Project Officer

**State Library of New South Wales**
**Project Officer (Identified), Clerk Grade 5/6**
**Indigenous Engagement Branch**
- Ongoing, full-time role
- Flexible working conditions?
- Opportunity to work with First Nations colleagues at one of NSW top cultural institutes
- Competitive remuneration package up to $107,497 (package includes salary between $87,493 - $96,540 p.a.,?plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading)

**About the State Library**:
The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia’s oldest and most important public institutions. Collecting actively since 1826, the Library preserves and presents the social, cultural and scientific history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all. Its rich collections, both physical and digital, alongside partnerships with the public library network across NSW and other vibrant collaborations enable Australians to examine their past and imagine their future.

The First Nations/Indigenous collections are one of the Library’s strengths and they encompass materials reflecting the earliest interpretation of the history, language, art and culture of Aboriginal people, though often written from a non-Aboriginal perspective.

The Indigenous Engagement Branch promotes the collections and services of the State Library relating to First Nations peoples, liaises with First Nations communities across NSW in regard to the retention and management of First Nations documentary resources and provides advice to staff and management of the State Library and NSW public libraries on First Nations matters. The Branch ensures that First Nations voices and priorities are represented in the collection, exhibition, and public programming of the Library, and develops innovative projects to address the complex and contested histories held within the Mitchell collections.

**About the role**:
We are currently seeking an experienced Project Officer, who will support the Indigenous Engagement Branch in existing projects and contribute to developing new and innovative solutions through public programs, exhibitions, workshops and online engagement. The role will also lead on creating First Nations engagement by assisting the Indigenous Engagement Manager to explore new ways to connect First Nations creatives with the collections and services of the Library.

**The key accountabilities of this role include:?**
- Research and prepare advice on best practice with First Nations libraries and archives in support of the work of the Library’s Indigenous Engagement Branch
- Work with the Koori Librarians in the Branch to research relevant resources in the State Library collections and other institutions to support the major projects relating to First Nations peoples both in progress and being planned at the Library
- Coordinate the development and production of support and promotional material including web content for the Indigenous Engagement in consultation with members of the team
- Coordinate projects in consultation with the Manager and staff of the Indigenous Engagement Branch so that projects are appropriately organised, documented, communicated and delivered
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to the Indigenous Engagement Branch to develop relationships and communicate the team’s vision and goals
- Assist with the teams business planning and organisation, including conducting research, scheduling meetings and preparing minutes and reports from meetings
- Prepare advice for other areas of the Library in regard to protocols and priorities for Indigenous communities and stakeholders
- Maintain appropriate lines of communication, and contribute to a positive workplace environment that fosters productivity, efficiency and continuous improvement in service delivery

**About you**:
To be successful in this role, you will have the following knowledge and experience:

- Aboriginality is a requirement of this role
- Relevant tertiary qualifications or experience in historical research, writing for publication, curation or public programs
- Well-developed knowledge of First Nations culture(s), communities, priorities and protocols
- Knowledge or experience of delivering library services and/or research support to First Nations peoples and communities
- A current driver licence preferred

Note: This is an identified role for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

1. Describe a project in which you’ve worked with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities or Elders to tell their stories, or assist with research. What were the challenges? Why was it successful?
2. The Library holds a considerable amount of First Nations cultural material including language lists, family history, and early photographs. What do you think is important to consider when working with this material and communities/Elders?

Subject to curr