Operations Manager for Arts Organisation

Operations & Events Manager — XCHC (Exchange Christchurch) Hours: ~20 hours/week (flexible schedule, includes evenings & some weekends) Pay: $35/hour + 8% holiday pay Type: Part-time, fixed-term with pathway to permanent employment

About us XCHC is a creative space & artist incubator based in a character warehouse in Christchurch. We exist to cultivate a creative ecology — helping creative practitioners develop their concepts & enterprises through access to space, networks, platforms, & community. We've been operating for over a decade & are entering a new phase of growth with improved systems, stronger programming, & a clear plan for long-term sustainability.

XCHC is not a generic venue. Our events are platforms for artists to showcase their work & develop their practice.

The Role We're looking for an Operations & Events Manager who underst&s that running a creative space is about more than logistics — it's about giving artists a platform to develop & showcase their work, & building a nightlife & cultural programme that elevates Ōtautahi's creative identity. This is a h&s-on role. You'll be the person who makes things happen — from inviting artists & curating a compelling programme, to making sure the bar is stocked & the sound works. The vision & the execution live in the same job. You won't be building systems from scratch — we already have automated tools, booking workflows, & operational infrastructure in place. Your job is to use them well, keep things moving, & deliver results. This is a flexible, results-driven role where we care about what gets done, not how many hours you sit at a desk. We expect you to work smart, use technology (including AI tools like Claude), & focus your energy where it counts.

What you'll do Events (core focus) Actively seek out & invite artists, performers, & creative practitioners to showcase their work at XCHC — building a pipeline of talent & a reputation as a platform worth being part of. Monitor & manage the events inbox, responding to inquiries & managing bookings through our internal system. Coordinate with promoters, artists, & collaborators to confirm event details & ensure alignment with XCHC's creative direction. Arrange staffing for events — bar staff, duty managers, & volunteer support where needed. Create promotional content for events & ensure they are published across all major platforms. Prepare the space before events — room setup, sound/lighting basics, signage, bar readiness. Be present during events to oversee smooth delivery — door, bar coordination, safety, & audience experience. Support pack-down & post-event wrap-up. Capture learnings & close out tasks. Programme a diverse mix of events that keeps the space interesting & the community engaged — we want variety, artistic quality, & financial sense, not just volume.

Venue operations Keep the space clean, tidy, & welcoming at all times. Ensure operational systems are working properly — POS, booking tools, payment systems — & that people are getting paid on time. Coordinate minor maintenance issues & flag anything that needs attention. Support member & resident needs on the floor when present.

Administration Maintain event & operational records, keeping databases & task lists current. Contribute to basic reporting — event reconciliation, attendance tracking, & operational updates for the directors.

What we're looking for Must-haves Proven experience coordinating events or managing venue operations. Confident working with digital tools — booking systems, POS, social media scheduling, & content creation. Comfortable using AI tools (e.g. Claude) to support your work — we value efficiency & smart use of technology. Strong communication skills — you'll deal with artists, promoters, bar staff, members, & the public. Self-directed & reliable — you'll often work independently & need to manage your own time. Thrives in a busy, sometimes unpredictable environment. Believes in what XCHC does. We want someone who genuinely cares about supporting creative communities, not just filling a role.

Preferred Duty Manager's Certificate (or willingness to obtain one — this significantly strengthens your application). LCQ (Licence Controller Qualification). Experience with bar operations & alcohol service compliance. Familiarity with creative/arts communities in Ōtautahi or similar environments. An eye for programming — you can think about what events will work, who they'll attract, & whether they make financial sense.

The kind of person we want Financial awareness, take initiative, honest, direct, & easy to work with. How to apply Send the following to info@xchc.co.nz with the subject line "Operations & Events Manager Application":

1. A cover letter telling us why you're right for this role & what you'd bring to XCHC. Keep it real — we'd rather hear your voice than a polished template.
2. Your CV with relevant experience.
3. Two references we can contact.