School General Manager
Full-time continuing leadership opportunity as School General Manager
Play a key leadership role in shaping the future of one of Australia's leading music institutions through collaboration and partnership
Senior Professional Staff position offering a competitive remuneration package, including 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
One of Australia's oldest and most prestigious music institutions, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has been part of the University of Sydney since 1990, providing world class music education, performance opportunities, and research. For more than a century, it has been at the heart of Australia's musical and cultural life, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's musical landscape.
This is an exciting time to join the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, which continues to gain national and international recognition for excellence in music education, performance, and research. Adding to this momentum, the Conservatorium has announced the first expansion in its 110 year history, extending its world class programs and industry partnerships to Western Sydney through a new Parramatta campus.
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music is seeking an exceptional School General Manager to join its leadership team. This influential role offers the opportunity to help shape the Conservatorium's academic and operational direction, partnering with senior leaders to deliver on its strategic vision and goals.
Your key responsibilities will include:
As a key member of the leadership team and a vital link between the Conservatorium and the University's central services, this role is instrumental in driving operational excellence, leading strategic initiatives, and ensuring the infrastructure, resources, and processes are in place to support exceptional teaching, learning, research, music and performing arts programs and performances, and external engagement outcomes.
Strategic leadership and planning: Partner with the Head of School and Dean to translate the School's strategic vision into operational priorities, driving planning, decision-making, and cross-University collaboration to achieve key objectives
Operational leadership and management: Lead the implementation of University-wide operational initiatives and service improvements within the School, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and successful adoption across all areas. Oversee the operational planning and delivery of music and performing arts programs, performances, events, and related activities to support the School's academic and artistic objectives.
People leadership and management: Provide strategic leadership of the School's professional services function, driving workforce planning, recruitment, talent development, succession planning, and the implementation of University people policies to foster a high-performing and future-focused team
Financial management and oversight: Partner with the Head of School and Dean and the Finance team to develop, manage, and monitor the School's budget, ensuring alignment with financial strategy and performance objectives.
About you
You are a collaborative and influential operational leader with the ability to partner effectively with academic leadership, navigate complex environments, and deliver organisational priorities through collaboration, innovation, and sound decision-making.
relevant tertiary qualifications, or an equivalent combination of experience and training
significant senior leadership experience in operations, business management, or professional services leadership, ideally gained within higher education, the creative arts, research-intensive institutions, or similarly complex environments
experience in the administration and operational management of music and/or performing arts programs, productions, performances, and related activities within a higher education, arts, or cultural institution would be highly regarded
proven experience leading and developing diverse teams, fostering an inclusive, high-performing, and service-oriented culture
strong financial management, planning, budgeting, and resource allocation capability
demonstrated success in delivering strategic initiatives, operational improvement programs, and organisational change
exceptional communication, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across a broad range of stakeholders
strong analytical and problem-solving capability, using data and insights to inform decision-making and drive organisational outcomes.
Work Rights
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Justyn Griffin, Recruitment Operations by email to justyn .griffin@sydney.edu.au
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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 11 October 2026 11:59 PM