Australian Opal Centre Ltd (AOCL) is seeking an energetic and experienced Public Programs Manager for the Australian Opal Centre (AOC). We are looking for someone who is excited to build on the AOC's successes and lead the growth and enrichment of our educational and cultural programs, with a major new facility and visitor experience expected to open in or around April 2025.
The AOC's visitor experience offerings showcase opal (Australia's National Gemstone), rare opalised fossils, First Nations perspectives, opal culture and the diverse natural, cultural and industrial heritage of Australia's opal fields. Our new facility will allow us to expand and augment established successful programs including fossil digs, opal carving courses, screenings, exhibitions, lectures and school programs, which create critical income for AOCL. Public programs are the organisation's major source of operational revenue.
In this role, you will work with other staff to develop, market and deliver existing and new public programs; and in collaboration with the CEO, you will work with community and industry experts, volunteers and other specialists to develop, market and deliver an exciting new ensemble of public programs, on site and online.
After becoming established in the role, you will recruit, work closely with and mentor a First Nations trainee.
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of our team and shape the AOC's future in a new high profile cultural facility, as we strive to realise the AOC's potential as a nationally-significant regional scientific and cultural institution, landmark tourism attraction and the world’s leading not-for-profit centre for opal-related knowledge, education and training, scientific research, arts, heritage, travel, cultural and economic development.
This is initially a 0.6FTE to 0.8FTE role (negotiable), with potential to grow into a full-time position. Ideally, the successful applicant will be from the local area or willing to relocate to Lightning Ridge; however, a combination of remote and on-site work may be considered for the right applicant.
Your key responsibilities as the AOC's Public Programs Manager will be:
• Promote, and provide meaningful engagement with, the Australian Opal Centre and its themes through its public programs
• Promote and manage delivery of established public programs and events
• Plan and manage delivery of new programs and events to create income, visitor experiences and audience engagement across audience groups including independent travellers, school groups, families with children, local residents, gem and fossil enthusiasts, geotourists, cultural heritage travellers and other special interest groups
• Ensure AOC public programs are run profitably
• Work with the CEO and other staff to recruit, train and manage volunteer personnel to assist in delivering the public programs
• Promote best practice relationships between the AOC and its stakeholders
• Embody and promote the values of the Australian Opal Centre
• Maintain a safe, happy and productive workplace for staff, volunteers and visitors
• Celebrate and affirm the vibrant and proud multiculturalism of communities at Lightning Ridge and surrounds, which includes Yuwalaraay people and First Nations people from Nations across the Country, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds from around the world.
Please see the full job description for key selection criteria, desirable skills, knowledge and experience, and application instructions.