Executive Director – Melbourne Fashion Festival

About the role

The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is seeking an Executive Director to steer the organisation through its next phase of growth and transformation. Reporting to the Board and working closely with the Creative Director, you will be responsible for turning strategic vision into operational excellence while ensuring the Festival remains both creatively vibrant and financially sustainable.

Key responsibilities

• Translate the Board’s strategic direction into an annual and three‑year business plan with clear priorities, budgets, KPIs and delivery accountability.
• Lead commercial and financial strategy, driving revenue growth, identifying new income streams, setting pricing, and managing cost, margin and performance.
• Build and manage a high‑value portfolio of sponsors, partners and stakeholders across government, corporate and industry sectors.
• Collaborate with the Board on governance, reporting, risk management, funding and compliance obligations.
• Provide organisational leadership that fosters a high‑performing, accountable and collaborative culture across creative, commercial, production and operational teams.
• Oversee delivery of festival programmes, ensuring alignment between creative excellence and commercial viability.

Required profile

• Proven senior executive experience in leading complex, not‑for‑profit or cultural organisations.
• Demonstrated success in commercial and financial management, including revenue generation and cost control.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience building sponsor and partnership portfolios.
• Ability to work closely with creative leadership while maintaining commercial discipline.
• Experience in governance, risk management and compliance within a board‑led environment.

Required skills