General Manager

About the role

As General Manager, you will provide visible leadership across one of the Bendigo region’s most significant Buddhist, cultural and visitor attractions, ensuring the Great Stupa is well governed, financially responsible, safe, welcoming and capable of delivering meaningful community impact. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will translate the organisation's strategy into coordinated, sustainable and mission-aligned action, leading five department heads across Finance, Cultural Engagement, Marketing and Events, Administration, and Maintenance and Projects.

Key responsibilities

• Working with the Board to implement strategic priorities, annual plans and organisational objectives
• Providing formal monthly reports and timely, decision-ready advice to the Board
• Leading, supporting and holding accountable the five department heads
• Coordinating priorities and resources across all departments
• Overseeing budgets, financial performance, internal controls and sustainable revenue generation
• Building a respectful, inclusive and accountable workplace culture for staff and volunteers
• Leading performance and development processes across the organisation
• Leading the recruitment and appointment of senior staff within Board-approved delegations
• Overseeing organisational risk, compliance, occupational health and safety, safeguarding and business continuity
• Representing the Great Stupa with government, funders, tourism bodies, donors, sponsors, media and community partners

About you

• Experienced senior leader who can balance strategic direction with practical, hands-on organisational leadership
• Strong judgement, financial and commercial capability, and ability to lead people through growth, change and competing priorities
• Comfortable working with a Board, supporting department heads and representing the organisation with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Genuine alignment with the Great Stupa's mission and willingness to work respectfully within its Buddhist foundation, spiritual environment and universal outlook
• Relevant qualifications and experience within the not-for-profit, tourism, cultural attraction, faith-based, community, education, events or major-project sectors highly regarded
• A practising Buddhist or someone with a strong understanding of and connection to Buddhist principles and traditions would be highly regarded, but is not essential

About us

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is a sacred Buddhist place, major visitor attraction and multicultural and interfaith community hub located in the Bendigo region. Our mission is simple but powerful: Inspiring Peace and Compassion.

How to apply

Please apply with a cover letter, current resume and response to the key selection criteria by 4 October 2026. The full Position Description is available on our website: stupa.au/opportunities