MANAGING DIRECTOR OPPORTUNITY
The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) is one of the world’s leading training academies for exceptional classical musicians - and the only institution of its kind in Australia. Since its founding in 1996, ANAM has built a global reputation for artistic excellence, intensive studio-based learning, and a performance program of more than 200 concerts each year.
With an extraordinary network of national and international partners - from major Australian orchestras to leading global institutions - ANAM plays a vital role in shaping the future of music. Its alumni perform on the world’s great stages, and its impact reaches far beyond the concert hall through deep community engagement and sector leadership.
ANAM is now seeking an outstanding Managing Director to lead the organisation through its next phase of growth. This is a rare opportunity to guide a nationally significant cultural institution at a pivotal moment of transformation. Working in close partnership with incoming Artistic Director Anna Goldsworthy and the Board, the Managing Director will drive ANAM’s strategic, financial and operational leadership - strengthening sustainability, expanding revenue, and elevating the organisation’s profile in Australia and internationally.
A key priority will be leading ANAM through the transition to its new $100m home at South Melbourne Town Hall, overseeing operational readiness, activating dynamic new performance venues, and building a sustainable commercial model that enhances both income and impact.
The role calls for a seasoned and entrepreneurial executive with strong commercial acumen, a track record in organisational leadership, and success in fundraising and revenue diversification. Equally
important is the ability to lead through change, build trusted partnerships across the arts, government and philanthropy sectors, and foster an environment in which artistic and educational excellence can thrive.
Candidates will be motivated by purpose as much as performance, bringing a genuine passion for music and a commitment to supporting the next generation of artists.
This is a defining leadership role with the opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia’s most important cultural and education organisations.
Key priorities:
· Work in close partnership with the Artistic Director to support ANAM’s next phase of artistic and organisational development.
· Help build ANAM’s international profile through deeper institutional relationships, visiting faculty and exchange opportunities.
· Support the design and implementation of a sustainable South Melbourne Town Hall venue hire and hospitality model.
· Improve short-to medium-term sustainability through disciplined management of revenue and costs.
· Strengthen long-term financial resilience by developing new revenue streams, including endowment and bequest growth.
Further Information
This process and search is led by REA arts + culture, specialists in executive search for creative industry leaders across Australia. As a candidate engaging with REA, we understand applying for roles can be both an exciting and vulnerable process. We pride ourselves on treating people with respect and discretion and will support you throughout the process.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact REA arts + culture to obtain a copy of the key selection criteria and detailed Candidate Pack, and a confidential discussion about the role and their potential candidacy.
Richard Evans, Principal
Vanessa Duscio, Managing Partner
REA arts + culture
Visit: reaartsandculture.com
Email: anam@reaartsandculture.com
Applications are due before 6:00pm AEST, Friday 15 May, 2026.
ANAM is an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, religions, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, LGBTQIA+ people, those with disability, women and people with cultural or linguistically diverse background.
Location
The full-time position is currently based at Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne, and is expected to relocate with ANAM to the South Melbourne Town Hall in 2028.
Contract entitlements
ANAM is offering a five-year Permanent Full-Time contract, with a competitive salary package, including four weeks annual leave.
Other relevant information
As a performing arts training institution, and a new venue on the horizon, the leadership position will involve irregular hours including evenings and weekends and considerable flexibility will be required.
PROGRAM ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY
We’re seeking a highly organised, proactive and reliable person to provide support for the Australian National Academy of Music’s (ANAM) busy program department. You need to be someone with a keen eye for detail, a calm and can-do approach and good communicator. This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to further their experience in arts and artist administration, within one of Australia’s premier arts training environments.
Primary purpose of the role
- To ensure the smooth delivery of studio, musician enhancement and performance activities
- To provide general support and assistance to the program department
- To provide liaison support between musicians and the program department when required.
Broad areas of Responsibility
To ensure the smooth delivery of studio, musician enhancement and performance activities assist the Program team with the following tasks:
• maintain up to date musician, faculty and artist details in ANAM’s database
• maintain up to date details of rostering and musician activities in ANAM’s database
• scheduling of studio activities including room bookings and entry in ANAM’s database
• delivery of musician recitals including collating repertoire and production requirements, the issuing of briefing sheets, ensuring scores are received and provided to recital panel/s, and feedback forms are completed
• administrating of studio activities including Masterclasses and Performance Class, including ensuring faculty participation, musician sign up and issuing of information in a timely manor
• communication of and delivery of ANAM competitions and awards, including application and adjudication process and distribution of information as required
• oversee the booking of travel requirements for faculty, musicians, guest artists/presenters and program team including ground transfers, flights and accommodation bookings in Australia and overseas
• assist with the delivery of program activities as required, including studio, musician enhancement, rehearsals and performances
• produce tour itineraries and documents as required
• process invoices and manage receipts in a timely manner
• provide administrative support to the Director, Training Program and Operations on request
• other duties as reasonably required.
This position description does not form an exhaustive list of duties. The successful applicant may be required to undertake other tasks and activities as required from time to time. ANAM reserves the right to amend or update this position description in accordance with business needs.
Selection requirements:
Mandatory
• Degree or demonstrated experience in a classical music environment;
• Interest in arts administration;
• A proactive approach and a positive outlook;
• Demonstrated accuracy of output and excellent attention to detail;
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office suite;
• Excellent written and spoken English; and
• The ability to work autonomously, as well as part of a small close-knit team.
• Please note that this position may involve some physical work, including moving chairs/music stands and assisting with program activities.
Desirable
• Formal training in music and musical literacy;
• Experience working with young people; and
• First Aid training.
How to apply
• Applications submitted automatically via third party sites will not be accepted.
• Further information about ANAM available at anam.com.au
• Applications should be in one PDF document, which includes a CV and a one-page cover letter that addresses key selection criteria and your suitability for the role. Please list three referees. Referees will not be contacted without prior notice.
• Applications should be emailed to Charlotte Cassidy c.cassidy@anam.com.au
Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday 26 April 2026
Enquiries and further information: Charlotte Cassidy – Director of People and Culture, c.cassidy@anam.com.au
Position Description
Stay in the loop with our latest opportunities. Sign up for our e-news here and be the first to hear about upcoming events, special programs, and exclusive updates.