A catalyst for creative expression and curious minds.
We are Australia’s contemporary museum for excellence and innovation in applied arts and sciences. We are uniquely placed to demonstrate how technology, engineering, science and design impact Australia and the world.
The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS – including the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory and Discovery Centre) has an ambitious plan, 2020 Vision, to transform and reform ourselves. Our vision for MAAS is to be the world’s leading museum of science and design, acclaimed internationally and loved locally. Our organisation is outward focused – providing compelling reasons for audiences to engage online, through new media, visitation, knowledge and thought leadership.
The purpose of this role is to manage and maintain the Sydney Observatory site in support of the Museum’s vision and strategic ambitions.
This role is responsible for the leadership of The Sydney Observatory, supporting the dual focus on Astronomy Education and Public Access, with the aim of becoming Sydney’s leading tourism attraction. This role will be critical in realizing this goal and is an excellent opportunity to shape the direction of this major public offer.
You will develop and deliver open events throughout the year; themed tours on site; educational programs and workshops, tours for school groups and special interest groups; school holiday and community engagement programs in a collaborative approach with internal Museum teams. Responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient management of the entire site, you will work collaboratively with colleagues across MAAS.
A full role description Click Here
MAAS website can be found at www.maas.museum
For information on applying for roles in the NSW Public Service Click Here
Note: New employment legislation applies to the NSW public sector with effect from 24 February 2014. All current and new Public Service non-executive employees will be employed at a classification level and assigned to a role rather than appointed to a position. Employees may be re-assigned to other roles at the same classification over time, in line with organisational priorities and/or personal development plans.
To be eligible to apply for this role you must meet these requirements
Key skills:
- Demonstrated success in managing the development of programs and activities in a cultural or community facility
- Developing and maintaining local community connection, stakeholders and relationships to align to MAAS strategies and business needs
- Excellent business development skills and financial acumen
Responsibilities:
- Propose, develop, implement, manage and review the annual Observatory Business Plan consistent with the Museum’s Strategic Plan.
- Devise and implement revenue-generating strategies including visitor programs and services, the hire of spaces within the site to function clients and related catering revenues, merchandising activities, digital programs and products.
- Manage all aspects of the site to ensure that staff, exhibitions, services and facilities are consistently of high standard and ensure the provision of a high standard of internal and external customer service.
- Collect, interpret and report on programs, services and income generating activities. Monitor income and expenditure to ensure that budgetary guidelines are being adhered to.
- Collaborate and coordinate with other MAAS teams to ensure effective programs are facilitated and that public access outcomes are achieved.
- Manage administrative matters to support the site, prepare and review contracts for work to be performed or services provided for the PDC and ensure statutory and legislative requirements are adhered to and effective risk management procedures are in place.
- Contribute to Observatory exhibition and interpretation planning, including long term site development.
- Seek, prepare and review grant and funding submissions to help support program and site development.
Other – The successful applicant is required to undergo, and for new employees meet the cost of a National Police Records Check, and Working with Children Check and be assessed as suitable.
Your application must include:
Cover Letter – No more than two A4 pages. Must include short statements in response to the two targeted questions below (drawn from the Core Competencies required in the Role Description)
CV – No more than three A4 pages. Must be up to date with current employment, and clearly details your skills and experience as relevant to this role. Must include referee contacts. We will not contact referees without your consent.
Question 1 – Critical to success in this role is taking a collaborative approach with internal and external stakeholders. Provide an example where you have needed to convince other parties to participate in a program or initiative who were initially skeptical to collaboration. How did you garner their ongoing support?
Question 2 – Tell us about a time where you had to manage a complex set of events and customer needs that were occurring simultaneously. How did you ensure that competing demands were addressed?
Your cover letter and resume will need to be submitted as PDF attachments on your candidate file application on Taleo/ Jobs NSW.
The Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences welcomes applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in the selection process and join the Museum, please indicate this in your application.
