Head of Collns

Head of Collns &Engagement(ATSI), First Nations(Identified) – AM

Closing Date

22/12/2025 10:00 am

Institution

Australian Museum

Annual salary $149,739 – $173,174, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading

Employment status

Clerk Grade 11/12 Ongoing Full time 35 hours per week

Location

Sydney Region / Sydney City

Contact name

Laura McBride, Director, First Nations

Contact email

Laura.McBride@Australian.Museum

Head of Collections &Engagement(Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander), First Nations(Identified)

About the Role

The Head of Collections & Engagement (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) is responsible for developing and implementing First Nations community engagement and policy; operational oversight; and stakeholder management to ensure best practice operations, care, and interpretation of tangible and intangible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage material held by the AM.

The role has oversight for the First Nations Collections (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural collections and Aboriginal archaeology collection), with day-to-day collections management led by the Senior Collection Officer, First Nations under the Head’s authority and direction.

The Head of Collections & Engagement (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander), First Nations would support the Director, First Nations in establishing and running the AM’s First Nations engagement work across AM sites, including through the proposed Cultural Collections & Research Centre. This new Centre would provide a dedicated hub for the Australian Museum’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage work. The role-holder will support the Director, First Nations in building strategic partnerships and fundraising efforts, and leading projects for the First Nations Division.

About you

We are seeking a senior manager with deep cultural knowledge with proven management and community engagement expertise. The ideal candidate will bring:

- Proven experienceleading and developing diverse teams, implementing First Nations policies across organisations.

- Deep First Nations cultural expertisewith demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultural heritage.

- Established community networks(local, regional, and remote) with strong connections to Elders and knowledge holders, and proven track record in culturally appropriate consultation and community engagement initiatives.

- Applies culturally aware and appropriate principles and concepts into daily workwithcapacity to embed Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual Property into organisational processes.

- Strong operational skillsin financial, project, procurement, and contract management with exceptional attention to detail.

- Outstanding communication skills(written, verbal, and administrative) with ability to build effective stakeholder relationships.

- Willingness and ability to travel in NSW, with current NSW Driver Licence, as the role will be required to travel to AM locations and communities.

- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent – Aboriginality/Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

- Appropriate and relevant qualifications and/or extensive work experience related to the key accountabilities listed above, e.g. in fields relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage and community engagement. Preferably in cultural heritage, community liaison, social work or similar field, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in delivering programs to First Nations communities in social, recreational, school, and/or community settings. Including the ability to deliver in partnership or collaboration with other organisations and individuals.

About The Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. We aim to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations’ culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.

Recent staff survey results confirm that our staff feel valued, accepted and supported and that they believe the AM is an inclusive workplace. AM staff also report a high level of job satisfaction.

The Australian Museum acknowledges that we operate on the lands, waters and skies of many First Nations Peoples. As Australia’s first museum, we share the responsibility of advocating for Country and honouring First Nations Peoples and knowledges.

Check out our current exhibitions and eventshere .

Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development and dedicated Wellbeing programs.

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