The Museum

The National Museum of Australia opened in early 2001 and has become a landmark among Australian museums in the quality and high standard of its exhibitions, public programs and the integrated use of technologies. The Museum presents Australian objects and stories inclusive of the many different cultures and experiences that have shaped our nation.

The Museum offers:

• interesting and creative work;
• an attractive and creative working environment;
• competitive salary, family-friendly policies and opportunities to excel; and
• results that you can see and from which you can have immediate job satisfaction.

Responsibilities of the section

The Curatorial section is responsible for the conceptual development of the Museum's collections, research, exhibitions, public programs. It has three thematic areas - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories; Australian History and Society since 1788; and People's interaction with the Environment. The section has the following responsibilities:

• Developing the National Historical Collection to represent Australian history and experience for present and future generations;
• Maintaining and developing high quality exhibitions and other programs that are challenging and entertaining for national and international audiences;
• Enhancing the NMA's research standing as an authority on Australian history and experience;
• Cultivating partnerships with leading cultural and academic organisations and associations;
• Contributing to the development of a stimulating and productive workplace in which staff are valued and respected.

Responsibilities of the position

As a Curator you will take a key role in the conceptual development and delivery of collection, exhibition and research projects, publications, outreach programs and visitor services. You will be responsible for:

• Developing, researching and documenting the National Historical Collection and contributing to the development of collections policy and systems;
• Leading research and content development for main galleries, temporary and travelling exhibitions, public programs, publications and other products;
• Providing expertise relating to either social, political, Indigenous and/or environmental history;
• Consulting stakeholders and representing the Museum in external and internal forums and discussions as required;
• Developing work plans, managing budgets and supervising staff for specific projects;
• Ensuring the content needs of other business units throughout the Museum are serviced;
• Ensuring that you have sufficient supervision, instruction and equipment to undertake your work safely.

Curators are encouraged to publish in the Museum's three thematic areas and in museology, and to participate in broader curatorial forums and events.

Remuneration

Annual salary of between $59,598 and $68,461 plus superannuation. Employment conditions are covered by the National Museum of Australia Workplace Agreement 2005 to 2008.

Capabilities of the person

These positions call for people with the following capabilities, which are also reflected in the Selection Criteria.

Knowing and understanding the business

Build opportunities

• Create debate about the way things are done
• Continually research current, emerging and future trends and developments in the sector/area of expertise.
• Researches contemporary best practice in private and public sectors, nationally and internationally and adopts or adapts to suit.

Creating and Innovating

Think outside the square

• Research and adapt experience from other disciplines/organisations to improve service.
• Be receptive to new ideas and explore possibilities without rejecting them out-of-hand.
• Be constantly curious about work and accumulate knowledge for use in generating ideas.
• Challenge exisiting models.

Communicating with skill

Explore and adapt

• Match the complexity of the communication with the sophistication and information needs of the audience.
• Present refined, well prepared ideas that anticipate others' expectations and concerns.
• Seek out and analyse relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Write and speak persuasively.
• Negotiate to achieve a win/win result.

Leading and Managing

Support team development

• Foster and drive change to meet organisational needs.
• Build effective networks to help achieve goals.
• Use and value to expertise and diversity of the team.
• Ensure knowledge sharing is a common feature of work.

Thinking and Acting Strategically

Be strategic

• Examine and revise current activities to fit with the big picture.
• Develop strategies that take into account social, political and technical contexts.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external sources.

Getting results

Ensure performance meets objectives

• Ensure projects are seen through to completion, and visibly monitor quality and timeliness.
• Identify opportunities for learning for self and others.
• Articulate what an excellent result and good performance looks like and work with others to achieve it.
• Organise and share information

Selection criteria

The position operates within the context of a dynamic and changing environment and will be assessed in relation to the responsibilities and caapabilities required of the position holders as outlined in this document.

1. Tertiary qualifications, high level conceptual knowledge and demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas (20%):
   * Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders histories and cultures;
   * Australian social and cultural histories;
   * Australian environmental histories.
2. Demonstrated skills and knowledge of curatorial practice, including collections and exhibition development. (20%)
3. Highly developed commincation, negotiation and presentation skills, with demonstrated experience in representing an organisation in a range of formal and informal contexts. (20%)
4. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in the development and implementation of an integrated approach to exhibitions and other programs. (15%)
5. Sound understanding of the national and international context within which the museum operates including an appreciation of:
   * the museum and academic sectors;
   * the cultural environment; and
   * new technology opportunities for access, education, scholarship and exhibition development. (15%)
6. Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets and projects, and supervising staff and contracts. (10%)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: Applications should include contact details for two referees. This selection process will create a merit list which may be used to fill similar positions over the next 12 months. The Museum reserves the right to contact other persons familiar with the applicant's professional activities and abilities.

Further Enquiries

For further enquiries please contact Kirsten Wehner, Senior Curator on 02 6208 5408, or email recruitment@nma.gov.au

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