Forge Theatre Audience Services Leader (0.6 EFT)

We Are East Gippsland Shire – A Creative Heart in a Natural Wonderland
East Gippsland is where creativity thrives alongside coastlines, mountains and lakes. While our region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty — from alpine peaks to ocean shores — it’s also a place where arts, culture and community connection are deeply valued and actively supported.

At the centre of East Gippsland’s cultural scene is The Forge Theatre, a professional performing arts venue that hosts an exciting mix of touring productions, local talent, festivals and creative programs. From comedy and live music to children’s theatre, dance and storytelling, The Forge showcases performances that inspire, entertain and connect people of all ages.

Through Create, our Culture and Creativity program, Council supports and celebrates a diverse calendar of shows and events right across the region — bringing star performers and emerging artists to our communities and championing local creativity.

East Gippsland Shire Council is proud to support a flourishing arts community, with dedicated spaces, skilled staff and a commitment to cultural development. Here, you'll find rewarding opportunities while enjoying the lifestyle and inspiration that comes from living in one of Victoria’s most unique places.

The Opportunity

The Forge Theatre Audience Services Leader role is exciting and hands-on. You'll lead front of house and box office operations, ensuring every audience member feels welcome, supported and valued from the moment they walk through the doors. You'll manage and mentor a team of casual staff, oversee bar and ticketing services, and be the go-to person for everything audience-facing at this busy, much-loved venue.

You'll play a key role behind the scenes too, working with the team, artists, event producers, and other Council teams to deliver seamless, professional events that run like clockwork. Whether it’s training your team, setting up the foyer, solving problems on the fly, or keeping the venue humming with positive energy, you’ll bring it all together. If you’re organised, confident, customer-focused and ready to be part of something creative and community-driven, we’d love for you to be part of our team!

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Lead and coordinate front of house and box office services for all events
• Supervise, roster, and support a team of casual staff to deliver great service
• Manage bar operations including stock control and responsible service
• Liaise with producers, hirers and internal teams to ensure smooth event delivery
• Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming public spaces that enhance the audience experience

This is a permanent, part time opportunity, including weekends and evening hours, and is based at the Forge Theatre in Bairnsdale.

We also offer our staff:

Work-Life Balance:

• Option to purchase additional leave
• Extra time off over Christmas
• Discounted memberships to our Recreation Centres

Competitive Salaries:

• Banded salaries with built in yearly increases!
• Annual leave loading paid as a lump sum in December!

A Supportive environment:

• 17 weeks paid primary carer’s parental leave
• Additional special leave available for chronic health conditions and other special needs
• Learning and Development team to keep your skills up to date and give you the opportunity to develop your career!
• Employee Assistance Program offering counselling support when you need it
• Staff consultative committee - management consult staff on big decisions

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in theatre front of house, box office operations and event coordination
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise and support casual staff Excellent communication, teamwork and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Knowledge of bar operations, food safety, and customer service in a performing arts setting

You’ll also have:

• Safe Food Handling Certificate
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate
• Current First Aid Level 2 Certificate
• A Working with Children Check (employee type)
• A current, valid Victorian driver’s licence

If successful, you will need to undertake a police check. You must also be legally entitled to work in Australia.

How To Apply

If this sounds like your next move, apply now and attach:

• A cover letter
• Your resume
• A statement detailing how you meet each of the Key Selection Criteria

Applications close at 11.59pm on 14 August 2025

Questions? For a confidential discussion about the position or to learn more, please contact Rachel Wade, Supervisor Forge Theatre on (03) 5153 9641

East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, gender diverse people, religiously, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people of any age.

East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards and has a zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. To uphold these standards a valid working with children check is required to be held for applicable positions.