Applications are invited for the position of Island Business Manager

Role overview

Provide operational, financial, and administrative leadership and governance support that enables Island Magazine to deliver on its cultural mission. Ensure the Board of Directors is fully informed of significant matters. Identify funding options, including grants and to write submissions and acquittals for grants. Networking and relationship development with key stakeholders.

Terms of engagement

Fixed-term independent contractor agreement (1 year). The position is nominally remunerated at 3 days per week plus superannuation. A balance of working from home and from Island’s office in conjunction with flexible work hours is supported provided work is delivered reliably. Terms of engagement are planned to be reviewed during the contract period.

Organisational structure and reporting

Island is a not-for-profit enterprise with the purpose of providing professional opportunities for emerging and established authors and artists. The Business Manager reports to Island’s Board of Directors via the Chair and works in close operational partnership with the Editorial Manager. Due to the small team and flat management structure the relationship between these two roles is central to the organisation's effectiveness. The Editorial Manager has editorial leadership, and the Business Manager has operational and financial leadership. The two roles are complementary and interdependent.

Key relationships include:

Internal:

–     Board of Directors — governance and strategy
–     Chair of Board – Management and strategic direction with regular meetings
–     Editorial Manager — day-to-day operational partnership
–     Finance and Administration Officer – supporting coordination of payments and financial and admin processes
–     Editorial and production team — coordination with scheduling

External:

–     Funding bodies — applications, interim reporting and acquittals
–     Accountant and auditor – BAS, Super and EOFY reports
–     Contributors — contracts and payments
–    Printing and distribution partners — production scheduling and logistics
–    Stockists — commercial relationships
–     Partners — coordination and delivery support

Responsibilities

Area	Key Activities
Governance	Board meeting preparation and participation Maintenance of statutory records Insurance management
Funding	Grant identification and applications Reporting and acquittal management Relationship maintenance
Finance	Work with financial officer on accounts payable and receivable and financial record-keeping Budget preparation Cashflow monitoring Board reporting Liaison with accountant and auditor Oversee BAS and superannuation preparation Oversee end-of-financial-year (EOFY) re and audit preparation
Submissions and contributors	Submissions system administration Coordination with editorial team on timelines and process Prize administration Contracts and payment of contributors
Publication, production & distribution	Print and online submission and publication schedule management Printer liaison Distribution logistics — subscribers, stockists, newsagents Digital publishing coordination including Island’s digital magazine and social media
Sales & Marketing	Subscription acquisition and retention Stockist relationship management E-newsletter and social media (the latter currently managed by the Editorial Manager) Website content and shop management
Events	Issue launch event coordination Workshops and mentorship program logistics
Partnerships	Partnership development, administration and management
Office management and ‘HR’	Day-to-day office management Superannuation administration and compliance Regular management meetings for operational and strategic direction

Selection Criteria

1.     Demonstrated experience in a similar business management role
2.     Grants management experience, including applications and acquittal processes (experience with Smarty Grants and Flux is desirable)
3.     Financial literacy: experience with day-to-day accounts processes, cashflow and budgeting preparation (knowledge of Xero is desirable)
4.     Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams
5.     Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication
6.     Proven ability to operate in a lean, self-directed environment
7.     Proven team player with demonstrated ability to manage teams, peers and supervisors
8.     Experience with or interest in the arts, publishing or cultural sector

Applications in writing should include a full CV and address all the selection criteria with a cover letter explaining background and suitability for this role with reference to the listed responsibilities. All applications must be received by Sunday 31st May 2026 and emailed to the Chair of Island Magazine at: chair@islandmag.com