Work with us

We’re recruiting for the role of:

• Tumu Hōtaka · Head of Programming. Applications close 5.00pm, Wednesday 4 June 2025.

Be the creative force behind the city’s key arts festival.

Kei te kimi mātou o Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki i tētehi tuahangata, tuawahine rānei kia hono mai ki tō mātou tīma hei Tumu Hōtaka. Tirohia ngā taipitopito kōrero, ā, whakapā mai mehemea he pūkenga āu i roto i te ao whānui o nga toi. 

Auckland Arts Festival is on the look-out for a super talented and industry-savvy individual to join the Senior Management team as Tumu Hōtaka · Head of Programming.

Each March, our Festival transforms Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into a vibrant tapestry of global artistry, celebrating the city's rich cultural diversity through groundbreaking performances and events.

About the Role

As Head of Programming, you’ll work closely with the Festival team to lead the strategic development and the delivery of the annual festival programme. Aligning with the Artistic Director’s vision and drawing on industry networks, you’ll work with exceptional producers, artists and artistic organisations, locally and internationally, to ensure projects are successfully delivered and their time with the Festival is well supported.

About You

You are a dynamic leader with a passion for the arts and a track record of delivering exceptional programming. Your skill set includes experience in managing budgets in the performing arts sector; being clear, friendly and detail-oriented in all interactions; and thriving under pressure in a fast-paced environment, collaborating seamlessly with diverse teams.

• The Head of Programming role is a full-time position, preferably commencing late June to early July 2025. 
• View a full job description, including required skills and experience, here.

How to Apply

Email a CV and covering letter to hr@aaf.co.nz by 5.00pm, Wednesday 4 June 2025.

Please note, we will begin interviewing candidates before the closing date for this role and encourage early expressions of interest. Only applicants with the right to work in NZ may apply.

Working at Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival isn’t just a day job — it’s being part of a supportive whānau whanui that includes dedicated arts and events professionals, vital creative communities, and incredible artists from all over Aotearoa and around the world. 

We believe art has the power to impact the way people think and feel about themselves and the world. Arts participation improves the wellbeing of our society, and at the Festival you’ll work towards putting on life-changing live performances and events. You’ll also help people from all walks of life, and from all corners of Auckland, access those experiences, and extend our world-famous manaakitanga to the artists and audiences who make this Festival a special place to come to.

The Festival is a workplace for individuals of all backgrounds, identities and orientations. We are committed to accessibility, equity and inclusivity alongside our responsibility to uphold the mana of te ao Māori through both the mahi we do in the industry, and our practices and engagement as a leading arts organisation.

While the roles we advertise require specific skills and experience, you do not need to tick every box to be considered. Our industry is made up of passionate individuals who serve the arts, and regardless of which sector you may come from, we welcome any applicants who are serious about joining us on this mission.

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in joining our team of volunteer Festival Guides for Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival 2025. Join our mailing list to be the first to hear about opportunities to volunteer in 2026:

Main image: Artist Pōwhiri, Aotea Square, 2025. Image by John Rata.