We’re Hiring! - Public Programs Officer (Casual Position)

About Us
Sawtooth ARI is a Launceston-based artist-run initiative located near the kanamaluka (Tamar River), Tasmania. We champion voices that challenge traditions and spark new conversations—through exhibitions, workshops, fundraising events, and community-led programming. We embrace radical creativity and are supported by Arts Tasmania and Creative Australia.

Your Role
You’ll design and deliver public programs—like artist talks, workshops (e.g., Sawtooth Artist Workshops), and member events—collaborating with artists, institutions, and partners. Together, we’ll shape events that resonate and connect, leveraging our galleries and First Space for powerful storytelling and accessibility.While your main focus will be public programs, you will also support the gallery by occasionally ‘sitting’ to help cover personal leave and professional development for our Gallery Director and Gallery Assistant. 

Sawtooth encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and people from culturally diverse communities. We also encourage applications from people living with a disability, however, we also wish to transparently acknowledge that our current premises have a number of possible barriers for people living with disability. Specifically, our staff are required to be able to open manual, garage style, roller doors; and our staff restroom is inaccessible to wheelchair users. We are actively working toward improving the accessibility of our space and are committed to making reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support all team members.

Position Summary

The Public Programs Officer will develop, coordinate, and deliver engaging public programs—such as artist talks, workshops, community events, and member activities—that align with Sawtooth’s values of inclusivity, experimentation, and community-driven art.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director, curatorial team, and artists to design and schedule public programs and community events.

• Develop workshops (e.g., Sawtooth Artist Workshops) and prepare program content for diverse audiences including emerging artists, First Nations communities, local schools, and general public 

• Liaise with community partners (e.g., University of Tasmania, Creative Australia, Arts Tasmania) to develop collaborative public programming 

• Promote events through digital channels and ensure effective audience engagement.

• Manage budget, marketing, and logistics for programs, ensuring access and inclusivity (e.g., accessible galleries, First Space programming) 

• Collect and analyze attendance and feedback data to inform future programming.

• Assist with membership and fundraising events, including the annual fundraiser and member-oriented shows 

Ideal Qualifications & Attributes

• Experience in public programs, arts administration, or community arts context.

• Strong organisational, communication, and project management skills.

• Familiarity with community engagement, arts education, or workshop delivery.

• Understanding of contemporary and experimental art practices.

• Commitment to inclusion, First Nations cultural respect, and community-centred development.

• Experience collaborating with artists and diverse cultural groups.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability and willingness to build positive relationships, and effectively collaborate with team members, community partners, and program participants.

Desirable

• Background in arts contexts in Tasmania or regional Australia.

• Experience with accessibility and equitable arts programming.

• Familiarity with funding bodies such as Arts Tasmania or Creative Australia.

Location & Hours
Based in Launceston (Invermay), Tasmania. On-site presence required Saturdays for 5 hours with additional flexibility as needed.

Remuneration
$32p/h plus super with a minimum of 5 hours per week available.

To Apply

Send your resume, a cover letter, and any relevant program examples or ideas to sawtoothariboard@gmail.com, addressed to the Chair - Anna Barber. Applications close Monday, 3rd November 11:59pm.

Sawtooth ARI proudly acknowledges and respects the Palawa people as traditional and ongoing custodians of lutruwita. Sovereignty was never ceded.