Reporting to the Director, the Deputy Director – Public Engagement is an integral part of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium (BGSH) Leadership Team and provides leadership in the creation and promotion of visitor experiences at Adelaide, Mount Lofty and Wittunga Botanic Gardens, and Botanic Park.
As Deputy Director you will make a significant contribution to the leadership, culture and direction of BGSH, setting key priorities and targets. You will advocate new approaches to achieving excellent outcomes for BGSH visitors informed by innovation, sound evidence and professional knowledge. You will build and inspire your team and lead their professional development. The public displays, programs and events that you create and promote with your team will ensure the gardens reach new generations of visitors and connect with communities across South Australia and beyond.
About the Branch
The Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia (BGSH) is a State Government statutory authority with a mission to ‘build an understanding and appreciation of the botanical world’ providing life-long experiences across generations. The BGSH Board provides strategic direction for the management of the BGSH in accordance with the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium Act 1978 and Regulations 2007.
About the Role:
The Deputy Director Public Engagement is a senior role, an integral part of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium Leadership Team and provides leadership in the creation and promotion of visitor experiences at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium’s multiple sites around Adelaide. This work includes oversight of Interpretation, Design, Exhibitions, Public Programs and Events, Learning and Youth Programs, and Audience Research and Marketing. This role will be responsible for establishing and maintaining formal and informal links with relevant government agencies and authorities, education establishments’ business partners, service providers and key stakeholders.
The Deputy Director Public Engagement is accountable to the Director, and is responsible for developing and maintaining innovative, effective and forward looking strategies, practices and procedures. The post holder will manage and monitor marketing campaigns, and undertake analysis of audience data, processes and results to maximise efficiency and effectiveness. The Deputy Director will develop and maintain appropriate network of contacts to keep abreast of relevant developments and techniques for outdoor and indoor interpretation of botanical collections, and ensure these are applied as appropriate. Develop and maintain effective contacts with a wide range of partners, including contractors and suppliers, to ensure wide publicity and cost effective support.
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Experience in a management role which has a key purpose in the engagement of people in creative, scientific, cultural, educational or entertainment activities and programs and a proven capability within two or more of the functional areas.
- Experience turning high level strategies into plans to achieve strategic outcomes, and a track record of managing innovative public engagement.
- An appropriate tertiary qualification in Science, Communications, Marketing, Cultural Heritage Management or related area (desirable).
Contract up to 3 years
Special Conditions
- May be required to participate in fire management and associated duties.
- Some out of hours work will be required.
- Some travel may be required on occasion.
- This role has functions pertaining to working with children and is prescribed under the Children’s Protection Act, 1993 as requiring a Criminal History Assessment. By applying for this role you consent to being screened for appropriate behaviour and to the Department obtaining, or requiring you to obtain a Criminal History Assessment.
Application Instructions:
Applicants to submit a CV and letter of application (max 3 pages) addressing the technical, professional and qualifications outlined in the Role Description.
Applications to I Work for SA, Vacancy number 465958.
