First Nations Fashion and Design Indigenous Corporation
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title
General Manager (GM)
Employment Type
Part-Time – 3 Days Per Week / Wednesday - Friday
Salary
$90,000 Pro Rata + Superannuation
Location
FNFD Hub, Room 108 Y Block, TAFE Cairns
Reports To
Board of First Nations Fashion and Design Indigenous Corporation
Works Closely Alongside
Creative Director
Directly Leads
Operations & Governance Lead
Programs Lead
Contractors, Consultants and Program Staff
POSITION SUMMARY
The General Manager (GM) is the senior operational and organisational lead of First Nations Fashion and Design Indigenous Corporation (FNFD), responsible for leading the organisation’s strategic growth, operational management, governance, staffing, partnerships, financial sustainability, and team leadership.
Reporting directly to the Board and working closely alongside the Creative Director, the GM provides executive leadership across all areas of the organisation to ensure FNFD operates as a culturally strong, professionally managed and sustainable national Indigenous-led organisation.
This role is responsible for leading and strengthening the organisation’s operational infrastructure, workforce, governance systems, reporting frameworks, funding strategy, partnerships and long-term institutional development. The General Manager oversees the organisation’s internal operations while enabling the Creative Director and program teams to deliver FNFD’s artistic, cultural and sector development vision.
As FNFD enters a significant phase of growth nationally, the General Manager will play a central leadership role in building the organisation’s capacity, sustainability, reputation and long-term impact across Indigenous fashion, textiles, design and creative industries.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic & Organisational Leadership
- Lead the strategic operational direction and long-term sustainability of FNFD
- Work collaboratively with the Board and Creative Director to implement organisational vision, strategic priorities and growth opportunities
- Lead organisational planning, operational development and institutional strengthening
- Identify opportunities to expand FNFD nationally through partnerships, funding and sector development initiatives
- Support the development of FNFD as a leading Indigenous-led cultural and creative organisation
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, manage and support FNFD staff, contractors and consultants
- Provide leadership, mentoring and professional support to the Operations Lead, Programs Lead and wider team
- Coordinate organisational workflow, staffing priorities and operational delivery
- Foster a collaborative, culturally safe and high-performing workplace culture
- Support staff wellbeing, communication and organisational cohesion
- Build workforce capacity and support long-term organisational sustainability
Operations & Governance Oversight
- Oversee organisational operations, administration and governance systems
- Ensure strong governance, compliance and accountability processes are maintained across the organisation
- Oversee organisational policies, procedures and operational frameworks
- Support Board processes including reporting, strategic planning and governance documentation
- Oversee AGM and Annual Report processes in collaboration with the Operations & Governance Lead
Funding, Partnerships & Sustainability
- Lead funding strategy, partnership development and organisational sustainability initiatives
- Identify, secure and manage grants, sponsorships, philanthropy and strategic partnerships
- Build and maintain strong relationships across government, arts, education, philanthropy, industry and community sectors
- Represent FNFD in meetings, forums, conferences, public presentations and stakeholder engagement opportunities
- Advocate nationally for the growth and sustainability of Indigenous fashion and creative industries
Financial & Reporting Oversight
- Oversee organisational budgets, financial planning and operational expenditure
- Work closely with accountants, auditors and staff to ensure accurate financial management and acquittals
- Oversee organisational reporting, compliance obligations and funding requirements
- Ensure reporting systems and data collection processes are maintained across all programs and activities
Cultural & Community Leadership
- Uphold FNFD’s values of cultural integrity, community leadership and Indigenous self-determination
- Support culturally respectful and community-led organisational practices
- Ensure organisational activities align with FNFD’s commitment to First Nations creatives, communities and cultural leadership
- Strengthen FNFD’s relationships with Indigenous artists, designers, Elders, communities and sector leaders nationally
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Demonstrated senior leadership and organisational management experience
- Experience leading teams, operations and organisational growth
- Experience working within Indigenous organisations, arts organisations, not-for-profit sectors or community-led organisations
- Strong communication, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, staffing, reporting, governance and operational systems
- Proven experience identifying and securing grants, partnerships, sponsorships or funding opportunities
- Experience overseeing organisational reporting, compliance, AGMs and Annual Reports
- Strong strategic planning, organisational and problem-solving capability
- Ability to lead collaboratively within a small and growing organisation
- Strong understanding of culturally safe and respectful workplace practices
- High level administrative and operational management capability
Desirable
- Tertiary qualifications in Arts Management, Business, Management, Community Development, Indigenous Studies or related fields
- Knowledge of Indigenous fashion, textiles, arts and creative industries
- Experience working with Boards and governance structures
- Experience in sector development and institutional partnerships
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Visionary and community-focused
- Strong people leadership and team management capability
- Strategic, calm and solutions-focused
- Collaborative and culturally grounded
- Highly organised and adaptable
- Strong communicator and relationship builder
- Passionate about Indigenous creative industries, cultural leadership and long-term sector development
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Part-time role – 3 days per week
- Based at FNFD Hub, TAFE Cairns
- Some interstate travel and evening/weekend work may be required
- Flexibility required during major programs, reporting periods and events
FNFD strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Pay: From $90,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
