Lead Practice Adviser – Theatre | Kaiārahi Kaitohutohu Whakaari
CreativeNZ | Toi Aotearoa
Mō mātou | About us
Lead Practice Adviser – Theatre | Kaiārahi Kaitohutohu Whakaari
• Lead artform and development projects and initiatives
• Provide strategic recommendations using data and sector insights
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships
Ko wai te Pakihi nei | About the Organisation:
Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa is the national arts development agency, working alongside artists, ringatoi, practitioners and arts organisations across the motu. The organisation is moving into the next phase of a significant change programme, with a new operating model designed to strengthen leadership, connection, investment and impact across the arts and ngā toi.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Ko te āhua o te tūranga | About the Role
This is a critical portfolio role within the Arts Investment Pou, which leads Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa’s national and international investment and capability and development work. This team is responsible for leading national and international arts development opportunities and pathways, including target markets, territories and opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and exchange. Working closely with fellow Lead Practice Advisers and colleagues across the organisation, and interfacing with artists, organisations and stakeholders across the sector, we ensure investment decisions are insight and sector-led, equitable and aligned to CNZ’s strategies for maximum impact.
As an individual with significant, in-sector experience and specific knowledge of Theatre, you will play a key role in strengthening artistic practice, sector capability and wider sector national and international eco-systems for the arts.
Working closely with advisory groups, artists, organisations, and stakeholders, you will:
• Identify emerging opportunities and challenges across the sector
• Provide senior-level strategic advice that informs investment, development, and sector priorities
• Analyse sector trends, research, and performance to generate insights
• Deliver initiatives that strengthen capability, sustainability, and innovation
• Evaluate investment outcomes to support future decision-making
• Manage strategic partnerships, contracts, and collaborative projects
Mōu | About You
The successful candidate will bring:
• Significant experience within the arts, creative, cultural, or related sectors
• Established relationships with artists, practitioners, and arts organisations
• Experience leading projects, programmes, or sector development initiatives
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgement
• Ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations
• Financial literacy and performance analysis skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and adaptively
• Knowledge of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Ability to work effectively across diverse communities and cultural contexts
Me tono mai inaīanei | Apply Now!
Applications close midnight Sunday 8th November 2026
Me pēhea te tuku tono |
How to apply
To find out more, please get in touch with Orissa Plimmer on 027 285 1461 or Luke Spratt on 021 056 7035 for a confidential kōrero.
To apply, you must be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or hold a valid visa with the right to work in Aotearoa. We’ll be reviewing candidates as they come through, so we encourage early applications.
We are the landing place where our people can come to rest upon, a safe space. A place where excellence and culture are encouraged and ultimately recognised.
Kia tau ai te mauri tū, te mauri ora ki te katoa. Nau mai, tau mai! Vitality and well-being for all. Welcome, settle here!