For almost 150 years, the Theatre Royal Nelson has been part of Whakatū Nelson’s cultural and community life, bringing people together through live performance and providing a stage for generations of local, national and international performers. As the theatre approaches its 150th anniversary in 2028, the Nelson Historic Theatre Trust Board has taken an important step towards securing the theatre’s future in creating a new Chief Executive role to lead its next stage of growth and development.
Our Client
Built in 1878, the Theatre Royal Nelson is a historic 330-seat performing arts venue, owned and operated by the Nelson Historic Theatre Trust, serving the arts, events, education, community and visitor economy of Nelson Tasman. Recognising a changing arts environment, economic pressures and new opportunities to strengthen the theatre’s contribution to the region, the Board is positioning the theatre for the long term. Their aim is to build on the Theatre Royal’s rich heritage and strong community connections, while developing these new opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the theatre remains vibrant, relevant and financially sustainable for future generations. For more information, please visit: http://www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Trust Board and leading a small, dedicated team and supporting a wider base of contractors and volunteers, you will provide the strategic, commercial, and operational leadership the Theatre Royal needs to operate sustainably and successfully into the future. You will translate the Board’s strategic plan into a clear, measurable business plan, lead commercial growth and revenue diversification, and grow the use of the theatre and its spaces. Beyond the theatre, you will be its senior external representative with Nelson City Council, funders, sponsors, donors, iwi, the arts sector and the wider community. Key to your success will be:
- Building new and strengthened revenue streams through sponsorship, partnerships, grants, donors and bequests
- Exploring opportunities to strengthen and expand service delivery, and diversify venue use and hire
- Increasing venue utilisation and audience engagement, while protecting the theatre’s heritage and community purpose
- Leading health, safety, risk and compliance assurance for a busy, public-facing heritage venue
- Inspiring, supporting and developing staff, contractors and volunteers
To view the Position Description click here
Your Skills and Experience
To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced, commercially astute leader with the strategic vision, relationship skills and enthusiasm to help shape the Theatre Royal’s next chapter. You will bring significant senior leadership experience in a commercially focused, public-facing organisation, ideally within arts and culture, events, venues, tourism or the for-purpose sector. You will have a proven record of developing new revenue and partnerships, strong financial acumen, and experience advising a Board or similar governance group.
A confident communicator and natural relationship builder, you will move credibly between funders, Council, sponsors, hirers, performers, staff and volunteers. You will bring a practical operational leadership capability, health, safety and risk expertise, as well as a genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to the community value of this much-loved venue.
To Apply
Few venues hold such a special place in their community, and few appointments offer the chance to lead a heritage theatre into its 150th year. If you would like to shape the next chapter of the Theatre Royal Nelson, we welcome your application. Please apply online with your cover letter and CV. Initial confidential enquiries are welcome by phoning Emily Bissett on 027 228 5999.
Applications close Tuesday 17 November 2026.