Careers

Join the City of Parramatta during an exciting period of transformation as we prepare for the redevelopment of Riverside Theatres.

During the redevelopment period, Riverside Theatres will operate as ‘Live at Phive’ – a 186-seat temporary venue situated in PHIVE’s Discovery space during the redevelopment of its permanent precinct, the temporary venue ensures continuity of cultural activity and community engagement for our City.

At Council, we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We are committed to implementing child safe practices to create an environment where children feel safe and included. We screen candidates to ensure their suitability to work with children, this includes conducting National Police Checks, Working with Children Checks, and through reference checks. Our commitment to child safety is explained in Council’s Child Safe Commitment Statement.

About the role

This role leads the commissioning of the venue, and oversees the day-to-day operations and management of all core functional areas.

The Venue and Presenter Services Manager (VPSM) is a pivotal leadership role in charge of the Riverside Theatre in PHIVE.  The role serves as the operational linchpin, coordinating closely with the PHIVE operations team and Riverside’s leadership, business readiness and corporate services teams.

On a daily basis you will:

• Lead and manage the venue establishment in coordination, project planning, budget tracking, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Define operational workflows, service standards, staffing structures, resource plans in preparation for venue launch
• Ensure regulatory and compliance requirements are satisfied prior to go-live
• Oversee daily operations of all theatre functions
• Coordinate and monitor service delivery across multiple business units and liaise with PHIVE building management, service quality, efficiency and business performance metrics
• Implement business continuity plans and emergency procedures in alignment with both policies – Riverside and PHIVE
• Manage and develop all revenue and financial operations
• Establish and monitor food, beverage & bar operations
• Oversee and collaborate with the Programming, Business Readiness and Legal Teams to manage contracting, invoicing and insurance coverage.
• Lead negotiations and relationship management with external hirers, touring producer and community clients
• Ensure the venue is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, safety, presentation and functionality at all times
• Ensure signage, amenities and wayfinding are always accessible and aligned with brand standards
• Oversee FOH operations and ushering services to ensure all standards
• Monitor customer relations and feedback, respond to escalated complaints and initiate service improvements
• Supervise, coach, and lead an operational team towards achieving desired organisational outcomes

About You

We are looking for someone with: 

• Tertiary Qualifications (minimum Cert IV) or significant demonstrated experience in venue, theatre or live operations, including leadership roles
• Minimum 7 years of experience in venue, theatre or live event operations, including leadership roles
• Responsible Service of Alcohol, and Food & Beverage manage experience in a licensed environment
• Proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and leading high-performance environments, and working in a civic or public space environment
• Demonstrated ability to deliver large-scale operational projects
• Experience in managing revenue streams
• Ability to communicate effectively and being able to navigate complex environments
• Strong understanding of WHS, emergency procedures, accessibility, compliance frameworks, Project Management principles, venue hire, event delivery, commercial contracting and client service
• Strong Financial Literacy including budget development, cost management and commercial reporting
• Sound understanding of business and operational/service delivery principles

What’s on offer:

This is a Term Contract Opportunity for an initial period of 12 months, with a view to extend if required.

Must be available to work across the spread of hours 7 days per week.

We are offering an attractive remuneration from $138,124 plus 12% Superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include:

• Attractive leave benefits (3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)

Want to know more?

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

Review our Values Flyer which outlines Council’s core values and behaviours.

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion please contact Craig McMaster on (02) 8839 3350 or email cmcmaster_riverside@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au.

How to apply

Candidates must apply online attaching a cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the position.

A Paid Working with Children Check must be uploaded as part of your application.

Applications close 9pm, Sunday 14 September 2025 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

As this is a child-related position, prohibited persons as defined under the NSW Child Protection Act are not eligible to apply.

Council is committed to providing a child safe environment and is guided by the NSW Child Safe Standards | Office of the Children’s Guardian. For more information on Council’s Child Safe Framework please visit Child Safe | City of Parramatta.

Join the City of Parramatta during an exciting period of transformation as we prepare for the redevelopment of Riverside Theatres as a part of the unprecedented change and transformation of Parramatta as we grow and transform into a Global City.

During the redevelopment period, Riverside Theatres will establish an interim facility –  ‘Riverside Live at Phive’ – a 186-seat temporary venue situated in PHIVE’s Discovery space . The temporary venue initiative is being established to ensure continuity of cultural activity and community engagement for our City, and to enable Riverside Theatres to maintain an active brand and audience presence in the city and performing arts industry.

About the role

This position is responsible for leading and managing the finance team supporting the ‘Riverside Live at PHIVE’ interim operations.

The Senior Finance Coordinator oversees the coordination of financial and budgeting processes for the venue and ensures accurate financial reporting, statutory compliance, and effective stakeholder engagement. The role requires a high level of expertise in accounting principles and financial systems, with a strong focus on operational continuity and strategic financial planning.

On a daily basis you will:

• Coordinate, collate, and consolidate financial data for budget and forecast preparation and review by The Director and Venue and Presenter Services Manager.
• Manage data input into Council financial systems and liaise with Riverside Leadership, Finance Business Partners and Business Readiness Business and Finance Stream Lead .
• Administer monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for base accounts, operating projects, and capital projects.
• Prepare financial and statutory reports for external partners and stakeholders.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate information sharing.
• Coordinate with external auditors and support the audit process.
• Undertake ad hoc projects to support business unit management.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in senior financial and governance management, with proven skills in budgeting, reporting, compliance and administration within complex organisations. Experience in the theatre/live performance sector is essential, with a background in producing, presenting, touring and/or venue management. A mix of commercial acumen and creative industry insight will ensure the role supports both sustainable operations and Riverside’s future artistic outcomes.

You will also bring:

• Experience:
  • Minimum 5+ years in accounting and financial reporting.
  • Experience with finance and business management software including spreadsheets, budgeting, and document management systems.
• Qualification:
  • Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Commerce, Business Studies or related discipline (minimum Diploma).
• Skills:
  • Strong financial management and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team.
  • Strong organisational and planning skills.
  • Written communication skills for preparing reports and documentation.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing workloads and technologies.

What’s on offer

This is a Term Contract Opportunity for an initial period of 12 months, with a view to extend if required.  

We are offering an attractive remuneration from $104,610 to $115,174 plus 12% superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta also offers excellent employee benefits which include:

• Attractive leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)

Want to know more? 

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

Review our Values Flyer which outlines Council’s core values and behaviours.

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion please contact Craig McMaster on (02) 8839 3350 or email cmcmaster_riverside@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au.

How to apply 

Candidates MUST apply online.

Please attach a Cover Letter addressing your suitability for the position.

Applications close 9pm, 9pm, Sunday 14^th September 2025 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

> Click here to Apply Online

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, ADF veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups.  We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.

Join the City of Parramatta during an exciting period of transformation as we prepare for the redevelopment of Riverside Theatres as a part of the unprecedented change and transformation of Parramatta as we grow and transform into a Global City.

During the redevelopment period, Riverside Theatres will establish an interim facility –   ‘Riverside Live at Phive’ – a 186-seat temporary venue situated in PHIVE’s Discovery space . The temporary venue initiative is being established to ensure continuity of cultural activity and community engagement for our City, and to enable Riverside Theatres to maintain an active brand and audience presence in the city and performing arts industry.

About the role

This position is responsible for overseeing the administration of venue bookings with a focus on commercial and community venue hire and co-presentations for ‘Riverside Live at PHIVE’ interim operations.

The role supports Riverside’s interim operations during the redevelopment of its permanent precinct and plays a key part in maximising venue utilisation through strategic partnerships and third-party hire.

On a daily basis you will:

• Work with the venue programming team to engage with hirers and producers and contract a events and performances to meet annual utilisation and revenue targets.
• Coordinate venue bookings and identify new revenue streams using project management and risk controls.
• Maintain excellent client relationships and negotiate venue hire contracts.
• Oversee the venue booking system and manage event documentation including hire agreements, cost estimates, and technical briefings.
• Collaborate with the programming team to ensure a balanced mix of commercial, artistic, and community events.
• Prepare reports, statistics, and evaluations for financial and audience reporting.

About You

The successful candidate should have previous experience in venue operations, event coordination, and stakeholder engagement within the arts or cultural sector.

You will also bring:

• Experience: 5+ years in arts or cultural programming, contract negotiation, and project management in complex environments.
• Qualification: Tertiary qualifications (minimum Cert IV) or significant demonstrated experience in venue, theatre, or live event operations.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of event delivery including sound, lighting, staging, and risk management.
  • Advanced programming expertise in the performing arts and creative industries.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder coordination skills.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and resolve complex issues.

What’s on offer

This is a Term Contract Opportunity for an initial period of 12 months, with a view to extend if required.

We are offering an attractive remuneration from $87,851 to $96,771 plus 12% superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta also offers excellent employee benefits which include:

• Attractive leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)

Want to know more?

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

Review our Values Flyer which outlines Council’s core values and behaviours.

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion please contact Catherine Swallow on (02) 8839 3386 or email cswallow_riverside@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au.

How to apply

Candidates must apply online attaching a Cover Letter addressing the essential requirements of the position.

Applications close 9pm, Sunday, 14^th September 2025 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

> Click here to Apply Online

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, ADF veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.

Join our business readiness transition team to help lead a bold new future for one of Western Sydney’s premier cultural institutions.

The City of Parramatta is seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Services professional to assist with the strategic planning, design and implementation of the new governance and business services operating model for the redevelopment of Riverside Theatres. It will lead the Finance and Business reporting function and support the Governance stream with key project deliverables.

You will provide strategic leadership and advice to the Director, Riverside Theatres and senior Executive Team and Council stakeholders on business readiness requirements, oversee the setup of financial and corporate frameworks and ensure alignment with the organisation’s long-term objectives, compliance obligations and financial sustainability.

This role has one (1) direct report as well as working closely with the Senior Business Transition Project Manager and external consultants on the establishment of the appropriate framework for philanthropy and company limited by guarantee (CLG).

In this role you will

• Develop and manage Stream’s delivery plan to ensure all project milestones are achieved and that any risks are identified and mitigated as early as possible.
• Prepare high quality project documentation, such as status and recommendation reports as required in a timely manner.
• Lead the creation and implementation of all aspects of the new theatres finance and business reporting structure.  This includes a range of deliverables relating to Governance frameworks, Policy and Planning, Business Process and People.
• Lead and manage the finance, structure and governance stream. 
• Establish a governance framework and operating model to align with the structure of the entity
• Establish policies and procedures for the Business Readiness phase, liaise with key stakeholders to ensure compliance and adherence to governance and legal protocols.
• Defining the scope and relevant business processes for financial transactions to be undertaken 
• Managing the setup of trading entities, financial reporting and SLAs (service level agreements)
• Coordinating with Legal, Finance and Governance on establishing structures.
• Overseeing the financial oversight of all pre-opening budget requirements
• Review relevant existing and develop new policies and procedures where required that relate to all aspects of Business and Corporate Services functions for the future operating model of Riverside Performing Arts Centre.
• Lead and manage all the key business support systems for Riverside Performing Arts Centre, to support the service delivery areas to achieve their strategic and operational objectives when the Performing Arts Centre opens.

About you

The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in senior financial and governance management, with proven skills in budgeting, reporting, compliance and administration within complex organisations. Experience in the theatre/live performance sector is essential, with a background in producing, presenting, touring and/or venue management. A mix of commercial acumen and creative industry insight will ensure the role supports both sustainable operations and Riverside’s future artistic outcomes.

You will have:

• Degree qualifications in Finance, business administration, Performing Arts, Arts Management, or a related field, or extensive relevant experience of, typically up to 15 years.
• Significant demonstrated experience in working with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and delivering services to a high standard to meet financial and other business performance criteria. 
• Experience negotiating, managing and executing contracts and/or agreements, and delivery of partners contractual obligations
• High level Financial, Budget and Forecasting management skills.
• Working with & interpreting Data to inform Business decision making
• Sound understanding of business and service delivery principles
• Operational Planning experience, including Procedure development and business process mapping
• Sound understanding project skills – risk management and governance, accountable and deadline focused. 

What’s on offer:

This is a term contract position aligned with the Riverside Redevelopment Project, with an expected duration of up to three years.

We are offering an attractive remuneration from range of $138,124.81 to $152,133.01 plus 12% superannuation. 

This is a career-defining opportunity to play a pivotal role in one of the most significant cultural transitions in the region’s history.

Want to know more?

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

How to apply:

Applications close 9pm, Sunday, 14^th September 2025 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

Please upload a one-page application outlining your reasons for applying, and how your qualifications, skills and experience align with the role.

> Click here to Apply Online

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment.

This role requires a Criminal History Records check. A criminal record does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate.

Inclusion and diversity matter. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, women, LGBTQIA+ communities, veterans and people of all ages. We are committed to reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency or unlimited working rights in Australia.

The Job Advertisement and Position Description help you decide whether the position is suitable for you, including the salary, employment conditions, duties and responsibilities.

In addition, the Position Description identifies the key Selection Criteria and personal qualities required for the position in relation to qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, interpersonal style and attributes.

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) should be updated, clear and concise and provide an outline of your personal details, education and training, employment history and dates of previous positions. In addition, you should provide the contact details for two recent referees.

Your Cover Letter should provide a general overview of your experience, a brief outline of which position you are applying for and the reasons why you are interested in the vacancy.

For all positions, these documents need to be uploaded through the City of Parramatta Council online application process.

Some positions require you to include responses to Selection Criteria with your application. Your responses should concisely and fully describe how you consider yourself suitable against each of the Selection Criteria and where possible provide examples. Your statement addressing the Selection Criteria should be no more than 3 pages in length.

The wording of the Selection Criteria indicates the required level of knowledge, skills and abilities needed for the position.

Examples include:

• Demonstrated or proven ability means that you should have successfully performed the activity or used the skill in the past/actual experience rather than just having potential;
• General ability or general knowledge implies that you have the potential to acquire the skill or knowledge – if you have not had direct experience with the aspects of work required in the position you could demonstrate your ability by comparing it to similar or equivalent responsibilities, tasks, etc. or relevant studies undertaken; and
• Thorough, sound or high level gives an indication that advanced skill or knowledge is required.                                                                                                       

Please note, that if your application does not address each Selection Criteria when it is required, you reduce your chance of being short-listed for an interview.

For work placement for secondary students, please contact the Work Placement Coordinator, Peter Troup at AusSIP on 0404 807 266 or send Peter an email.