theatres, schools, and community spaces across the nation. 

Each production is an opportunity to amplify Aboriginal voices, challenge perceptions, and foster meaningful connections between cultures.

Beyond the stage, Yirra Yaakin is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of Aboriginal artists. Through our engagement and education programs, we create pathways for young creatives, ensuring that Aboriginal theatre remains under Aboriginal control and continues to thrive.

In recent years the company has seen growth in audiences and impact. Our audiences and participants grew from 11,100 in 2015 to over 29,000 in 2019, which represented a 161% increase over a five-year period. This growth has been essential to enable us to fulfil our artistic objectives and remain at the forefront of what we do. Our priority is to build upon this legacy and ensure that Yirra Yaakin is well positioned for the next stage in its development. 

We are seeking an accomplished Executive Director to provide exceptional strategic and cultural leadership, focussing on audience, artistic and financial sustainability, while maintaining robust connections within Aboriginal, government, business and artistic communities, both locally and nationally. This is a role that requires strong and recurring advocacy to establish new funding pathways and opportunities. We’re seeking someone who can engage meaningfully with a variety of stakeholders who have a desire and mandate to invest in Aboriginal theatre, culture and storytelling. We need someone who is a great listener with a high level of energy and enthusiasm to guide our fantastic team dedicated to highlighting First Nations stories that reach beyond our region.

Working closely with the Artistic Director, this is a unique opportunity for a cultural leader to lead a respected theatre company with a national profile to contribute to both their career and company growth – we welcome and invite your interest in applying for the role. 

Debra Miller, Chair

About

Established in 1993 - the Year of Indigenous People - Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company was founded to provide an artistic outlet for positive self-determination within the Aboriginal community. What began as a small initiative with three staff members has since evolved into a nationally respected cultural leader in Aboriginal theatre.

Our patrons are highly recognised and awarded Western Australians, with strong Community, Cultural and business connections – Founding Patron, Dr Richard Walley OAM, Danny Ford OAM and Prof. Fiona Stanley AC. 

Over three decades, four Artistic Directors have contributed to the program, prominence and creative life of the company, including founding Artistic Director David Milroy, Kyle Morrison, Eva Grace Mullaley and Maitland Schnaars, who was appointed in 2023. 

Yirra Yaakin has produced award-winning, internationally distinctive theatre, commissioning and premiering more than 50 major productions, including landmark works such as Waltzing the Wilarra, One Day in ’67, Aliwah, Windmill Baby, Cruel Wild Woman, Hecate, The Sum of Us, Panawathi Girl, and Operation Boomerang. Our collaborations with esteemed Aboriginal writers—includes David Milroy, Sally Morgan, Derek Nannup, Mitch Torres, and Dallas Winmar - have further cemented our reputation for excellence and innovation.

Over the years, Yirra Yaakin’s productions have been presented by major theatre companies in Australia, festivals and venues, including Bell Shakespeare, Ilbijerri, Moogahlin, Black Swan, 

The Blue Room, Perfoming Lines, Perth Festival through to international presentations in Germany, and Kia Mau Festival in New Zealand. Touring to regional, national and remote communities remains a core company objective. 

Over the next five years, the company will present up to three mainstage productions. Additionally, the company will present one primary and one high school incursion, the Metro Writers’ Group, and Yirra Yaarnz, Ngalaka Daa “Our Tongue” Ensemble, together with significant touring and new collaborations, celebrating and honouring the diversity of Aboriginal peoples, families, language and culture. 

At our core, we believe that Aboriginal theatre must remain under Aboriginal control. We are committed to providing opportunities for First Nations artists at every level of theatre creation and production. Our education and community engagement programs support Indigenous trainees, ensuring they are mentored, develop essential skills, and thrive in the Australian theatre sector. 

Job description/overview

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board and works collaboratively with the Artistic Director. The Executive Director is ultimately responsible for organisational reporting, leadership and company performance, and direction of effective day to day management and enabling business functions to ensure Yirra Yaakin delivers on its strategic vision and financial success. 

The Executive Director is responsible for the realisation of the Artistic Director’s vision, building brand and profile, developing audiences, increasing financial viability, overseeing the company’s scheduling and operations, developing and supporting the talents of staff and First Nations artists. 

Supervising business operations including finance, marketing, development, education and producing, this role actively nurtures and role-models a positive and safe organisational culture, ensuring that planning, governance, risk management and compliance processes are professionally supported. 

Leading a small, committed management team, the Executive Director works closely with each Manager in order to maximise results in their area and to ensure excellent relationships between departments. 

Key priorities and responsibilities:

  • board
  • financial sustainability
  • governance
  • strategy
  • relationships
  • brand
  • audiences
  • team leadership
  • stakeholders
  • raising funds
  • operations
  • education and touring program

Candidate profile and competencies 

The ideal candidate will be an experienced executive leader with a proven track record from an organisation of similar scale and scope to Yirra 
Yaakin. While experience in the arts or not-forprofit (NFP) sector is preferred, it is not essential. The successful candidate should have a strong background in working within consumer-focused organisations, which will be crucial for Yirra Yaakin’s continued growth and success.

Prior experience working collaboratively with Senior Leadership and diverse staff will be highly valued. The candidate should bring established networks within the Australasian venue and festival communities and have demonstrated experience in identifying, negotiating, and executing opportunities for domestic, national, and international touring.

The successful candidate will possess strong verbal and written communication skills and an inclusive, and positive leadership style.

Experience working with all levels of government, along with proven fundraising expertise, will be an advantage.

The candidate should have financial management and business analysis skills, including expertise in budgeting, accurate forecasting, and a proven track record in driving revenue growth and diversification. The ability to improve commercial sustainability and operational efficiency will be key. Additional experience in technology, legal issues, and human resources would be beneficial.

This role offers a unique opportunity, and candidates from diverse career backgrounds, including the arts, education, or not-for-profit sectors, are encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants are invited to contact REA for a confidential discussion about the role and their suitability. 

Desirable attributes

  • Problem-solver
  • culture
  • resilient
  • entrepreneurial
  • communication

Key selection criteria

  1. Accomplished Management (min five-years’ experience) in either the performing arts sector, not-for-profit, or customer-focused organisation.
  2. Demonstrated strategic acumen and success in achieving measurable targets.
  3. Proven depth of financial, commercial and general management skills.
  4. Experience working with a non-executive board, compliance with regulatory requirements, and best practices in not-for-profit governance.
  5. A positive contribution to both organisational and people culture.
  6. Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
  7. A track record in developing effective partnerships across the cultural, government, commercial and partnership sectors.
  8. Demonstrated capability of fundraising, marketing and sales acumen. 

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

  1. A strong covering letter of no more than two pages which captures:
    — What excites you about this opportunity and working with the Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company?
    — Why do you think you are the right person for this leadership role at this moment in time?
    — What knowledge and experience will you bring to the team?

    Everyone has their own style of writing. The key is to choose a style of writing that is clearly laid out, concise, which feels right for you and effectively communicates your message. Make sure to customise your letter and pay attention to detail, carefully checking grammar and spelling.
     
  2. A statement of no more than four pages outlining your suitability for the role in response to the key selection criteria on page 15 (of the downloadable PDF), demonstrating your experience (specific examples of outcome and impact) and how your personal attributes accord with those outlined for the position.
  3. A concise CV providing personal details, qualifications, and work history.
  4. The names and contact details, including email addresses, of three referees who may be contacted for a confidential report (your permission will be sought before referees are contacted).
  5. The earliest date on which you would be available to commence in the role.

How to apply

To apply please email your application, consolidated and saved within a single PDF document to vanessa@reaartsandculture.com

Telephone: 0409 977 312