Event Coordinator

Geelong Arts Centre is one of eleven Victorian State Government owned creative organisations under the umbrella of Creative Victoria. Since opening in 1981, Geelong Arts Centre has made significant artistic and cultural contributions to Geelong and the surrounding regions.

Geelong Arts Centre is currently undergoing a period of exciting and dynamic change. To meet the cultural needs of a growing population and help secure Geelong’s position as a global city, the Victorian State Government, through Creative Victoria, has committed funding for three stages of capital development. Stage One - the refurbishment of The Playhouse Theatre was completed in 2010. Stage Two - the Ryrie Street Redevelopment ($38.5m) was completed November 2019 and opened to the public on 7th November 2019. Stage Three - The Little Malop Street Redevelopment ($140m) commenced in 2019 and is planned for completion in 2023. This investment will result in a world-class arts facility becoming the cultural heart of Geelong and the G21 region.

Led by a dynamic CEO and Leadership Team, your contribution and expertise will be highly valued. We offer a great working environment in the creative heart of Geelong, working alongside passionate people who are committed to community and the Arts.

We're seeking a strategic Event Coordinator who excels at transforming client visions into exceptional catered experiences while driving commercial success. This leadership position requires someone who can seamlessly blend creative event design with sophisticated business acumen and operational excellence. 

Reporting to the Experience Manager, this role demands exceptional organisational skills to orchestrate multiple concurrent projects, balancing the competing demands of clients, venue management and internal service departments. You'll develop compelling catering proposals that maximise our venue's unique capabilities while delivering innovative solutions within operational constraints. You will be the key liaison between clients and the venue, turning their vision into flawless, memorable events while maintaining operational and financial excellence. 

You will coordinate with internal teams and external providers, balancing creativity with commercial realities to ensure every event runs smoothly and exceeds expectations. 

To be successful in this position, you will have:

• A Bachelor’s qualification in event management or other relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in theatre and/or event management
• At least 3 years experience in hospitality event management.
• Proven track record in event planning and facilitation, including experience in managing multiple events simultaneously
• Excellent organisational, communication, negotiating, and prioritising skills
• Experience in developing, influencing, and maintaining professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders in a multi-venue, multi-hirer performing arts environment
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, anticipate and manage competing stakeholder needs and maintain a customer-service mindset
• Advanced computer skills including proficiency in event management systems. 
• Outstanding attention to detail and project management skills for managing multiple events simultaneously, meeting strict deadlines and forward planning while maintaining an overview of the integration of event projects with interconnected activity

• Knowledge and awareness of the Arts environment, current trends, issues, and the economic 
climate. 

• Flexibility in working hours to support daytime, evening, and some weekend work will be required as part of the normal hours of duty for this position.
• In conjunction with other Centre staff, this role provides an out-of-hours on-call service where unforeseen circumstances require an immediate response.
• On-site attendance may be necessary. 
• This includes evenings, weekends and public holidays.
  Physical agility and manual handling are intrinsic requirement of this role. This includes: 
  arrangement of tables and chairs, clearing of crockery and glasses, restocking of bar and fridges,  ability to see in low light, walking and using stairs, standing for extended periods, manual handling and some lifting.

The following checks, licences and certifications are required for this role:

• Working with Children’s Check (employee)
• First Aid Level 2 certificate 
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate
• Food Safety Training certificate
• Victorian driver’s licence (advising any qualifications, conditions or restrictions)

The employee must provide evidence that they hold current certifications prior to commencing employment with Geelong Arts Centre. The employee must maintain currency of these checks, licences and certifications for the duration of their employment with Geelong Arts Centre.

Sound like you? Then we want to hear from you!

To apply for this opportunity please click the Apply Now button and provide a cover letter including your ability to meet the key requirements outlined in the position description, and a current CV.

Applicants will be required to undergo police and identity screening. First round interviews will be conducted either face-to-face or online. Geelong Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and values the contribution that diversity brings to the workplace. 
Geelong Arts Centre is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of all children that interact with our organisation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.
Geelong Arts Centre encourages and welcomes applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders People.
Applications are open to those with full-working rights in Australia.