Join the team
Join the team
Create connections, shift realities, and make lives better. At Terrapin, your work can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Business Manager position
We’re looking for a Business Manager to join our small, passionate team, and help shape our next chapter.
Reporting to the CEO/Executive Producer and working closely with the Artistic Director, the Business Manager is responsible for the financial, operational, and administrative backbone of the company. This is a key leadership role that ensures Terrapin remains a sustainable, well-governed, and future-focused organisation.
This role would suit someone who thrives in a creative environment, enjoys a wide-ranging scope, and wants to contribute meaningfully to a growing and future-focused organisation.
Interested?
If, after reading the information pack below, you have any further questions, please contact, Recruitment Advisor, Annette Downs: info@terrapin.org.au
Applications close: Monday 28 July 2025, 10am
Application pack
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This is a key leadership role at Terrapin, working closely with the Executive Producer and Artistic Director to ensure the smooth, sustainable running of the organisation. The Business Manager is responsible for financial oversight, contracting, office systems, compliance, and human resources.
This role would suit someone who thrives in a creative environment, enjoys a wide-ranging scope, and wants to contribute meaningfully to a growing and future-focused organisation.
Key responsibilities:
Financial management
- Co-develop and manage annual and project budgets
- Lead monthly forecasting and financial reporting for management and Board
- Prepare grant budgets and acquittals
- Support project leads with budgeting
- Manage payroll, accounts, banking, and audit
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations and systems
Contracting
- Draft and manage contracts for staff, artists, and contractors
- Ensure all contracts meet compliance and financial standards
- Maintain clear documentation and centralised systems
Governance and compliance
- Act as Company Secretary; coordinate Board meetings and documentation
- Ensure compliance across insurance, WHS, ACNC, and other governance areas
- Maintain and update policies and risk management systems
- Coordinate staff training and risk assessments
Office administration
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including IT, procurement and asset management
- Lead HR administration, including onboarding, contracts and scheduling
- Ensure smooth internal communications and procedural documentation
Sustainability and evaluation
- Lead carbon accounting and sustainability initiatives
- Support sustainable event practices and evaluation processes
Organisational leadership
- Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development
- Provide continuity when the Executive Producer is away
- Lead or support special projects as assigned
Work Health & Safety
- Promote and maintain a safe workplace
- Hold or be willing to obtain a Working with Vulnerable People check
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Terrapin puts what matters in motion. Exploring beyond the borders of contemporary puppetry, our purpose is to make lives better, shift realities and create connections, and we’ve been doing it for over 45 years.
As we build worlds, create stories and craft characters we connect contemporary artists with intergenerational audiences—locally, nationally and internationally—through work in theatres, public space, and projects that drive social change and connection.
Terrapin is a company committed to growth—both artistic and organisational. We are actively working on building a strong, inclusive and values-based culture where creative excellence and professional care go hand in hand. You’ll be joining a team that is collaborative, curious and committed to making bold work with purpose.
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- Experience in financial management including reporting, payroll, and budgeting, with excellent attention to detail
- Proven ability to produce and interpret financial reports and advise leadership
- Strong administration and HR experience
- Understanding of contracting within creative or NFP settings
- Excellent communication skills and confidence with business systems (e.g. Excel, Xero)
- Familiarity with sustainability practices is a plus
- Knowledge of the Australian arts sector and commitment to Terrapin’s mission
- Self-starter who works well in a small, collaborative team
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If applying via email, send:
- Cover letter (maximum three pages, addressing the selection criteria)
- Current resume (maximum two pages, including two referees with their phone and email contact details)
To Recruitment Advisor, Annette Downs:
Email: info@terrapin.org.au
Subject line: Business Manager Application
Applications close: Monday 28 July 2025, 10am
Terrapin encourages applications from First Nations people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We are committed to a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Note: Terrapin is currently housed in a heritage building where there is an elevator and ramp access to the office level. However, the rehearsal space is up some very narrow steep stairs. Unfortunately, this may preclude some applicants from being in the rehearsal room for showings of new performances. Screen viewing access from the admin office would be arranged on these occasions and while not ideal it does mean an applicant who cannot use stairs could still succeed in this position.
If, after reading the information pack, you have any further questions, please contact, Recruitment Advisor, Annette Downs: info@terrapin.org.au
Online interviews will take place the week of Monday 4 August 2025.
Our team
- CEO/Executive Producer
The CEO and Executive Producer of Terrapin since 2018, Belinda has over 15 years of experience in the cultural sector as a manager and producer, with a focus on the development and presentation of new Australian work, strategic development, and sustainability.
Belinda has held management and producer positions at Arts Centre Melbourne, Griffin Theatre Company, Theatre Works and Melbourne Festival. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University and is a current board member of Tasmania’s Beaker Street Festival.
- Artistic Director
Sam has been creating work for intergenerational audiences in schools, theatres and public spaces for over 25 years. A skilled collaborator across sectors and cultures, his work has played in over 11 countries in diverse places from The Atrium City Hall in The Hague to The John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts to Smithton Primary School in the North West of Tasmania.
He has a Bachelor of Arts - Communication (Theatre/Media) from Charles Sturt University and Post-Graduate Diploma in Puppetry from the Victorian College of the Arts.
- Marketing and Development Manager
Laura has led the marketing and development team at Terrapin since 2021, with extensive experience in marketing partnerships, stakeholder management and fundraising in a range of commercial and creative settings. She has worked in corporate development at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City; in sponsorship and event marketing at Willett Marketing; and in community, donor and stakeholder engagement at Ten Days on the Island.
Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Masters of Arts and Cultural Management from the University of Melbourne. She is a board member of Beaker Street Festival and Lindsay magazine, and an active volunteer with the Migrant Resource Centre.
- Design and Sustainability Consultant
Bryony is a designer, maker, and creative director with a lifelong focus on resource stewardship. After several years as lead maker and head of workshop at Terrapin, she has stepped into the role of Design and Sustainability Consultant.
She has been working in puppetry and performance since 1997 with many Australian companies including Erth, Theatre of Image, Monkey Baa Theatre, My Darling Patricia, Circus Monoxide, and Born in a Taxi.
Her work has toured nationally and internationally and appeared in galleries, festivals and museums. She has led over 120 workshops in rural, desert and urban communities, and continues to mentor emerging artists.
- Impact Program Designer
Dannielle is a project manager, drama therapist, counsellor, and performance artist with extensive experience developing unique work in a variety of community settings, including First Nations communities and the aged care sector. Through her work, Dannie recognises the multiple healing benefits of drama therapy for people impacted by lived experiences of trauma, disability and dementia. In 2020, she won the Australasian Elder Care Award for Best Dementia Care Program, where she crafted films from clients' stories, which were then screened across NSW cinemas. Dannie's 15-year career with some of Australia's leading theatre companies informs her therapeutic approach, blending professional artistry with transformative therapy.
- Workshop Manager
Mads Hillam is a Maker, Stage Manager and is currently the Workshop Manager at Terrapin, with experience in technical production, construction, and design. Originally from Townsville, Mads worked with TheatreiNQ and Dancenorth before studying at the Victorian College of the Arts, graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor of Design and Production, majoring in Set and Props.
Mads has held various roles, including leading hand at Aludean Sculpture, working on large-scale bronze public art, and at Meridian Sculpture, a studio and foundry, focusing on wax modelling and finishing. As a props technician for the Sydney season of An American in Paris (2022), Mads was responsible for running the props track and performing maintenance. On Hairspray (2022–2023), Mads toured as Assistant Stage Manager and Props Master, managing sourcing, making, maintenance, and the props track for the national tour.
In 2023, Mads began at Terrapin as the Jennifer Davidson Creative Trainee in puppet construction and Workshop Coordinator. Mentored by Bryony Anderson, Mads contributed to the puppets for Feathers and built Duck and Rita the BeeEater. Mads has also worked as lead maker for A Whale Tale and designed and built Space Fish for the band Whistle and Trick. They also work as a facilitator for shadow puppetry workshops with diverse communities.