Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō | Working together for Wellington's future
Fixed-Term Opportunity
Toi Aro is one of Wellington's most important creative spaces, supporting artists, performers, creative practitioners and community organisations to connect, create and thrive. We're looking for a passionate and experienced leader to step into a fixed-term opportunity managing this vibrant arts hub in the heart of the city. Drawing on strong operational, relationship and leadership skills, you'll help shape the experience of everyone who walks through Toi Aro’s doors while championing Wellington's creative communities. This is a fixed term opportunity until 31st January 2027. Applicants must be available to commence employment immediately or within a very short notice period.
Āu ake mahi | What you'll do
As Toi Aro Manager, you'll lead a team responsible for delivering an engaging and welcoming creative environment while ensuring the successful day-to-day operation of the facility. You'll work closely with artists, residents, community groups, mana whenua, suppliers and stakeholders to help deliver a thriving arts and cultural destination for Wellington.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing the Toi Aro team
- Managing the facility's operations, events, exhibitions and creative programmes
- Supporting resident artists and tenants, community groups and creative practitioners
- Building strong relationships across Wellington's arts and cultural sector
- Managing budgets, revenue streams, leases and occupancy
- Overseeing building maintenance, contractors and health and safety
- Promoting Toi Aro and growing participation and community engagement
Ngā tohu me ngā wheako | Qualifications and experience
You'll be an experienced people leader with a passion for arts, culture and community development. You'll be equally comfortable leading a team, managing a complex facility, building stakeholder relationships and ensuring strong commercial and operational performance.
You will bring:
- Experience leading teams and managing people
- Strong arts, cultural, community or venue management experience
- Financial and budget management capability
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
- Knowledge of Wellington's arts and creative sector
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
Diversity:
We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Accessibility Support:
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: [email protected]
Applications close 8 November 2026.
All applications must be submitted online and must have the right to work in New Zealand – we will not accept emailed applications.
Pre-employment Checks:
All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check, the results of which will be held on your employee file if employed and be prepared to obtain and maintain a Police Vetting check.
If you have questions, please contact Melissa Davey, Manager City Activation, Arts & Economy, [email protected]