About BlakDance Australia Limited

​​Established in 2005 as a direct outcome of the watershed National Indigenous Dance Forum, BlakDance is a national industry organisation for First Nations contemporary dancers and choreographers. BlakDance is based on Turrbal and Yuggera Country in Meanjin (Brisbane) at the Judith Wright Arts Centre and operates with a national mandate. We are a self-determined, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation, governed by a voluntary First Nations led-Board and a dedicated BlakDance Cultural Council ensuring First Nations cultural knowledge at all levels of our activities.

BlakDance produces First Nations independent choreographers and dance artists, cultivates emerging First Nations contemporary dance companies and leads national and international engagement with the arts and cultural sector to support a strong, sustainable First Nations dance sector.

Our Purpose

Re-futuring through First Nations contemporary dance.

Our Vision

Clearing the ground, creating pathways and delivering new models for a self-determined First Nations dance sector.

POSITION SUMMARY

The focus of the role is to ensure the successful delivery of the First Nations Creative Pathways Program. The Project Manager supports the planning and delivery of the program, in close collaboration with BlakDance Operations Manager, with support from our administration and operations staff.

About the program

The First Nations Creative Pathways Program is a 9-month initiative focused on developing emerging First Nations performing arts producers and creative production professionals. It offers a cohort of participants, aged 18-25, professional development, leadership training, and crucial connections to local employers. Participants receive tailored career advice, networking opportunities, and support for employment in the arts industry. The cornerstone of the program is a one-week intensive careers immersion experience to be delivered in September 2025, with wrap-around support and mentoring for each individual.

ABOUT YOU

You are an organised, proactive and culturally aware project manager who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment. With proven experience in delivering projects, ideally within an arts or youth services context, you balance attention to detail with big-picture thinking. You’re confident engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders, especially within First Nations contexts. Independent yet team-oriented, you bring strong communication, planning and problem-solving skills. You are well suited to a short-term project and can hit the ground running with focus and efficiency.

The flexibility of this role fits well with your lifestyle—whether you're managing other work or caring responsibilities—while still allowing you to contribute meaningfully to empowering the next generation of First Nations creatives. You value cultural integrity, are guided by respect and care, and take pride in delivering impactful, well-executed programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All BlakDance staff and contractors respect and uphold cultural protocols throughout each project and in all day-to-day operations.

The Project Manager works closely with the Operations Manager, and other team members, to:

• Drive recruitment of program participants through community outreach
• Work closely with program partners and education and training providers (schools, TAFE, RTOs and universities) and community service organisations to identify suitable candidates
• Manage project planning and delivery, supported by other BlakDance staff
• Collaborate with partners, venues and other stakeholders, to deliver events and participant experiences
• Monitor participant experiences and respond to individual needs with agreed supports and services funded by the program
• Work closely with other project collaborators, including First Nations Elders and community partners
• Manage project budgets, supported by the Operations Manager
• Create and manage project schedules and logistics
• Work with BlakDance Marketing Coordinator to undertake communications activities, including social media and website content
• Administer feedback surveys, participate in project debriefs and collate data
• Contribute to the development of grant acquittal reports, as required
• Other duties as may reasonably be required

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

In addition to performing responsibilities of their role, all BlakDance employees are required to:

• Work in accordance with all BlakDance policies and procedures to contribute to a safe, healthy and ethical workplace
• Maintain professionalism, respect, fairness and honesty towards colleagues, stakeholders and the public
• Uphold BlakDance values of First Peoples first and Culture first practice

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO

This role will require some periods of full-time hours during periods of project delivery, such as the week-long intensive.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Due to the nature of performing arts productions, at various times the Project Manager may also be required to:

• Work on weekends and evenings

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential competencies, skills and experience to be successful in this role include:

• Proven ability to manage projects and events.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Proven ability to successfully manage priorities and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and also collaboratively as part of a small and busy team
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills

Desirable:

• Experience and/or knowledge of the performing arts
• Open drivers licence

A position description is attached.