The Company
Opera Australia (‘OA’) is the nation’s premier opera company and one of its most important
cultural institutions. With a rich history and a global reputation for artistic excellence, OA
presents over 500 performances each year—reaching more than 650,000 people through
opera, musicals and concerts. Its productions span iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera
House and Arts Centre Melbourne, as well as regional centres across the country. OA is
committed to artistic innovation, national reach and cultural leadership. It nurtures Australian
talent on and off the stage; collaborates with leading international and local companies, and
brings extraordinary stories to life through music and song. With a full-time orchestra,
dedicated chorus and a highly skilled workforce, OA is Australia’s largest performing arts
employer and plays a vital role in Australia’s performing arts landscape and in the lives of
audiences nationwide.
The role
The Company is seeking a dynamic, strategic and collaborative Chief Executive Officer
(‘CEO’) to lead the Company into its next chapter. This is a compelling opportunity to shape
the artistic and commercial future of a national icon—delivering high-quality seasons; driving
innovation, and deepening audience engagement across Australia.
Reporting to the Board, the CEO will lead OA’s talented team; foster a culture of excellence
and inclusion, and balance artistic ambition with financial sustainability. The CEO oversees
OA’s strategy formulation; the financial health of the organisation, the long-term approach to
programming; the capability of and collaboration among the workforce; national stakeholder
engagement, and philanthropic growth—ensuring Opera Australia remains relevant, resilient
and artistically vibrant in a changing cultural landscape.A key priority is leading the
Company through a period of change; strengthening an inclusive, collaborative and cohesive
workforce of up to 1,300 people, and ensuring a company that is enduring and financially
sustainable.
We are looking for a leader who can:
• Unite diverse artistic and operational teams around shared goals
• Engage credibly with artists, government and donors
• Drive performance through insight and planning
• Ensure financial sustainability through thoughtful planning, cost control and commercial
acumen
• Champion opera and musical theatre in a variety of forms for contemporary Australian
audiences
Experience as a CEO in the arts, cultural or adjacent sectors is preferred, along with a strong
track record of organisational leadership in complex, public-facing environments. The ideal
candidate will bring commercial and operational acumen, alongside a deep appreciation for
the role of the performing arts in public life. An understanding of opera—or a genuine
curiosity and willingness to engage with its artistic and cultural dimensions—is essential. The
CEO must be able to connect authentically with artists, audiences, funders and stakeholders,
and bring clarity, conviction and credibility to a role that sits at the intersection of culture,
community and commerce.
For a Role specification, please contact Helen Johnson at Challis & Company on +61 2 8039 2223 or at oa@challis.co.
Applications close: Wednesday, 30 April 2025
