Will Dawson Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Vic, Au

In this role I oversee the management, coordination and delivery of strategic projects that activate the city and support Melbourne’s visitor economy. Primarily responsible for developing and implementing Experience Melbourne 2028, a destination management plan for Melbourne's visitor economy. Key responsibilities include:- Providing strategic advice to Council and executive leadership on tourism development, leveraging industry insights and best practice to inform strategic decision-making.- Consulting with over 200 stakeholders across the visitor economy, including government, business and community groups, to ensure broad-based support and collaboration.- Conducting extensive research and analysis to identify key tourism trends, opportunities and challenges for Melbourne, informing strategic direction and prioritisation.- Drafting the plan to incorporate stakeholder feedback, best-practice actions and innovative strategies to ensure a robust and actionable framework.- Managing the project management and Council approval process, including writing detailed briefing papers and reports for Council, and presenting at Councillor briefings to secure endorsement and support.- Developing a comprehensive communications strategy for the plan, ensuring clear and consistent messaging to stakeholders, media and the public, enhancing community and industry engagement.

Melbourne, Australia

As General Manager & Deputy CEO I was responsible for leading the Business, Operations and Development teams, enabling the delivery and strategic advancement of Melbourne Fringe’s programs and partnerships. Key responsibilities included:- Managing an organisational budget that grew from $3.2 million in 2019 to $8.7 million in 2022, overseeing the annual budgeting process and long-term financial planning and investment strategy;- Overseeing the delivery of the Melbourne Fringe strategic plan, leading the organisation’s planning, project management and review processes to deliver results and foster a culture of continual improvement;- Leading the project design and delivery of the Trades Hall arts programs, including the Festival Hub and year-round venue Fringe Common Rooms;- Managing Melbourne Fringe’s human resources activity, including induction, contracts, recruitment, issues management and professional development;- Overseeing a philanthropic portfolio worth over $1 million, proactively identifying new funding opportunities and developing mutually beneficial relationships with partners.

In 2023 I spent two months Acting CEO while the ongoing CEO was on long-service leave. In this role I oversaw a team of 27 FTE and an organisational budget of $8 million, leading the delivery of the 2023 Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Melbourne, Australia

In this role I was responsible for implementing the Emerging Writers' Festival's strategic direction, working closely with key staff to oversee the overall planning and staging of EWF programs including a flagship 10-day festival based in Melbourne, Australia and the Digital Writers' Festival. I managed all aspects of the day-to-day operations of EWF, its people, systems and overseeing the delivery of its programs/events, including programming, budgeting, development, marketing and governance.

As Events Manager, I led a team of Event Coordinators to implement large-scale events and exhibitions across Museum Victoria's multiple venues, including the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum. I prepared event documentation including floor plans, event orders and licensee manuals and implement event plans during the hire licence period. Other duties included supervising staff, monitoring activities to ensure venue policies and OH&S guidelines are adhered to, acting as chief fire warden in emergency procedures and working with clients and contractors to resolve operational issues throughout the course of the event.

Freelance artist liaison, creative producing and front-of-house management for arts festivals in Melbourne, Brisbane and Edinburgh, including:-Melbourne Festival-Brisbane Festival-Melbourne International Comedy Festival-Melbourne International Film Festival-Emerging Writers' Festival-Melbourne Writers' Festival-Assembly Festival at Edinburgh Fringe-Bigsound Music Festival

In August 2013 I moved to Istanbul to take up a role as an ESL Teacher, teaching English to young learners aged between 10 and 13. Key responsibilities included teaching the Cambridge ESL curriculum, preparing appropriate lessons and materials in order to create fun and engaging classes, assisting with examinations and working with students on a one-to-one basis. I was also asked to conduct private English lessons with three of the school’s administration staff using the Headway English series.

Brisbane, Australia

Digital Media strategy, planning and booking for clients including QLD Government, QPAC, QAGOMA, Brisbane Festival, QLD Ballet and Brisbane City Council.

Organisation of student recruitment events such as Open Day, TSXPO, Film & TV Experience Day, Orientation WeekWriting copy and designing publicationsContributing to the Faculty's social media marketing

In this position I acted as a senior representative of QUT for prospective students. Responsibilities included conducting campus tours, visiting schools for presentations and expos, working at events such as Open Day, training junior ambassadors and providing advice on QUT courses for prospective students.

Qut Precincts

In this varied role I worked as an usher, box office attendant and functions supervisor for QUT's numerous cultural venues, including Gardens Theatre, Old Government House, Creative Industries Precinct and Loft Theatre. As an usher I was responsible for the timely execution of professional theatre shows, including checking tickets, showing patrons to seats and fielding customer inquiries. As Box Office Attendant I sold tickets through the SABO booking system, taking calls from regular customers and subscribers. As Function Supervisor duties involved responding to event plans, setting and striking equipment, liaising with suppliers and caterers, customer service and problem solving.

For Purpose Executive Leadership Program

Master’S Degree, Arts Management, High Distinction

Activities and Societies: Funding Panel Coordinator for RMIT Link Arts & Culture grantsI completed my Master of Arts (Arts Management).

Bachelor'S Degree, Media And Communication, Gpa 6.67

Activities and Societies: Senior Student Ambassador, Production assistant for Vena Cava, Research Assistant for the Institute for Creative.

High School Certificate, Op 1