Program Manager - Events

The City of Sydney is hiring a full-time Program Manager for Events in Haymarket, New South Wales, responsible for managing major public and cultural events like Sydney New Year’s Eve and Sydney Lunar Festival. Candidates should have qualifications in Arts or Events Management and experience in programming large-scale events. The role emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and effective communication with stakeholders, contributing to a diverse and inclusive team culture.
Sydney CBD

MAJOR EVENTS & FESTIVALS/Creative City/CITY LIFE

Full Time/Permanent

$124,111 - $141,051 per annum plus superannuation

Caring for our city, creating a future for all

Our people are passionate about their communities and connected to their teams. They’re motivated by our genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and our clear, compelling plan for our global city: Sustainable Sydney 2030 – 2050 Continuing the Vision.

Be part of a purpose-led organisation with care at its core. You’ll make a difference by acting in the best interests of our communities and city. Be better together with collaborative and inclusive partnerships. Embrace possibilities and be open to new ideas and creating bold solutions.

About the role

The City of Sydney is seeking a Program Manager to join the Major Events and Festivals team.

The Major Events and Festivals team delivers the City's Cultural Plan through a series of large scale, major public and cultural events including Sydney New Year’s Eve, Sydney Lunar Festival, Sydney Christmas, Sydney Streets, Art & About, and Capital Works launch events.

The Program Manager provides ongoing management and coordination of all programming and creative aspects of assigned events within the City’s Major Events and Festivals Program.

The position works directly with the Head of Programming to ensure the planning and delivery of a world class creative program of events that are sustainable, diverse and accessible and which entertain all audiences and spectators.

The program of events on which the Program Manager may work includes but is not limited to; Sydney Streets, Sydney Christmas, Sydney New Year’s Eve, Sydney Lunar Festival, Art & About and Capital Works events. The exact allocation of Program Managers to each event will be confirmed by the Head of Programming prior to each event season.

To be suited to the role, you will have:
• Tertiary qualifications in Arts or Events Management or equivalent experience gained through career or industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience in the programming of major events across diverse forms of entertainment.
• A comprehensive understanding of all production, operational and technical processes on large scale arts and cultural and/or live entertainment events.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating effectively with a broad spectrum of both internal and external stakeholders, including the proven ability to negotiate and interact on key activities and sensitive issues, utilising effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive experience in the development and management of project budgets, scopes of work, management of procurement and ongoing contract management of suppliers.

The Program Manager will contribute to a team culture that is creative, courageous, resilient and adaptive to change, with a commitment to good governance and public benefit. You will possess maturity, discretion, sound judgement and the capacity to act autonomously, with demonstrated experience working in a high performing, collaborative team.

Download position description.

This role has the option of a rostered day off each month, known as a 19-day month.

The recommended applicant must complete a pre-employment health declaration, criminal history and working with children check.

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm, Tuesday 18 March 2025.

For more information, contact Jamie Dawson, Head of Programming at jdawson1@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or on 02 9265 9277.

What we can offer you

You’ll work with passionate, welcoming and supportive people who care for our communities and create a future for all.

Flexible working
• 3 days of care and cultural leave each year for health and wellbeing activities, cultural and religious days or events of significance
• Collaborative approach to flexible working
• City centre head office, with many public transport options.

Professional development
• Leadership and management development program
• Further education program providing reimbursement of course fees, and study and exam leave
• Opportunity to attend external courses and conferences
• Long service and employee recognition awards
• Employee assistance program offering free, confidential counselling

Supporting families
• 26 weeks paid parental leave and 6 weeks paid partner leave
• Paid and unpaid adoption and long-term fostering leave
• Paid superannuation for up to 52 weeks of parental leave
• Part-time and job-sharing options available
• Supportive return-to-work environment

Inclusive culture
• Recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia
• Active employee networks including City Women, City Pride, DiverseCity and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network
• Recognised family inclusive workplace
• Veteran employment supporter

Find out why a career at the City of Sydney might be right for you.

How to apply

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds in a workplace as diverse as our communities. We’re passionate about gender balance, with an executive team two-thirds female and half of leadership roles held by women.

All applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, veterans and people of diverse sexualities and genders, are encouraged to join us.

We’re a disability confident recruiter. If you identify as a person with disability and require support for your application or the recruitment process, contact us at recruitment@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or 02 9265 9333.

Select ‘apply now’ to submit your resume and selection criteria.