Director - Business & Operations

About the role

This newly created leadership role puts you at the operational wheel of a beloved cultural institution. Working in partnership with the Director – Artistic & Programming, you will lead the business and operations side of Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios, building the commercial foundation and enhancing the operational processes that enable the creative vision to thrive. Because this is a small, agile not-for-profit, this is a hands-on role. You will seamlessly balance big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution, navigating not-for-profit resourcefulness with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Key responsibilities

• Drive revenue strategies, manage budgets, oversee reporting, and build financial sustainability

• Optimise studio programs, tutor models, venue hires, and commercial space utilisation

• Streamline backend systems, CRMs, and operational platforms to improve efficiency

• Expand sponsorship, philanthropy, grant opportunities, and strategic community partnerships

• Support the small staff team and cultivate the valued volunteer base

About you

• Strong experience in business management, finance, business development, or fundraising

• Deep understanding of small not-for-profits, paired with an entrepreneurial drive to deliver high-impact results with limited resources

• Strong budget management, financial reporting and forecasting skills

• Experience designing or improving digital and operational systems

• Experience in revenue generation, which may include sponsorship, philanthropy, grants, venue hire, workshop and studio programming or earned income

• Experience managing and supporting staff and/or volunteer teams

• Sound understanding of not-for-profit governance and compliance requirements

• Confidence working with financial, CRM, enrolment or similar platforms

• Experience and understanding of effective marketing and audience or customer engagement strategies

• Collaborative leadership style and the ability to work effectively in a shared-leadership structure alongside a creative director

About us

Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios is a vibrant, for-purpose contemporary gallery and studio facility in the heart of Lane Cove on Sydney's Lower North Shore. Operated by Centrehouse Inc. in partnership with Lane Cove Council, we connect artists and the community through a professional exhibition program alongside a rich program of studio classes, workshops, residencies and community outreach. Centrehouse has fuelled local creativity for 50 years. Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios is managed by Centrehouse Inc., a not-for-profit organisation with DGR status, celebrating 50 years of supporting the arts in the Lane Cove community. We are committed to equity, access and inclusion in everything we do.