SYDNEY FRINGE Venue Managers
LOCATION: 303 Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
REPORTS TO: Production Manager
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Fixed-term Contract (Monday 24 August – Friday 2nd October 2026, Friday October 9th End of Festival depending on venue assignment)
A full roster will be provided prior to commencement
DIRECT REPORTS: Nil
KEY AREAS: Festival Operational Delivery
ABOUT SYDNEY FRINGE
Sydney Fringe is a major cultural organisation and the largest independent arts festival in NSW with over 450 events presented in over 70 venues across Greater Sydney each year. Since 2025, it is a designated Foundation Event of NSW, an accolade which recognises the vital work that Sydney Fringe contributes the independent arts ecosystem. For over sixteen years, Sydney Fringe has provided vital platforms for independent, early-career and professional artists, championing access, expression and sector sustainability.
Our Values: Expression · Access · Connection · Integrity · Excellence
ROLE DESCRIPTION
We are looking for experienced Venue Managers with strong operational and customer service experience to join our vibrant festival staff team. Reporting to the Operations Manager, our ideal candidates will have experience working within the hospitality and/or arts industry in a festival environment, theatre, or live entertainment venue.
Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt quickly and contribute positively to a collaborative festival environment. Experience with crowd management, venue compliance, incident response, and stakeholder engagement are highly regarded.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage the venue and overall operations of the festival shows and events while on shift
- Manage front of house volunteers, technical operators and bar staff where applicable
- Act as a representative of Sydney Fringe Festival when working with stakeholders and the public
- Liaise with external stakeholders and producers to ensure the success of all shows and events
- Engage and provide fantastic customer service to patrons, artists, VIPs and crew
- Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements and Fringe policies
- Ensure performances commence and run on time
- Responsible for the open and close of the venue each day
- Daily management of the Venue (including bump in and bump out as required)
- Ensure the Venue is fully operational at scheduled times
- Complete daily checklists and stock takes and advise the Production Manager of anything lost/damaged or in need of replenishment
- Liaise with Festival Staff and provide reports and data as required to the Production Manager.
- Undertake any reasonable duties as required by the Production Manager.
KEY SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Demonstrated experience in the management of an entertainment venue, festival and/or theatre
- Demonstrated experience in compliance and risk management
- Experience & awareness working with D/deaf and disabled community
- Experience within WHS policy implementation, as well as emergency response development
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to manage a team of staff and volunteers
- Decision making across all areas of the position and works effectively independent of supervision
- Ability to show initiative and work collaboratively to problem solve and work efficiently
- Ensure accurate record keeping and documentation of attendance, show reports and operational issues
- Respect the contribution volunteers make to the not-for-profit sector and the Sydney Fringe Festival operation
- Maintain a professional and positive attitude in a fast-paced work environment
- Values consistent with the goals and philosophy of The Sydney Fringe
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Have a valid or willing to obtain first aid certification
- Have a valid or wiling to obtain a Working with Children Check for NSW (if applicable)
- Have a valid or be willing to obtain a Responsible Service of Alcohol Certification
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should respond to this position description, address the selection criteria, and include:
- A covering letter and current CV (no more than 3 pages combined).
- The names and contact details of two professional referees.
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF document, titled with your name and the position title, and emailed to [email protected]. Please use the subject line: “Venue Manager Application: [Your Name]”.
Due to the high volume of anticipated applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Closing date is 29th July (we will be interviewing on an ongoing basis prior to the closing date.)
For questions regarding this position, please contact Sydney Fringe Operations Manager Jamie Livingstone at [email protected].
DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Sydney Fringe is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people of all ages, genders and sexual orientations.
All applicants will be considered on the basis of merit, qualifications, and the ability to carry out the responsibilities of the role, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or marital status.
Pay: $30.00 – $40.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
