The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is the Northern Territory’s premier cultural and scientific institution. It offers a dynamic and diverse arts, science and cultural program to more than 300,000 visitors each year.
We are the museum and gallery known for our collections and expertise in Aboriginal cultures, natural sciences, histories and arts across Northern and Central Australia and our neighbours to the north.
We connect people to the stories of the Northern Territory. Our collection drives curiosity, exploration and partnerships. Our physical spaces are destinations loved by locals and a must-see for Territory visitors. Our digital connectivity expands the reach of our collection. Our guests tell their friends about their distinctive Territorian experience.
MAGNT has seven venues: MAGNT Darwin (Bullocky Point), the Defence of Darwin Experience, Fannie Bay Gaol, Lyons Cottage, the Museum of Central Australia (incorporating the Strehlow Research Centre), Megafauna Central and the Alcoota fossil site. A new Art Gallery opening in Darwin’s CBD in 2023 will add an eighth MAGNT site.
Primary Objective
Responsible for MAGNT’s curatorial, collections and exhibitions functions. The Assistant Director, Content and Innovation will work closely with the Director, Head of Engagement and external stakeholders to develop and implement multi-disciplinary research, exhibition, engagement and collection management policies and programs that fulfil the strategic directions of MAGNT.
As a member of the Executive Team, the position will provide high-level policy advice and expertise and participate in strategic planning to contribute to the development of business operations and work plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Working in close collaboration with the Director and Executive Team, provide leadership in development and implementation of multi-disciplinary research, exhibition and collections management policies and programs and guide timely program delivery within resource allocations.
- Provide professional expertise to ensure the formulation, review and implementation of MAGNT collection policies and procedures in accordance with best practice industry standards.
- Drive MAGNT’s exhibition program, with high-quality outcomes strongly linked to MAGNT’s curatorial priorities, ensuring engaging and diverse exhibitions.
- Inspire individuals and encourage work practices that are adaptive to new and emerging trends within the industry, promoting teamwork within and across the institution.
- Develop and maintain professional networks, links to stakeholder groups and partnerships that are representative of MAGNT interests, and promote and represent MAGNT on committees, boards and public events as required.
- Utilise professional networks to identify and develop collaborations that deliver enhanced outcomes for MAGNT.
Selection Criteria
- Advanced degree in a field relevant to a multi-disciplinary museum or art gallery combined with prior experience as a senior manager in a relevant institution.
- Extensive experience in strategic and business planning within a cultural or scientific environment including, but not limited to: policy and procedure development, budgeting and resource management, research methodologies, collection management, conservation and exhibition planning.
- Strong project and staff management skills with ability to direct, coordinate and review work plans for professional and technical staff; and to evaluate and to update work practice methods and procedures to ensure quality output performance and program delivery in accordance with best contemporary museum practices and industry standards.
- High level oral and written communication skills with proven ability to write complex reports, policy papers, Board and Ministerial briefings and other correspondences that report on a diverse range of activities, in an environment requiring performance of multiple tasks and adherence to deadlines.
- An ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures and a sound understanding of Work Health Safety (WHS) practises to ensure WHS system compliance.
- Energetic, self-motivated, flexible and adaptable with a sense of humour, able to multi-task and work independently in a hands-on work environment.
- A team player with an attitude of service and ability to motivate others.
- Highly developed communication and networking skills at the institutional, government and community levels.
Additional:
- This job requires some weekend and out of hours work, including participation in a duty manager roster.
- This role statement is intended to provide an overall view of the role but in addition to this document, the specifics of the role will be described in business work plans.
- MAGNT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island applicants are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must have full Australian work rights.
- A valid Australian Drivers licence is desirable.
Further Information:
For further information please visit our website at magnt.net.au/careers
