Opera Australia is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join our Executive Team as Director, Executive & External Affairs. Reporting to the CEO, this pivotal role provides enterprise leadership across the Office of the CEO, organisational strategy and execution, government relations, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, reputation and strategic communications.  

This is a significant leadership opportunity to strengthen Opera Australia’s institutional position and influence, connecting artistic ambition and organisational strategy with government, cultural and stakeholder priorities. You will also lead Opera Australia’s engagement across government, funding bodies and key stakeholders, strengthening the company’s influence, reputation and institutional position as Australia’s national opera company.  

This is a unique opportunity to lead at the intersection of organisational strategy, executive leadership and external affairs, helping advance Opera Australia’s priorities, public value and long-term sustainability.  

Key Responsibilities

Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Executive Team on organisational priorities, strategy, external affairs and stakeholder matters. 

• Lead the Office of the CEO, ensuring strategic priorities and Executive Team decisions are translated into coordinated action and measurable outcomes. 
• Drive organisation-wide strategic initiatives and foster accountability, alignment and collaboration across the business. 
• Lead Opera Australia’s government relations and advocacy strategy, building trusted relationships across government, funding bodies, cultural institutions and strategic partners. 
• Strengthen Opera Australia’s institutional position, reputation and contribution to cultural policy and public investment discussions. 
• Provide strategic leadership across communications, stakeholder engagement and significant reputational matters. 
• Monitor the external policy and funding environment, identifying emerging opportunities, risks and implications for Opera Australia. 

About You

 You are an accomplished senior leader who combines strategic thinking with strong execution, influence and judgement.  You will bring: Significant executive-level experience across organisational strategy and execution, government relations, public or corporate affairs, policy and strategic communications. Significant executive-level experience in government relations, cultural policy, public affairs or corporate affairs, ideally within the arts, cultural or broader public sector. 

• Deep and current understanding of Australia’s cultural and arts policy environment, including government, funding bodies and major cultural institutions. 
• A demonstrated track record of advising CEOs, Boards and Executive Teams on complex strategic, reputational and stakeholder matters. 
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence at the highest levels of government and the cultural sector, and to convert these into policy, funding and stakeholder outcomes. 
• Strong political judgement and commercial acumen, with the ability to navigate complex and high-profile stakeholder environments. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate artistic ambition into compelling public value. 
• A track record of building and leading high-performing teams. 

What We Offer 

Being Australia’s national opera company, we are committed to fostering a safe and collaborative environment for all. Our values are Curious, Creative, Collaborative, Brave and Inclusive, and they guide how we work together and bring extraordinary experiences to our audiences.

As part of Opera Australia, you will have access to a range of benefits including: 

• Complimentary tickets to Opera Australia performances. 
• Employee Assistance Program. 
• Discounted private health insurance. 
• Salary packaging options. 

The opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s most significant cultural organisations and work alongside passionate and talented people across the performing arts.  

If this sounds like you, click ‘Apply’ to send through your CV and cover letter. 

Applications close on 14 October 2026. 

For any enquiries about this role, please contact our People team at People@opera.org.au. 

About Opera Australia 

Opera Australia is one of the nation’s most important cultural institutions, presenting more than 500 performances each year to over 650,000 people. 

From grand opera on the stages of the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne to performances, concerts and events across Australia, we bring together some of the world’s finest artists, creatives and technical specialists to create extraordinary experiences for our audiences. 

We are committed to artistic excellence, innovation and ensuring opera continues to evolve and connect with audiences across Australia. As a national company, we also play an important role in developing Australian artists, contributing to the broader cultural sector and demonstrating the public value of the performing arts. 

Opera Australia is committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences and encourage anyone who meets the requirements of the role to apply.