The Role / Person

The Theatre Royal is looking for a Marketing & Programming Manager for its newly established team!

Working alongside the Theatre Manager, you'll help create a programme that attracts audiences, supports artists and promoters, and reflects the character and interests of our community.

You'll lead the theatre's marketing and promotional activities, finding creative ways to build awareness, grow audiences and make the most of every performance and event. From campaigns and digital channels to media, partnerships and community connections, you'll help ensure the Theatre Royal has a strong presence both locally and beyond.

Building relationships will be a big part of the role. You'll work with artists, promoters, community groups, sponsors, local businesses and tourism partners to create opportunities, strengthen connections and bring more people through the doors. You'll also use customer and market insights to spot new ideas and opportunities for the theatre.

The position includes direct line management responsibility for one team member, alongside working collaboratively with the Theatre Manager and wider venue team to deliver operational and strategic objectives.

Ideally, you will bring existing knowledge of the New Zealand performing arts and/or live entertainment landscape, allowing you to quickly establish industry relationships and contribute to the Theatre Royal's programming and audience development from day one. You'll be creative and commercially minded, with excellent relationship-building skills and a genuine passion for live entertainment and community.

As part of a small, dynamic team, the successful candidate will be a proactive and versatile all-rounder who is equally comfortable developing strategic initiatives and undertaking day-to-day operational tasks. While marketing, programming and community engagement will remain the primary focus of the position, the successful candidate must demonstrate a willingness to contribute across other areas of venue operations, including visitor services, ticketing, event delivery and general operational support when required.

We are seeking someone who takes initiative, embraces changing priorities, works collaboratively and understands that the successful opening and operation of a performing arts venue requires a genuine team-first approach. This is not solely a desk-based marketing or management position. We are looking for a practical, enthusiastic and commercially minded individual who enjoys being actively involved in all aspects of bringing a performing arts venue to life!

This permanent full-time position offers 40 hours per week, with hours that may vary in accordance with performance bookings. The annual salary for this role is $83,409.45 - $98,128.76 per annum. Check out a copy of the position description here: https://www.timaru.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1177142/Position-Description-Marketing-and-Programming-Manager-November-2026.pdf . For further information please email us at [email protected].

You must have the right to live and work in this location to apply for this job. Applications close at 5:00pm, 22 November 2026; however, we may appoint before the closing date if we find suitable applicants during the recruitment process! So if you are interested get your application in quick. Applications can be registered through our career's website www.timaru.govt.nz/jobs.

*We use Pulse as our applicant tracking system, so you will receive any further recruitment-related communications from an @pulsesoftware.com email address. Please keep an eye on your inbox (including your junk/spam folder) for updates.

The District

Timaru District is a thriving and innovative community. It is the central hub for the South Island, servicing a large agricultural heartland, with a growing economy that provides the import and export gateway for primary sectors. We boast a Top 10 most loved beach in New Zealand and have access to mountains, rivers and lakes, making Timaru an ideal destination for recreational, sporting and cultural pursuits.

Let's not forget about that 7 minute commute to work!

The Organisation

The Timaru District Council aims to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of communities, to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of its communities in the present and for the future. With around 400 staff, there are a diverse range of roles from front facing community to support and technical specialists.

www.vtdevelopment.co.nz celebrates all the things we love about living in Timaru, from our affordable houses, to our easy commute, fantastic lifestyle and our successes. Come and join the story!