Head of Collections

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

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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.

Employment Status:

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

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• Role Description
• AM Candidate Pack

You will be paid a competitive annual salary $149,739 - $173,174, plus employer's contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.

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 experience leading and developing diverse teams, implementing First Nations policies across organisations.
• Deep First Nations cultural expertise with 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 work withcapacity to embed Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual Property into organisational processes.
• Strong operational skills in 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.

Essential requirements

• 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 events here.

Benefits

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

How to apply

Applicants must submit (if submitted as attachment, please upload as PDF):

• A one to two page covering letter which addresses the role description's essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.
• Resume

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer two targeted questions.

• The Head of Collections & Engagement (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) role sits at the intersection of institutional requirements and First Nations cultural protocols, often requiring courage to advocate for community-centred approaches. Describe a situation where you have had to influence organisational change or challenge established practices to ensure First Nations perspectives and protocols were properly centred. How did you approach this, and what strategies did you use to bring others along? (1,000 words maximum)
• This role requires building and leading a high-performing team in a complex cultural heritage environment. Tell us about a time when you led a team (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous team members) or project where you needed to develop staff capabilities while managing competing priorities and stakeholder expectations. What was your approach to supporting individual team members' growth, and what were the outcomes? (1,000 words maximum)

Interviews will be held on 29 and 30 January 2026, with the successful candidate commencing in late February to early March 2026.

For more details, Frequently Asked Questions and how to apply for the role go to I Work for NSW.

The successful applicant will be subject to national criminal records check. As recommended by Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Australian Museum encourages all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so.

Contact person: Laura McBride, Director, First Nations, Laura..Museum

Inclusive and welcoming

The Australian Museum is an NSW Public Service organisation and aims to attract and retain the right people for the right jobs. The AM is a diverse and inclusive workplace where genuine participation and contribution is enabled, and everyone, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances is valued, accepted and supported to thrive at work.

This means that we are embedding diversity and inclusion in everything we do on a daily basis, whether it be our recruitment processes, workplace culture, career development programs, customer service or policies and procedures. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment process to better enable you to shine, please reach out to the contact person or note this in your application.