Curator Photographs, Film & Sound – AWM

Position Description

The role of the Curator for the Photographs, Film and Sound (PFS) Section, is to assist with the management and development of the National Collection and the PFS Curatorial team.  The work involves managing curatorial staff to assess, research, describe, and catalogue collection items; liaising and negotiating with donors and stakeholders; representing the collection within the Memorial and to the public; responding to public enquiries; and assisting with PFS priorities and projects where necessary. You will also be required to manage projects, write reports, procedures and correspondence and have a well-developed understanding of collection management, rights management and handing practices.

The position requires strong curatorial experience coupled with innovation including research ability; creation of content; communication of curatorial vision; project management and use of contemporary digital and publication outputs.

The Curator reports to the Senior Curators, Photographs, Film and Sound, and manages the work of a dedicated curatorial team and provides professional advice on the development and management of the collection. The role assists with the supervision and mentoring of staff, coordinates input for section business processes such as collection development and project management.  It also undertakes some broader coordination activities as directed.

This position entails working with potentially graphic, distressing and culturally sensitive material.

Core Responsibilities

Under general direction, assist with the development and operational management of the Photographs, Film and Sound Collection and the curatorial team, including:

• Support and cultivate team leadership initiatives focused on collaborative capability building and coordination.
• Provide advice and guidance to assistant curators on researching, documenting and managing the analogue and digital collection.
• Develop, manage and advise on curatorial and commissioning projects, research programs, exhibitions, publications in print and on-line, e-sales and   public engagement programs.
• Manage quality and deliver content aligned with business priorities, programs, budgets and business plans.
• Plan for current and future museum trends in public engagement capability as it relates to our corporate objectives.
• Contribute to museum management and practice as it relates to collection development, documentation and storage.
• Perform functions and exercise responsibility associated with staff management, workplace health and safety, procurement, and team development in accordance with Memorial policies and procedures.