The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) is an executive agency of the New South Wales State Government. Embodying the best of design, ingenuity and innovation, the Museum profiles one of the world’s great collections and is a highly successful interdisciplinary institution that sits at the intersection of the arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in supporting the brand and vision of the city.
The Museum’s longer term future is in Parramatta, following the announcement that the Riverbank site in Parramatta will be the new site of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. This represents a once in a generation opportunity to develop a twenty first century museum that responds to its location, to the growth and the changing shape of Sydney, and to contemporary methods of content delivery, learning and collaboration. The new museum will be the largest museum in NSW and will be home to Australia’s largest planetarium. The new museum will also include dedicated play areas and education labs devoted to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The new museum will form the centrepiece of a new arts and cultural precinct on the banks of the Parramatta River.
Access to the Museum’s exceptional collection is a cornerstone of the vision for the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, opening up opportunities for engagement, participation and research. Deepening audience engagement, bringing the collections to life through hands on experiences and offering a variety of pathways through ideas and information is key to the delivery of our programs for people of all ages across our existing sites at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, Sydney Observatory in The Rocks and the Museums Discovery Centre in Castle Hill.
Primary purpose of the role
Lead an interdisciplinary institution that sits at the intersection of the arts, design, science and technology which respects the value of the collection and continues to look to the future and to new ways to engage audiences, through a focus on continuous improvement, audience development and visitor experience. Lead the planning, directing and control of the functions, strategic operations, priorities, programs, staff and resources of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (the Museum), to ensure the efficient and effective management of the Museum’s operations, including its collection, conservation, major and visiting exhibitions, public and educational programs, publications and sponsorship.
Provide leadership and oversight of the Museum’s role in the design, planning and construction of the new Museum in Parramatta, the upgrade to the Museum Discovery Centre, the move of the collection to new facilities and the changes at the Ultimo site. The Museum will play a key role in leading the development of the vision and visitor experience for the new Museum at Parramatta.
Please read the following documents prior to preparing your application:
Role Description
To be successful in this role you will have a proven track record at a senior executive level leading a complex organisation. We are looking for an innovative and collaborative leader to inspire and lead a high-performing team at a transformational time for the Museum. Your knowledge and/or experience of government will be beneficial. Your experience as a strategic and commercially astute leader with excellent judgment and relationship management skills will further contribute to your success.
Essential requirements
Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, such as fine arts, education, history, science or equivalent knowledge and experience.
Substantial executive-level skills and experience managing a large, complex and diverse cultural organisation, including experience in strategic and corporate planning and implementation.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of the workings of museum collections, major exhibitions and research, including educational and publication programs, or equivalent skills and experience.
Our commitment to diversity
The Department of Planning and Environment values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups and those with disability.
Role status
This constitutes ongoing employment under section 34 of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013, and the role is based in Sydney.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for ongoing employment within the NSW Department of Planning & Environment, candidates must be an Australian citizen or have the status of permanent residence in Australia.
How to apply
Complete the online application and submit your resume and cover letter (no longer than two pages) outlining your interest and suitability. The information provided in your application needs to show how you meet the focus capabilities and other essential requirements of the role. Refer to the role description for details about the key accountabilities, capabilities and the associated behavioural indicators. The role description also lists the essential role requirements.
The Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 requires persons engaged in child related work to have a Working with Children clearance. If successful in this role you will be required to provide a Working with Children Check clearance number prior to commencing in the role. To obtain further information and to apply for a WWCC clearance please click here.
The successful applicant will also need to undertake a Criminal Record Check.
For more information or to apply visit: JobsNSW.
