Program Lead, Knowledge and Literary Programs

• VPS 4.1 Full-time, Ongoing position
• Drive our annual plan of knowledge and literary public programs and events
• Collaborate with partners to deliver impactful programs that foster engagement with contemporary topics and ideas

About the role

The Program Lead, Knowledge and Literary Programs develops and delivers innovative public programs at the intersection of literature, ideas, innovation and knowledge exchange. Anchoring the Library's role as a civic space for lifelong learning and public dialogue, the role leads programs that advance the Library's vision, mission, and business objectives, while expanding its reach and influence.

The Program Lead, Knowledge and Literary Programs is accountable for the following measurable outcomes:

• Elevating the Library as a key civic destination that connects audiences with contemporary topics and ideas
• Strategic long-lead planning
• Fellowship Program management
• Efficient resource and communications management
• Collaborative innovation
• Cultivating a culture of agility and excellence

About You

The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience in developing and delivering exceptional public programs and events, and strategic planning strengths that ensure day-to-day planning and work processes are in line with team, Branch, and State Library Victoria strategy. With experience leading literary and thought leadership events and programming, your fluency with agile project management processes enables you to execute and deliver programs and projects with impact and at scale. You successfully manage budgets, procurement and contracting processes and other administrative systems that enable performance reporting. Underpinning this is your ability to connect with partners and collaborators to achieve impactful audience outcomes.

In addition, you will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering literary and ideas-based events and programming that maximises audience engagement and achieves business objectives.

• Experience in designing and implementing agile project management processes, preferably in the context of public programming or similar cultural/educational context.

• Ability to implement measures for continuous improvement to assist the development of diverse income streams through innovative experiences and programs.

• A solid track record of developing and fostering successful collaborations and relationships with a range of stakeholders across the knowledge and literary sectors.

About the Library

State Library Victoria preserves and shares the stories of Victoria and the world, and is a major destination for stimulating cultural experiences, contemporary debates, and community-driven collecting. We encourage learning, exploration, imagination, and creativity, opening up possibilities for all Victorians.

State Library Victoria is a child-safe organisation. A valid Working with Children Check will be required before commencing.

State Library Victoria promotes a workplace that actively seeks to welcome and value the unique contributions of all people. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from cultural and linguistical diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+, D/deaf, disabled, neurodiverse people and people of all ages and abilities to apply.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button to submit your application via Careers.Vic

The following documents should be attached to your application:

• Resume
• Cover letter (maximum 3 pages) summarising how you meet the key selection criteria in the Position Description document.

(For more information on format and content of your application, please see how to apply for a job)

Enquiries

For assistance with the application process please contact us at 

Privacy Collection Notice

Information about how we collect and use your personal information, and how you can contact us, can be found here.

Reasonable Adjustments

We want all applicants to have an equal opportunity to demonstrate that they are the best person for the job. If you require an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, or the provision of a particular access service, please contact

Applications close on Sunday, 21 September 2025 at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.