Team Leader Nautilus, Events and Activation

Searching for a career path with meaning?

City of Port Lincoln is a seeking a part-time, Team Leader - Nautilus, Events and Activation. This role is critical to transforming Nautilus Arts Centre into a financially sustainable, high-performing regional arts and events destination, delivering measurable economic, cultural and community outcomes for the City of Port Lincoln and the community.

• Part-time role, 65 hours per fortnight


• Permanent Position


• Estimated start July-August 2026


• $87,215.11 annual salary (pro rata)
  
  
  
  
  • Laptop
    
  
  
  • Uniform Allowance
  
  
  • Plus 12% Superannuation
  
  
  • Additional 3% Council superannuation contribution
  
  
  
  

What does this Position do?

The Team Leader – Nautilus, Events & Activation is responsible for the strategic, operational and financial performance of the Nautilus Arts Centre.

The role leads a business-driven approach to venue activation, ensuring optimal utilisation, revenue growth and long-term sustainability. This includes programming, commercial partnerships, venue hire, and end-to-end event delivery.

How does this Position contribute to our Community?

• Strives to place the Nautilus Arts Centre as a high-performing, multi-use cultural and commercial asset that delivers strong economic, tourism and community outcomes.


• Maximises utilisation, revenue generation and return on investment through strategic programming, venue hire and diversified income streams.


• Curates and attracts high-calibre local, national and touring performances, exhibitions and events that elevate Port Lincoln’s cultural profile.


• Strengthens the visitor economy by positioning the Nautilus Arts Centre as a regional destination for arts, events and conferences.


• Enables inclusive community participation while ensuring financial sustainability and commercial viability of the facility.


• Develops strategic partnerships with promoters, producers, artists, businesses and funding bodies to expand opportunities and investment.


• Leads event development and delivery both within the Nautilus Arts Centre and across selected Council events to support cultural and art activation, economic development, placemaking and positive community outcomes

The position is accountable for:

• Driving profitability, cost control and return on investment and reporting performance accordingly


• Securing high-value programming and commercial opportunities


• Initiating and leading sales, marketing and audience growth strategies


• Identifying and securing grant funding and external investment


• Coordinating major events and supporting Council-wide event initiatives


• Managing contracts, stakeholders, projects and operational delivery to a high professional standard

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Performance & Financial Management

• Drive revenue growth across all income streams including ticket sales, venue hire, partnerships, commissions, retail and sponsorship


• Identify new income streams


• Develop and implement strategies to improve profitability and cost efficiency


• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting and ongoing financial performance monitoring


• Analyse performance data to inform programming, pricing and operational decisions


• Deliver regular, high-quality financial and business performance reporting

Programming, Activation & Utilisation

• Curate and secure a diverse, high-quality program of performances, exhibitions and events across all genres


• Actively attract high-calibre touring productions, commercial events and exhibitions


• Maximise venue utilisation through proactive sales, strategic scheduling and innovative space activation


• Develop opportunities for multi-use and non-traditional uses of the facility to increase occupancy

Sales, Marketing & Audience Development

• Lead targeted sales and marketing strategies to increase attendance, participation and revenue


• Strengthen market positioning of the Nautilus Arts Centre as a premier regional arts and events venue


• Drive audience growth, customer experience and repeat visitation


• Leverage digital platforms, partnerships and tourism channels to expand reach

Events & Project Management

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of events including planning, budgeting, logistics and evaluation


• Deliver major Council-led events and support cross-Council event initiatives as required


• Apply strong project management principles to ensure timely, on-budget delivery


• Identify opportunities to expand Council’s events portfolio and economic impact

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Investment

• Build and maintain strong relationships with artists, promoters, event organisers, funding bodies and commercial partners


• Negotiate contracts, agreements and commercial arrangements to optimise revenue and value


• Identify and secure sponsorships, partnerships and collaborative opportunities

Grants & Funding

• Identify, develop and submit competitive grant applications aligned to arts, tourism and economic development priorities


• Manage grant-funded projects and ensure compliance with reporting and acquittal requirements


• Leverage funding opportunities to enhance programming, infrastructure and community access

Operations & Governance

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the facility ensuring efficient, safe and professional delivery


• Manage venue hire processes, contracts and compliance requirements


• Ensure adherence to Council policies, WHS and risk management frameworks

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team focused on customer service, innovation and results


• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement

Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Organisational Responsibility

Meeting WHS obligations as per the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, as well as Council policy and procedures.

Any other duties within the scope of the role as reasonably directed.

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated experience in venue management, events, arts or cultural facilities with a strong commercial focus


• Proven ability to drive revenue growth, utilisation and financial performance


• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting


• Experience in sales, marketing and audience development


• Demonstrated project and event management expertise (end-to-end delivery)


• Experience in grant writing, funding acquisition and acquittals


• Strong negotiation, stakeholder engagement and partnership development skills


• Highly developed organisational, analytical and decision-making capability


• Ability to lead teams and deliver outcomes in a dynamic, customer-focused environment


• High-level IT and reporting capability


• Drivers Licence current


• Individual required to have or is willing to obtain - fire warn, first aid, WWCC and RSA

Highly regarded but not essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Tertiary qualifications in Business, Event Management, Arts Management, Project Management or related discipline


• Experience managing a multi-use performing arts or cultural venue


• Demonstrated success in commercial programming and attracting touring productions


• Knowledge of tourism, destination marketing and regional economic development


• Experience in contract management and commercial negotiations

Key performance indicators

• Revenue Growth: Minimum increase in total revenue


• Profitability: Improved net financial position and cost recovery ratio annually


• Utilisation: Minimum venue occupancy across theatre, gallery and function spaces


• Attendance: Annual increase in visitation and ticket sales


• Programming Quality: Securing a defined number of high-calibre touring and commercial events annually


• Forward Bookings: Confirmed events program scheduled 18–24 months in advance


• Grants & Funding: Successful acquisition of external funding (target value-based, not just volume)


• Customer Satisfaction: audience and hirer feedback ratings


• Event Delivery: Successful delivery of Council and Nautilus Arts Centre events on time and within budget


• Stakeholder Growth: Increase in partnerships, commercial hires and repeat clients


• Team Performance: High staff engagement and retention, with demonstrated capability development