Head Of Planning (12-Month Contract)

We currently have an exciting opportunity to join our team as the Head of Planning on a Fixed Term 12-month Maternity Leave contract.

Position SummaryThe Head of Planning is responsible for delivery of agreed TAB productions, contract and royalty negotiation and artistic planning to ensure annual season plans are realised.
This senior position is responsible for working collaboratively with the Director of Artistic Planning and Producing to schedule seasons, timely and efficient contracting of theatres, artists and creatives and securing licenses and rights associated with agreed repertoire.
The Head of Planning is a key contributor in organisational communications, information sharing and forward planning.

Our Company

The Australian Ballet is one of the world's leading national ballet companies and a globally recognised Australian major performing arts organisation. Each year the company presents upwards of 220 performances through its main stage seasons in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth along with public programs, special events, an extensive regional tour, a Children's Ballet and Education programs and regular overseas tours.

Orchestra Victoria, (OV), provides pit services for ballet and opera in Victoria, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Australian Ballet. The Australian Ballet and Orchestra Victoria have an annual turnover of more than $70 million and employ over 265 staff.

Our Values

Ambition:
We perform at our best:
challenging ourselves and each other, thinking beyond conventional practice and striving to achieve excellence in everything we do.

Boldness:
We act innovatively and embrace change with confidence and courage.

Inclusivity:
We are deeply committed to cultivating and sustaining an organisation that is equitable, fair and inclusive. We embrace diversity both on and off stage and strive to be a company where all communities feel a sense of belonging.

Respect:
We treat all people with dignity and create trusted and enduring relationships with customers, colleagues and communities.

Responsibility:
We seek out new and better ways of doing things, act accountably and understand the importance of balancing artistic risk with strategic and commercial outcomes. We strive for environmental sustainability and are conscious of how we use our resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning and scheduling

• Under the direction of the Director of Artistic Planning and Producing undertake all business negotiations with theatres and orchestras for all TAB mainstage activities, including (but not limited to), Sydney Opera House, Regent Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne.
• Ensure agreements with artists, creatives and with respect to royalties etc are in place as per budgets/schedules.
• In collaboration with Leadership, finalise rehearsal and performance schedules for all mainstage seasons.
• Share and update schedules regularly via DIESE platform.
• Assist with strategic and forward planning by undertaking feasibility studies for potential projects and new program ideas, including financial modelling, securing market research and technical production assessment and project business cases.
  
  Budgeting and forecasting
• Manage agreed annual mainstage Budgets and P&
  L optimising savings wherever possible.
• With input from the Technical &
  Production and Finance,manage portfolio budgets and provide regular mainstage season forecasts to the Director of Artistic Planning and Producing and advise on any budget issues.
• Execute mainstage artistic budgets efficiently and effectively to maximise value for money for the company.
• In collaboration with the Director of Artistic Planning and Producing prepare future mainstage budgets.
• Produce mainstage activities;
  engage, collaborate, and proactively manage relationships with other departments including Technical &
  Production, Creative Learning, Marketing and Communications to ensure season outcomes are achieved.
  General Responsibilities
• Where required and agreed, effectively supervise the work of Producers and other staff to ensure the successful realisation of projects.
• Research and be abreast of trends and issues in ballet, performing arts and entertainment programming and audience's interests.
• Work in close collaboration and on an equal partnership basis with Technical &
  Production, Marketing, Publicity, Digital and Creative Learning colleagues, engaging them proactively and ensuring a successful working relationship.
• Liaise with Philanthropy and Development staff advising on upcoming presentations and prospects for alliances and support the soliciting and servicing.
• Ensure operational planning and delivery of projects is achieved to the highest standards, including travel, accommodation, production, ground transport, artist scheduling, visas/immigration etc.
• Participate in the development of the wider team and program by sharing information and experience as well as contributing to business process improvements.
• Proactively support to other members of the team as required.
• Represent TAB externally as required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Outstanding negotiation skills
• Proven leadership skills and highly effective written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative and team oriented
• Resilience
• Knowledge of relevant awards and industrial agreements
• Affinity with, and understanding of, the lifestyle of a touring company.
• Possess sound judgement and ability to be decisive.

This position is Fixed Term Contract full time role with an expected duration of employment from June 2024 until June 2025.

Diversity and Inclusion

At The Australian Ballet, diversity and inclusion are integral to our mission to create an extraordinarily vibrant and successful company, and to present performances that represent Australian culture at its best. We believe that our workforce should reflect the rich diversity of the Australian community.

We embrace difference and diversity of identity, experience and thought, and we actively strive to create an inclusive workplace. By promoting these values, we aim to create a positive work experience that encourages a sense of belonging.