Artistic Director Applications Open Now

A director's chair in front of a lit blue background

The New Zealand Improvisation Trust board seeks applications for the role of Artistic Director for the NZ Improv Festival. The successful applicant’s core responsibility will be designing and delivering an annual festival across 2026-2028 with the support of the board and with an additional contracted Producer and Production Staff. We seek an applicant who prioritises manaakitanga - the care of the people within our industry and our audience.

General Purpose

The role of the Artistic Director is to:

  • develop, lead and oversee the delivery of NZ Improv Festival’s vision in all aspects,

  • hold a strategic, long-term view of NZ Improv Festival,

  • work alongside the NZIT board and contracted staff to ensure the success of NZ Improv Festival.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Create and implement a three-year plan for NZ Improv Festival and affiliated events for 2026-2028, including setting timelines, artistic direction, budget management, and funding applications.

  • Project manage programmed events with the support of the board and contracted staff.

  • Manage contracted staff for programmed events with support from the board.

  • Honour the festival’s Code of Conduct in all activities in which they are a representative of the organisation.

Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate needs to have:

  • knowledge of improvised theatre in Aotearoa NZ

  • knowledge of the wider local and national performing arts industry

  • marketing and promotional skills

  • grant writing skills

  • the ability to plan strategically

  • basic business, finance and budgeting skills

The ideal candidate will be:

  • creative and imaginative

  • patient, persistent and focused

  • able to work well under pressure (and able to ask for help when needed)

  • able to work with and lead a team of people

  • good at research

  • an excellent communicator, with strong people skills

  • good at time management, planning and organisation

  • a strong decision maker

  • able to relate to people from a range of cultures and backgrounds

Working Conditions

  • Location: Wellington preferred, NZ considered

  • Reports to: The Board of NZ Improv Trust

  • Dates: November 2025 - December 2028

  • Hours: We allow for approx 400 hours per annum (spread across the year relative to event programming)

  • Remuneration: Minimum $33/hour ($13,200 per annum) plus expenses. Subject to negotiation.

  • Mentoring / supporting / advising the incoming AD for the festival following their term, paid at an appropriate rate to be negotiated in 2028/9.

How to apply

Send your CV and a cover letter to roles@improvfest.nz by 27 June.

Note: Your cover letter could be a standard letter, a video, or any other creative way you want to communicate, as long as it tells us who you are, why you are interested in this role, and what you would bring to the festival.

Applicants are welcome to contact the outgoing festival directors, Matt Powell and Jim Fishwick (directors@improvfest.nz) or the chair of the board, Jennifer O’Sullivan (jen@improvfest.nz), for an informal coffee/Zoom to discuss the role before applying.

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