M16 Artspace (M16) operates on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We honour and pay our respects to its traditional custodians. We acknowledge this land ‘always was and always will be’ the country of Australia’s First Nations People. Sovereignty was never ceded.

Incorporated in 1985, M16 is an inclusive organisation that supports a thriving arts community of emerging and established artists, writers and curators of any age, background or culture. M16 presents high-quality exhibitions from both emerging and established artists and curators from Canberra, interstate and overseas. M16 Artspace runs three gallery spaces, manages 31 artist studios and houses five arts organisations that offer art classes.

M16 remains committed to supporting local Canberra visual artists as it enters into its 40th year in 2025. This includes aligning our exhibition program with key social and community values, placing a strong emphasis on increased representation of First Nations artists and showcasing artistic practices that resonates with the diverse community that makes up Canberra’s population. We recognise the important work ahead and are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community in Canberra.

M16 Artspace is located at 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT which is an old primary school facility. The premises are owned by ACT Government and managed by ACT Property Group. M16 has a licence agreement with ACT Property Group for use and occupation of the premises.

M16 sublicences studio spaces at the premises to approx 30 artists (‘studio tenants’) and 5 arts organisations (‘workshop tenants’) and also manages three gallery spaces and ChuteSpace.

The role

The Operations Manager is a newly designed role that will be responsible for supporting studio and workshop artist members on a day-to-day basis at one of Canberra’s leading contemporary arts organisations.

The Operations Manager will build and/or improve M16’s relationships with core property and facilities partners and its community, including M16 members, Board of Management, ACT Property Group and other ACT arts organisations.

This role requires proven experience in project and contract management, as well as fostering stakeholder relationships. It is desirable, but not essential, that candidates have an understanding of basic WHS obligations and responsibilities and people management experience.

Candidates who are able to demonstrate strong adaptability and resilience in navigating an environment of evolving opportunities with sound judgement and insight are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Details

• Hours of Work: 38 hours per week (negotiable). Some evening and weekend attendance will be required for M16 board and member meetings.
• Term: The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract with an option to renew. This includes a six-month probation period.
• Reports to: General Manager
• Supervisory Responsibility: M16 casual staff, interns and volunteers
• Location: Griffith, Canberra, ACT
• Salary: From $79,787pa plus 11.5% superannuation

Core Responsibilities

• Manage the operational aspects of one of Canberra’s most well known arts organisations which provides studio, workshop and gallery space for contemporary local artists and other arts organisations through:

  • Strong and productive relationships with government agencies, tenants, key stakeholders and members, including through the design and delivery of facilities and property management activities.

  • Supporting the M16 General Manager with core governance activities such as the Studio and Workshop Artists Group (SWAG) and Board Meetings

  • Development and maintenance of operational policies and procedures, aligned with expectations of the General Manager, ACT Property Group and Worksafe ACT.

  • Management of operations-related contracts for M16, with a particular focus on the head lease agreement with ACT Property Group, sub-lease arrangements with M16 studio and workshop artists, and facilities/property WHS and maintenance work.

• Management and/or oversight of paid and unpaid staff to support the delivery of these core responsibilities

Essential Selection Criteria

• Proven experience in successfully managing projects and contracts

• An understanding, or the demonstrated ability to develop this, of relevant WHS obligations and requirements

• Sound stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively, both within the organisation and with key external individuals, organisations and government.

• Proven experience in representing an organisation to stakeholders and the general public

• Ability to identify or support opportunities for M16 to achieve revenue targets

Cultural Competency

• Be curious, interested and engaged in the future of M16 from the perspective of its members and community

• Work as a close team to deliver the business operations in a positive and safe workplace

• Be supportive, flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, including delivering work and outcomes for the organisation beyond core responsibilities when required

• Strive to achieve environmentally responsible business practices and actively look to maintain a healthy work life balance

• Productive and harmonious relationships with tenants, artists, audiences, partners and stakeholders

• Commit to continuous improvement, using evaluation to understand effectiveness and areas for growth and review