National Opera / Canberra OperaGeneral Manager
Mar. 2013 - Jan. 2024Canberra, AustraliaAs the General Manager of National Opera, I drove the organisation's strategic vision, working in tandem with the Artistic Director and leading the Committee to ensure seamless alignment of events, activities, and operational plans with our strategic objectives. My role centred on cultivating and maintaining robust partnerships with government agencies, sponsors, donors, and community groups, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that bolstered community engagement and upheld our mission. I was also responsible to the logistics coordination of all performance and events.
I expertly managed annual budgets, guaranteeing the financial viability of the organisation and ensuring compliance with employment regulations and charity laws. My responsibilities encompassed the leadership and growth of the organisation, the development and implementation of innovative marketing strategies, elevating National Opera's profile and forging collaborative relationships with artists, musicians, and creatives through skillful negotiation. • Produced in conjunction with the Company’s Artistic Director, two major professional opera productions (a first for Canberra), that garnered multiple 5-star critical reviews both nationally and internationally, showcasing exceptional quality and a commitment to excellence. • Navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing strategic guidance, fostering resilience, and implemented business continuity measures and the well-being of artists.
• Negotiated, established and maintained various financial sponsors and in-kind partnerships across multiple businesses, including securing a significant multi-year financial commitment.
• Successfully obtained several grants from diverse sources, such as ArtsACT for strategic planning, the IMPACT Foundation for major projects, and a number of trustee foundations for smaller initiatives, ensuring the availability of essential resources for the Company’s success.