After 14 years co-founding and guiding the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Nicole van Bruggen will step down as General Manager at the end of 2026, while continuing her longstanding role as ARCO’s Co-Artistic Director and principal clarinettist. Read more here about Nicole’s decision.
ARCO’s Board is now seeking applications for the position of General Manager, to lead the organisation into a thriving future. Applications are due 31 October 2026.
General Manager
Remote | $105,000 + Super
Lead the operational and strategic future of one of Australia’s most distinctive orchestral organisations.
The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO) is seeking an accomplished General Manager to help lead the organisation through its next phase of development.
ARCO is one of Australia’s leading historically informed orchestras, bringing Classical and Romantic repertoire to life through historically informed performance (HIP). Now in its second decade, ARCO delivers national concert activity, recordings, education programs and the Young Mannheim Symphonists program, developing the next generation of Australian musicians.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The General Manager holds overall responsibility for ARCO's operational, financial, development and administrative leadership. This is a strategic but genuinely hands-on role.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Leading ARCO's operational and organisational strategy
• Developing and managing budgets, expenditure, financial performance and organisational sustainability
• Supporting strategic planning and providing high-quality reporting to the Committee
• Overseeing staff to guide and manage the operational delivery of national concerts, touring and education programs
• Developing touring opportunities and relationships with venues, presenters and industry partners
• Negotiating concert engagements, presenter arrangements and performance fees
• Balancing externally presented engagements with ARCO's own self-presented performances
• Driving government funding, philanthropic and other revenue-development opportunities
• Building productive relationships with artists, presenters, supporters, funding bodies and key stakeholders
• Working collaboratively with the Co-Artistic Directors to ensure artistic priorities are supported by strong operational planning
• Helping identify and develop new opportunities for audience growth, partnerships and long-term organisational development
About You
We are looking for a commercially capable, highly organised leader who understands how to balance artistic ambition with financial and operational discipline. You will ideally bring:
• Demonstrated experience in senior operational or general management
• Strong financial management capability, including budgeting, forecasting and monitoring organisational performance
• Proven strategic leadership and experience managing complex projects and competing priorities
• Experience within the arts, cultural or live performance sector, particularly across touring, concert sales, presenter relationships, performance or education
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills
• Confidence working collaboratively with artistic leaders, boards or committees
• Proven success with government grants, philanthropic funding and fundraising processes
• An appreciation for classical music and historically informed performance, together with a genuine willingness to engage with ARCO's artistic vision and repertoire
You do not necessarily need to be a musician. What matters is that you understand the environment in which arts organisations operate and can bring the commercial judgement, organisation and leadership required to support artistic goals and help an ambitious artistic organisation thrive.
The Opportunity
This role offers something different from a traditional corporate General Manager position. You'll have the opportunity to influence the future of a nationally active arts organisation while working alongside accomplished musicians, artistic leaders, staff and an experienced Committee.
The position offers:
• $105,000 annual salary + superannuation
• Remote working arrangement for candidates
• Significant autonomy and influence over organisational development
• Opportunity to contribute to ARCO's next phase of growth
• Exposure to national performances, touring and education programs
• Attendance at ARCO performances and events
• Support from an experienced staff and progressive Committee
The role is a remote position including travel associated with performances and events around the country. As is typical within the performing arts, flexibility around concert schedules will also be required, including evening and weekend commitments.
How to Apply
If you're an experienced arts or organisational leader looking for the opportunity to combine commercial leadership with genuine cultural impact, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply with your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in ARCO.
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact Rachael at Strategic Business Co on 07 4306 7100 or recruitment@sbco.au