Business development roles are key positions in the arts sector, and are responsible for seeking out and securing income for the organisation. This can be income from many avenues, such as sponsorship, commissions, leases, grants, philanthropy, fees for service, partnerships, sales, and consulting.

Though many medium to large arts organisations have at least one business development role, some workers go freelance with their skills and are hired by smaller organisations or individuals.

In order to work in the arts as a business development officer, it is beneficial to have or develop skills in relationship management, contract writing, or sales. The role suits people who are confident, passionate about what they are promoting, and inclined towards building genuine relationships.

Front of house duties are usually the most front-facing roles in the arts. They are crucial roles responsible for customer service, reception, general administration, ticketing, and fielding enquiries. In membership organisations, these roles often also support and sign up members.

In galleries, front of house staff are responsible for welcoming visitors into the venue. In performance venues, front of house duties encompass all public-facing elements, such as ushers, ticket sales, and refreshments.

Front of house duties are ideal for friendly, organised individuals with an interest in creating an excellent experience for visitors. A background in hospitality, retail, customer service, or office work is highly desirable.

Arts organisations require the same fundamentals as any other organisations, including finances. Bookkeeping, payroll administration, accounting, and budgeting are all important facets of arts organisation operations, which often rely on tight budgets and meticulous financial management.

In addition, not-for-profits in Australia are expected to release public annual reports, which feature detailed expenditure breakdowns.

Almost any experience in finance will translate directly to handling finance in the arts, as will areas of prior study such as economics, accounting, business, administration, and mathematics.

Reaching new audiences, writing media releases, communicating with members, building a reputation, advertising new shows, designing invites, website design, social media, and promoting public programming are just a few examples of what marketing in the arts entails. Marketing offers some of the most creative arts administration roles, in which a passion for arts can truly impact the effectiveness of your work.

It is an area that suits individuals with excellent skills in writing and design, or a background in communications, website development, writing, graphic design, or advertising.

All organisations, arts or otherwise, require some element of human resource management. In small to medium organisations, HR responsibilities are often folded into senior roles, such as those of directors or executive managers. These responsibilities include recruitment, job design, performance management, staff professional development, and organisational restructuring.

Human resources is an area suited to individuals with confidence and well-developed interpersonal skills. Though past experience in HR is beneficial, any previous experience in the arts is also desirable as it demonstrates a knowledge of arts organisations' structure and operations.

Management skills (involving time management, resource allocation, and budgeting) are important for the majority of arts workers, from sole traders to executives. Dedicated arts managers may manage projects, venues, budgets, or programs for organisations.

Just like businesses, these organisations require managers at an executive level. Managing an arts organisation as an executive manager often involves working with a board to determine the organisation's overall strategic direction, as well as managing staff on an operational level. When considering a management role in the arts, management experience in any sector is helpful, but prior experience in the arts is usually essential.