Lead, Major Projects, First Nations

Lead, Major Projects, First Nations

Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.

About the Project

The Australian Museum (AM) is progressing significant First Nations-led initiatives that will shape the future of First Nations representation, cultural practice and engagement across the Museum. This includes the development of the First Nations permanent exhibition and the business case for a future Australian Museum Cultural Collections & Research Centre. 

These major projects are grounded in self-determination, meaningful community collaboration and culturally appropriate museum practice. They aim to create lasting social and cultural impact while ensuring Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles, cultural protocols and the expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are embedded throughout project development and delivery. 

About the Role

The Lead, Major Projects, First Nations provides strategic project management leadership across the Australian Museum’s major First Nations initiatives. Reporting to the Director, First Nations, the role leads the planning, coordination and delivery of complex First Nations-led curatorial, exhibition and strategic projects, ensuring they are delivered to agreed quality standards, schedules and budgets. 

The role works collaboratively across the Museum and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, exhibition contributors, contractors and other stakeholders to coordinate project activities, resources, risks and deliverables. It also oversees key operational requirements including budgets, procurement, contracts and project documentation, while ensuring cultural integrity, ICIP principles and appropriate cultural protocols remain central to project delivery. 

Employment Status:

• Clerk Grade 11/12 
• Fixed Term until 30 June 2028 
• Full-time 

You will be paid a competitive total remuneration package of $175,052 - $202,449, including an annual salary of $154,231 - $178,369, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading. 

Click on the following links to begin the journey to find your new career at the AM

•  Role Description
•  AM Candidate Pack

About you

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in museum exhibition production, curation and complex project delivery, together with sophisticated cultural competency and a strong understanding of First Nations-led and self-determining museum practice. 

An accomplished project leader and collaborator, the successful candidate will be confident managing multiple priorities, budgets, procurement, contracts, risks and stakeholders within a fast-paced and complex environment. Strong relationship-building skills and demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, contributors and stakeholders will be essential, alongside a thorough understanding of ICIP principles and cultural protocols. 

The role will suit an innovative and solutions-focused professional who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on project delivery, maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, and confidently navigate the cultural, operational and logistical complexities of major museum projects. 

To be eligible for this role at the Australian Museum, you must hold full working rights in Australia and meet all essential requirements listed in the position description.

Knowledge and Experience

• Deep understanding of First Nations self-determination, co-design, culturally grounded museum practices, cultural awareness, and terminology in order to perform in processes that are culturally aware and appropriate. Capacity to embed and apply ICIP into work practice. 
• Demonstrated experience in managing First Nations-led projects and stakeholder engagement, with established track record. 
• Over 5 years' experience working with First Nations (i.e. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pasifika) communities on major cultural projects or programs, with suitable interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with stakeholders and manage expectations. 
• High-level time management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple pieces of work according to importance, including a structured approach and attention to detail with exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
• Cultural humility, emotional intelligence, and the ability to operate across different worldviews. 
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate information and report on project status, progress, and resource usage. 
• A high level of organisational skills and an understanding of financial, technological, procurement, contract, and project management requirements. 
• Holds a current full NSW Driver’s Licence.  

Essential Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience in project management. 

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.  

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 opportunities and dedicated Wellbeing programs.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit

1.      A one to two page covering letter which address the role descriptions essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.

2.      Resume

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

1. Please provide an example of a complex project you have managed involving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities or stakeholders. How did you ensure cultural protocols, community expectations and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles were respected throughout the project? (400 words maximum)
2. Describe a major exhibition, curatorial or cultural project you have delivered within competing timeframes, budgets and operational requirements. How did you manage stakeholders, resources and risks to achieve a high-quality outcome?  (400 words maximum)

The successful candidate applicant will be subject to national criminal records check.

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

Inclusive and Welcoming

The Australian Museum is committed to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people with disability, including physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, neurological, psychosocial, and chronic health conditions, whether visible or hidden; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people of all ages; members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager or include your requirements in your application. This may include alternative formats, communication support, flexible interviews, accessible locations, or extra assessment time. Any information you share will be kept confidential.