Director – Te Tai-o-Aorere Arts Development Trust

Whakatū Nelson | 0.8 FTE

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for arts, culture, and community impact? Te Tai-o-Aorere Arts Development Trust is seeking an exceptional Director to lead the new arts development agency for Whakatū Nelson.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of arts and creativity across the region, building on the legacy of Arts Council Nelson and helping realise the ambitions of He Tātai Whetū Nelson’s Arts and Creativity Strategy.

As Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across advocacy, sector development, partnerships, programme delivery, and arts infrastructure initiatives. You will work closely with artists, communities, mana whenua, local government, funders, and sector partners to strengthen a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable creative ecosystem.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director will:

• Lead the strategic direction and growth of the arts development agency and Community Arts Hub

• Champion the value of arts, culture, and creativity across the region

• Build strong partnerships with mana whenua, councils, funders, community organisations, and the creative sector

• Drive organisational sustainability through effective financial management, fundraising, and revenue diversification

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture

• Represent the organisation as a trusted and influential voice for the arts

About You

You are an experienced and inspiring leader who brings:

• Senior leadership experience within the arts, cultural, community, public, or not-for-profit sectors

• Strong strategic thinking and organisational leadership capability

• Financial management, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement expertise

• Experience working with Boards and governance structures

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice

• A collaborative, community-focused approach and the ability to thrive in a small, dynamic organisation

• A strong understanding of the role arts and culture play in creating vibrant communities

Knowledge of the Nelson Tasman arts sector, local government, advocacy, or arts facilities management will be an advantage.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a newly established arts development agency and make a lasting contribution to the cultural future of Whakatū Nelson. You will work alongside passionate artists, community leaders, mana whenua, and partners to strengthen participation, creativity, wellbeing, and cultural vitality across the region.

Position Details

• 0.8 FTE (32 hours per week)

• Based in Whakatū Nelson

• Flexible working arrangements available by agreement

• Some evening, weekend, and regional travel required

• Competitive salary package negotiated based on experience

Applications

To apply for this position, please contact Board Chair Sophie Kelly at recruitment@acn.org.nz, with a cover letter and CV.

Applications close: 5pm, Sunday 28th June 2026

Join us in shaping a creative, connected, and thriving future for Whakatū Nelson.